Marla Sokoloff Actress Marla Sokoloff was born on December 19, 1980 in Alameda County, California. She was the second child born to Jewish parents, Howard (a doctor) and Cindi (a caterer who later became her daughter’s manager.) Along with her brother Jared, Sokoloff was raised in San Francisco, and in 1994, moved to Los Angeles where she studied theater and music at the Los Angeles County High School of the Arts. Sokoloff received several awards in recognition of her singing talent, and also performed the national anthem at Oakland A's baseball games as well as for the USO. At age 12, Sokoloff was cast as Stephanie Tanner’s brash buddy, Gia, on the syrupy sitcom Full House, also starring Bob Saget and John Stamos. Sokoloff continued to land guest-starring roles throughout the 90s, starring on virtually every popular series of that time, including: Friends, Boy Meets World, Step By Step, Home Improvement, 3rd Rock from the Sun, Party of Five alongside Jennifer Love Hewitt and Matthew Fox; and 7th Heaven with Jessica Biel. Sokoloff has also appeared in such films as True Crime (1996) with Alicia Silverstone, and The Babysitter's Club (1995); however, television would prove to be her best fit. She hit her stride in 1998, joining the cast of the David E Kelley series The Practice, portraying spunky law firm receptionist, Lucy. Meanwhile, Sokoloff continued to appear on the big screen as well, in such teen films as Whatever It Takes (2000) and Dude, Where's My Car? (2000) with Ashton Kutcher and Seann Willliam Scott, and Sugar & Spice (2001).
In addition to her acting abilities, Sokoloff has continued to fine-tune her musical talents, playing guitar and singing with a band called Smittin. On February 17, 2006, she released her first CD, Grateful. Sokoloff’s love of music also extends to a large guitar collection, featuring a "Venus Guitar" designed and autographed by none other than Courtney Love. Sokoloff has also launched her own company, Kiss My Axe, which designs a line of custom guitar straps which can be purchased in various high-end LA boutiques. The straps have been featured on reality show Rock Star INXS, starring Dave Navarro, and in publications such as Women's Wear Daily and CosmoGirl. Sokoloff has previously been romantically involved with fellow actors, James Franco and Shane West. In 2004, she has been dating composer/drummer Alec Puro. In 2006, Sokoloff shared the screen with Felicity Huffman on Desperate Housewives, playing the threateningly attractive Nanny on Wisteria Lane. |
