Laura Vale, a professional stage name, grew up as Laura McLauchlin and started working in local community theater at age 8 and now stars in a thriller titled "Culprit."

Movie poster for “Culprit,” released on Feb. 28 and streaming now on major platforms, starring Laura Vale, who grew up in Colonie and graduated from The Doane Stuart School.

COLONIE — Growing up in Colonie, Laura McLauchlin loved to entertain family and friends, and her acting ability caught the attention of local theater groups at a young age.

At 8, she acted with the RPI Players in Troy, did summer stock at Mac-Haydn Theatre in Chatham at 9 and landed a role with the Albany Civic Theater at 10.

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“I’ve always loved to entertain an audience,” said McLauchlin, whose professional name is Laura Vale, by phone from her home outside Los Angeles.

After a circuitous route that included building a private practice as a licensed marriage and family therapist in Los Angeles, Vale stars in a newly released psychological thriller titled “Culprit.” Vale stars as Lucy Walters, whose sister was raped and murdered when both were youngsters in the small town of Huntsville, Texas. Neighbor Jack Harris was 14 at the time, he occasionally babysat for the girls, and his confession was coerced. After 27 years in prison, DNA evidence determined Harris was wrongfully convicted and he was released. Co-writer Jamie Donovan stars as Harris, who returns to Huntsville to uncover the true killer and clear his name. Walters becomes his ally in an investigation that stirs resentment and recrimination in Huntsville — a community that prefers to bury its secrets.

Keep up with the latest happening in the village of Colonie, Latham, Menands, Loudonville, West Albany and more communities throughout the town of Colonie.

Rich Ronat wrote the gritty, propulsive story with Donovan after studying real-life murder convictions overturned through the diligent work of The Innocence Project, which has helped exonerate and free from prison........

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