Allison Lanier is an American actress, model, and producer best known for playing Summer Newman on the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless from 2022 to 2025. She gained recognition for her work in independent films and her modeling career with Wilhelmina Models before becoming a daytime television star. Her relationship with musician JD Samson and her award-nominated performances have made her a notable figure in the entertainment industry.
Allison Lanier Biography
| Field | Details |
| Full name | Allison Lanier |
| Gender | Female |
| Date of birth | August 4, 1990 |
| Age | 35 years (as of January 2026) |
| Place of birth | North Carolina, United States |
| Raised in | Atlanta, Georgia, United States |
| Current residence | Los Angeles, California |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Zodiac sign | Leo |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Sexual orientation | Straight |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) |
| Weight | 121 lbs (55 kg) |
| Body measurements | 34-28-36 inches (86-71-91 cm) |
| Hair colour | Blonde |
| Eye colour | Blue |
| Marital status | In a relationship |
| Partner | JD Samson |
| Children | None |
| Alma mater | William Esper Studio, Upright Citizens Brigade Training Center |
| Profession | Actress, model, producer |
| Net worth | $1.5 million (estimated, 2026) |
| @allisonvlanier | |
| X (Twitter) | @AllisonVLanier |
Who is Allison Lanier?
Allison Lanier rose to prominence as an actress and model who made a name for herself in daytime television. She took over the role of Summer Newman on The Young and the Restless in May 2022, replacing two-time Daytime Emmy winner Hunter King.
Born on August 4, 1990, in North Carolina, Lanier grew up in the Atlanta area where she developed her passion for performing arts.
She worked as a receptionist at her local gym during high school, which she described as a fun experience that gave her “a taste of a different life.” After completing high school, she moved to New York City to pursue her dreams in acting and modeling.
Lanier’s career began with modeling work at Wilhelmina Models, one of the most prestigious modeling agencies in the industry. She worked as a professional model for five years, which helped establish her presence in the entertainment world.
During her time in New York, she studied at the renowned William Esper Studio and trained at the Upright Citizens Brigade Training Center, honing her craft as an actress.
Is Allison Lanier married? Partner, dating history, and relationship status
Allison Lanier is not married but is in a committed relationship. She has been dating JD Samson, an American musician, producer, and DJ, since April 2017. The couple has been together for nearly nine years as of 2026.
Who is JD Samson?
JD Samson (full name: Jocelyn Rachel Samson) is best known as a member of the feminist electro-pop band Le Tigre. Born on August 4, 1978, Samson shares the same birthday as Lanier, which the couple has described as a special connection. Samson is a gender-nonconforming artist who uses she/her pronouns and has been a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ music scene.
Samson co-founded the band MEN and has worked as a producer and songwriter. She has also been romantically linked to singer Sia in the past (2008-2011) before meeting Lanier.
Their Relationship
Lanier and Samson frequently share their relationship on social media. Lanier has posted about their connection, stating, “Love sharing a birthday and a life with this one. It’s sooo fun.” In an interview with Soap Opera Digest, Lanier opened up about falling in love with Samson, saying, “I never really was a relationship person” before meeting her partner.
The couple maintains a relatively private relationship but occasionally shares glimpses of their life together on Instagram. They both reside in Los Angeles and have supported each other’s creative endeavors.
Lanier’s relationship with Samson has been celebrated by fans as an example of a supportive partnership between two creative individuals.
Children
Allison Lanier does not have any children. There have been no reports or announcements about pregnancy or plans for children.
How old is Allison Lanier? Age and birthday
Allison Lanier is 35 years old as of January 2026. She was born on August 4, 1990, in North Carolina, United States.
Her zodiac sign is Leo. She shares her birthday with her real-life partner, JD Samson, a musician and producer who was also born on August 4.
Allison Lanier’s height, weight, and body measurements
Allison Lanier stands 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall and weighs around 121 pounds (55 kg). Her body measurements are 34-28-36 inches (86-71-91 cm).
She has blonde hair and blue eyes. Her slim build and height made her well-suited for her early career as a professional model with Wilhelmina Models.
Career
Early Career and Modeling
Allison Lanier began her professional journey as a model after moving to New York City. She signed with Wilhelmina Models, one of the industry’s most prestigious modeling agencies.
She worked professionally as a model for five years, which gave her valuable experience in front of the camera and helped build her confidence for acting roles.
Acting Breakthrough
Lanier transitioned from modeling to acting after completing her training at the William Esper Studio in New York.
Her first notable role came in 2017 when she appeared as Annabelle in the third season of the Amazon Prime series Red Oaks. The comedy-drama series gave her exposure and helped establish her as an emerging talent.
Film Work
Lanier appeared in several independent films that showcased her versatility as an actress. She played Megan in Michelle Morgan’s It Happened in L.A., which premiered at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival.
The film, a classically styled comedy of manners set in Los Angeles, received positive reviews for its sharp dialogue and performances.
She also starred in the romantic drama Fish Bones (2018), playing the character Bella. The film tells the story of a young woman struggling with her sexuality during winter break while torn between family expectations and her own desires. Lanier appeared in the independent film Mia (2019), playing the character Anna.
The Young and the Restless
Allison Lanier’s biggest career break came in April 2022 when CBS announced she would join The Young and the Restless as Summer Newman.
She took over the role from Hunter King, who had played the character for 10 years. The role made her a household name among daytime television audiences.
