Many Nigerians recognize her as the cheerful Toyota spokeswoman from those memorable commercials, but there's much more to Laurel Coppock than her on-screen persona as "Toyota Jan." This talented American actress has built an impressive career spanning television, film, and comedy while maintaining a private family life away from the spotlight.
Early Life and Background
Laurel Coppock was born on July 17, 1977 in Boston, Massachusetts, United States. She comes from a creative family - her mother Susan Coppock was an actress and Broadway dancer in New York. Laurel grew up with two sisters, Selena and Emily, with Selena following in the family's entertainment footsteps as a comedian while Emily became an art dealer.
The actress pursued her education at Colby College, graduating in 1999 with a degree in Performing Arts. She further honed her craft at the prestigious Circle in the Square Acting Conservatory in New York. Her connection to her alma mater remains strong, as evidenced by her visit to Colby College in December 2025 where she met with college president David Greene.
Career Journey and Breakthrough
Laurel Coppock's professional journey began in Chicago where she worked for five years before taking her talents to Europe. She spent a year in Amsterdam with the Boom Chicago creative group before returning to the United States and settling in Los Angeles.
Her breakthrough came in 2007 with her first professional acting role. Since then, she has accumulated numerous television credits including appearances in 2 Broke Girls, Crazy, Stupid, Love., Workaholics, Modern Family, and The Office. Her filmography showcases her versatility across different genres and formats.
Beyond acting, Coppock has established herself as a skilled writer with credits including Comedy Jam (2012), Slates (2021), and E. Moji (2021). She's also a main company member of The Groundlings in Los Angeles, demonstrating her commitment to the comedy scene.
The Toyota Jan Phenomenon
What truly launched Laurel Coppock into mainstream recognition was her role as Jan in Toyota commercials beginning in 2012. The automobile manufacturer interviewed approximately 500 actresses before selecting Laurel for the part. Initially signing a one-year contract, her exceptional performance led to a long-term partnership that has lasted over 13 years as of 2025.
Her portrayal of the upbeat and helpful receptionist character resonated with audiences worldwide, including Nigerian viewers who frequently see her in Toyota advertisements. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, she continued filming commercials from her home, adapting to the challenging circumstances.
Personal Life and Family
Away from the cameras, Laurel Coppock is married to Bobby Mort, an accomplished actor, writer, and producer known for co-creating and writing Loudermilk. Mort is a Primetime Emmy Award winner, making them quite the power couple in the entertainment industry.
The couple shares two children whom they deliberately keep out of the public eye, valuing their family's privacy. Despite her public persona, Laurel has successfully maintained a boundary between her professional and personal life.
Standing at 5 feet 6 inches tall with light brown eyes and brown hair, the actress maintains an active lifestyle and is known to be passionate about physical fitness. She's also an animal lover, adding another dimension to her personality beyond her professional achievements.
Interesting Trivia and Lesser-Known Facts
Few people know that Laurel Coppock almost gave up on commercial acting before landing the Toyota role that would define her career. Her persistence paid off spectacularly, creating one of the most recognizable advertising faces in recent memory.
While many assume she drives a Toyota given her long association with the brand, the specific vehicle she personally drives remains unknown to the public. She has, however, been seen promoting various Toyota models throughout her commercial appearances.
Her journey from performing arts major to nationally recognized spokeswoman serves as an inspiration to aspiring actors everywhere, proving that breakthrough roles can come in unexpected forms and at various stages of one's career.
