This is Randall Pearson’s birth mother. This is Laurel.
We first meet young Laurel DuBois (portrayed by Jennifer C. Holmes) way back in Season 1, Episode 3 titled, “Kyle.” Through a series of strategically teasing flashbacks, we learn just a little bit more about her character, mostly through the perspective of Randall’s (Sterling K. Brown) birth father William (portrayed in various stages by Jermel Nakia and Ron Cephas Jones).
Warning: Spoilers ahead for Episode 506, “Birth Mother” READ MORE
*From The Root Article*