Laura Marano

Biography

Laura Marano (born November 29, 1995) is an American actress, singer, and producer who first gained widespread fame as a Disney Channel star before transitioning into a multifaceted career in film and music. Born in Los Angeles, California, Marano began acting at a young age, demonstrating a talent that would lead her to international recognition.

Early Career and Disney Breakthrough

Marano started her professional acting career around the age of seven. Her early television roles included playing the younger version of characters in popular series, such as the daughter of the main character in Without a Trace (alongside her real-life sister, Vanessa Marano) and as April Nardini in the hit show Gilmore Girls. She was also one of the original five classmates on the game show Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?

Her major career breakthrough came with the Disney Channel series Austin & Ally (2011–2016). In the show, she starred as Ally Dawson, a talented but shy singer-songwriter with severe stage fright who eventually forms a musical partnership with the outgoing performer Austin Moon. The role allowed Marano to showcase both her acting and musical abilities, earning her a dedicated global fanbase.

Film Roles and Music Career

Following her success on the Disney Channel, Marano successfully shifted her focus to film and an independent music career.

Film: She has taken on a variety of film roles, starring in projects such as the romantic comedy The Perfect Date (2019) and the family comedy The War with Grandpa (2020) alongside Robert De Niro. She also starred in and produced the Netflix romantic comedy The Royal Treatment (2022) and the interactive film Choose Love (2023).

Music: As a recording artist, Marano has cultivated an independent pop music career, releasing singles and EPs like the "You" EP (2019). Her songwriting is deeply personal, often addressing themes of relationships and self-discovery. By opting for an independent path, she has maintained creative control over her music, showcasing her growth as an artist beyond her former Disney persona.