You’ve probably noticed it while watching That '70s Show or bingeing Orange Is the New Black. There is something about the way Laura Prepon carries herself that makes her seem like she’s literally towering over everyone else in the frame. And honestly? She is.
If you’ve ever wondered how tall is Laura Prepon, the short answer is that she is a solid 5 feet 10 inches tall. That's about 178 cm for anyone outside the States. In an industry where the "leading lady" usually averages around 5'4" or 5'5", being nearly 5'11" makes her a total outlier. It’s not just a few inches; it’s a career-defining physical trait that has actually dictated how her most famous scenes were filmed.
The "Stretch" Factor: Real Height on That '70s Show
Let’s go back to 1998. When Laura was cast as Donna Pinciotti, her height became an immediate plot point. They even nicknamed her "Stretch" in the early seasons. It wasn't just a random joke.
Think about her co-star Mila Kunis. Mila is roughly 5'4". That is a massive six-inch difference. Basically, whenever Donna and Jackie had a scene together, the directors had a logistical nightmare on their hands. To make them fit in the same shot without looking like they were in two different zip codes, Mila often had to wear massive platform shoes. Or, more often than not, the producers just made them sit down.
If you re-watch the show, you’ll see it. Donna and Jackie are sitting on the porch, sitting in the basement, sitting in the Hub. It wasn't just for comfort; it was to keep their heads on the same horizontal plane.
Why Her Height Mattered for Donna
Donna was written as the "cool, tough girl next door." Being 5'10" gave her a natural authority. She could look Topher Grace (who is about 5'11") right in the eye. It made the dynamic between Eric and Donna feel more like a partnership of equals rather than a traditional "big guy, small girl" trope.
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Alex Vause and the Stature of a Leader
By the time Prepon moved on to play Alex Vause in Orange Is the New Black, her height had become an asset for playing "intimidating" characters. Alex is supposed to be this sharp, calculating, and physically imposing figure in Litchfield.
Standing 5'10" next to Taylor Schilling (who is around 5'8") creates a specific vibe. They’re both tall women, but Prepon’s frame gives her that "big sister" or "alpha" energy that the role required. Interestingly, many fans on Reddit and social media often swear she’s at least 6 feet tall.
I think that's because she has really great posture. Plus, the black hair and the glasses she wore as Alex sharpened her silhouette. When you’re 5'10" and wearing boots, you’re effectively 6'1" or 6'2". In a hallway full of inmates, that’s going to stand out every single time.
Modeling Before the Big Screen
It actually makes a lot of sense when you look at her history. Before she was an actress, Laura Prepon was a model. She moved to Paris at 15 to work the runways.
If you know anything about high-fashion modeling, 5'9" is usually the bare minimum. At 5'10", she was the "sweet spot" for clothes. Designers loved her because she had the height to make the garments drape correctly but wasn't so tall that she'd be impossible to cast in commercials later.
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The Ben Foster Comparison
People always get curious about celebrity heights when they see them on the red carpet with their partners. For years, Laura was seen with her husband, actor Ben Foster.
Foster is reportedly around 5'9".
This means Laura is actually about an inch taller than him. When she puts on heels for a movie premiere? She’s significantly taller. It’s cool to see a high-profile Hollywood couple where the woman is taller and totally owns it. She doesn't slouch to try and look smaller, which is honestly the most "Donna Pinciotti" move ever.
Hollywood’s Tall Women Club
Laura isn't alone, but she’s in a very exclusive group. To give you some perspective on where she sits in the Hollywood hierarchy, here is how she compares to other famous tall women:
- Gisele Bündchen: 5'11"
- Nicole Kidman: 5'11"
- Laura Prepon: 5'10"
- Gal Gadot: 5'10"
- Blake Lively: 5'10"
- Taylor Swift: 5'11"
She’s basically in the same bracket as supermodels and action stars. It's a height that commands a certain level of respect on screen.
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The Reality of Being 5'10" in the Industry
You’d think being tall is all perks, but it can be weird for casting. Some male actors are notoriously insecure about their height. If a lead actor is 5'8", he might not want a 5'10" love interest who makes him look small.
Luckily, Laura’s talent has always outweighed the logistics of her height. Whether she’s playing a teenager in Wisconsin or an inmate in New York, her stature has helped her create characters that feel grounded and powerful.
Actionable Insights for Tall Fashion & Confidence:
If you’re tall like Laura and looking to channel that same "statuesque" energy, here’s how she does it:
- Embrace the Height: Never slouch to match others. Prepon’s "cool girl" energy comes from her 100% unapologetic posture.
- Tailoring is Key: When you’re 5'10", off-the-rack pants are often too short. Invest in a good tailor to ensure your hems hit exactly where they should—it makes you look more put-together and less like you outgrew your clothes.
- Heels are for Everyone: Don’t avoid heels just because you’re already tall. A 2-inch block heel can change your gait and boost your confidence, even if you’re already the tallest person in the room.
- Contrast Shapes: Use your long frame to experiment with silhouettes. Laura often wears slim-fit basics with one "statement" piece, like a structured jacket or wide-leg trousers, which balances her height perfectly.