Lori Panaro is an actor based in Buffalo, NY. She holds a BFA in Theatre from Niagara University and an MS in Education from D’Youville University. Her local stage credits include Rumors (Claire) and The Odd Couple (Gwendolyn Pigeon) with Lancaster Opera House; Steel Magnolias (M’Lynn) and Brighton Beach Memoirs (Blanche) with Rocking Horse Productions; Present Laughter (Joanna) and Lady Windermere’s Fan (Mrs. Erlynne) with NRTG; Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Mae) with the Taylor Theatre; Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean (Edna Louise) with The Towne Players; and The Sweet Delilah Swim Club (Lexie Richards) with the Glen Falls Theatre Group.

Lori’s film credits include Journey to Ascension, Claimed Denied, and Local Talent, and she has also appeared in local commercials. She has been nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Buffalo’s 48 Hour Film Project in 2025 and 2026, as well as Best Performer in a Play for Broadway Buffalo Regional in 2023 and 2024.

Outside of performing on stage and in film and television, Lori works as a Learning Specialist.