New Sidekick for ‘Hunter’ Finds Herself Living in the Fast Lane

Actress Lauren Lane could be Hollywood’s ultimate new kid on the block.

In real life, she relocated here from San Francisco in September, having completed graduate study at the prestigious American Conservatory Theater. On television, Lane in January took over the female lead opposite Fred Dryer in NBC’s long-running series “Hunter” (which will move temporarily from Wednesdays at 10 p.m. to Fridays at 9 p.m. on March 8).

Here’s the catch: the role is her first in either film or TV.

“I can’t complain,” jokes Lane, who was spotted at a New York actor’s showcase by an NBC casting director. “I’m used to being a working Joe, so I still have to pinch myself. It’s so strange.”

Lane, whose pre-Hollywood work included a starring role in the A.C.T. play “Burn This,” says she’s gradually becoming more comfortable acting for the camera. “It was a huge transition for me because this is the first TV work I’ve ever done,” she explains. “Getting used to a different medium has been a challenge--but thank God everyone has been so helpful.”

She also admits that she “had no idea” her new work would take up so much time. “When you get a job in TV, you give them your life. So I guess I’ll have to wait until hiatus to meet people.”

Aside from adjusting to a new home and a new career, Lane has had to succeed the popular Stepfanie Kramer, who left “Hunter” at the end of last season to pursue a singing career, and Kramer’s short-lived replacement, Darlanne Fluegel, whose character was killed off during the same episode that Lane’s character was introduced.

“There was a real sticky point in creating the chemistry that Fred and Stepfanie had,” Lane says. But, having just completed her eighth episode, Lane feels she’s finally started to loosen up.

“It’s getting to the point,” she says, “where I can actually play practical jokes on the set.”