Lauren Taylor is an American actress best known for playing Shelby in the Disney Channel series Best Friends Whenever along with Landry Bender. Lauren previously starred as Harper in the Netflix series Richie Rich. She portrayed Matilda in Matilda the musical and Glinda in Wicked.

Born and raised in San Diego, California, she began performing in musical theatre at age eight in school and community productions. She went on to compete in a 12-part chamber Cappella choir in middle school, which led to performances across the country, including Carnegie Hall. At fourteen, she started singing for the San Diego Symphony Summer Pop Concert Series and opened for acclaimed musical artists Michael Bolton, Wilson Phillips, Debbie Gibson, and Vanessa Williams.