Lanier made her debut as Summer Newman in May 2022. Summer is the daughter of legacy characters Phyllis Summers (Michelle Stafford) and Nick Newman (Joshua Morrow), making it a high-profile role within the show’s storyline. Lanier brought fresh energy to the character while respecting the legacy King had built.
Her performance earned critical acclaim. In 2024, Lanier received a Daytime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.
She attended the 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards ceremony on June 7, 2024, at The Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles.
Departure from Y&R
On April 30, 2025, Lanier announced on social media (X) that she would be leaving The Young and the Restless. Her final episode aired on May 2, 2025, after nearly three years on the show.
In her announcement, Lanier explained that she was leaving to “grow in a different direction” and take on new challenges in her career.
The actress expressed gratitude for her time on the show, saying she loved the journey and learned a great deal from the experience.
CBS confirmed there were no plans to recast the role of Summer Newman at that time. Reports suggested that contract negotiations over salary may have played a role in her decision to leave.
Life After Y&R
Following her departure from The Young and the Restless in May 2025, Lanier has been focusing on new opportunities in film and television.
As of January 2026, she has been exploring various projects while spending time in Los Angeles. She has remained active on social media, sharing updates about her life and career with her fans.
What is Allison Lanier’s net worth and salary?
As of 2026, Allison Lanier’s net worth is estimated at $1.5 million. She built this fortune through her diverse career in modeling, independent film work, and television acting. Her three-year run on The Young and the Restless significantly contributed to her wealth.
During her time on The Young and the Restless, Lanier earned a salary typical of supporting cast members on daytime soap operas. While exact figures were not publicly disclosed, daytime television actors in supporting roles can earn between $1,500 to $3,000 per episode.
With The Young and the Restless producing approximately 250 episodes per year, her annual earnings from the show were substantial.
Her income sources include acting roles in television and film, her previous modeling career with Wilhelmina Models, and potential endorsement deals.
Before joining The Young and the Restless, she worked for five years as a professional model, which provided a solid financial foundation.
Social Media Presence
As of January 2026, Allison Lanier has approximately 16,000 followers on Instagram (@allisonvlanier) and over 3,300 followers on X/Twitter (@AllisonVLanier).
She uses her social media platforms to share personal moments, professional updates, and glimpses into her life with partner JD Samson.
Her Instagram features a mix of content including behind-the-scenes photos from her acting work, images with her partner, posts about her hobbies like visiting flea markets, and advocacy content. She has also shared photos of her dog Georgie, whom she adopted in 2025.
Lanier engages with her fans by posting updates about her career transitions and personal interests. Her social media presence reflects her artistic personality and her passions for interior design, animal welfare, and supporting LGBTQ+ causes.
Fast Facts About Allison Lanier
- Shared Birthday: Allison Lanier and her partner JD Samson were both born on August 4, making them both Leos who celebrate their birthdays together.
- Wilhelmina Model: Before becoming an actress, Lanier worked as a professional model with Wilhelmina Models for five years, building her confidence and industry connections.
- Sundance Selection: Her film It Happened in L.A. premiered at the prestigious 2017 Sundance Film Festival, giving her early credibility as a film actress.
- William Esper Training: Lanier studied acting at the William Esper Studio in New York, one of the most respected acting schools in the country, known for its Meisner technique training.
- Animal Lover: She regularly volunteers at local animal shelters and adopted a dog named Georgie in 2025, frequently sharing photos of her pet on social media.
- Interior Design Enthusiast: Lanier enjoys visiting flea markets and has a passion for interior design, which she studied at The City University of New York before fully committing to acting.
- High School Job: During high school in Atlanta, she worked as a receptionist at her local gym, which she credits with giving her customer service skills and people interaction experience.
- Emmy Nomination: In 2024, Lanier received her first Daytime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her portrayal of Summer Newman.
- Quick Recast: She was cast as Summer Newman in April 2022 and made her debut in May 2022, stepping into a role that had been played by Hunter King for a decade.
- Father’s Background: Lanier’s father is named Vishwahanathan, and she has one brother. She occasionally shares family photos on social media, showing her close relationship with her grandmother.
Wrapping Up
Allison Lanier built a successful career in entertainment through modeling, independent film work, and daytime television.
Her portrayal of Summer Newman on The Young and the Restless earned her critical acclaim and a Daytime Emmy nomination.
Following her departure from the show in May 2025, Lanier is exploring new opportunities while maintaining her relationship with musician JD Samson.
Her net worth of $1.5 million reflects her diverse career accomplishments. At 35 years old, she continues to evolve as an artist and remains a respected figure in the entertainment industry.
References
- Wikipedia. “Allison Lanier”.
- Legit.ng. “Allison Lanier’s bio: age, height, family, is she married?”.
- Paramount Press Express. “Allison Lanier – The Young and the Restless Talent”.
- People. “Allison Lanier Exits ‘The Young and the Restless’ to Go ‘in a Different Direction’”.
- Deadline. “‘The Young & The Restless’ Says Farewell To Allison Lanier As Summer”.
- Soap Opera Digest. “ICYMI Allison Lanier Interview”.
- People Fortunes. “Allison Lanier Wealth in 2026: Young and the Restless Salary”.
- Soap Opera News. “Allison Lanier Celebrates Her Birthday”.
- IMDb. “Allison Lanier”.
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