Marla Sokoloff
A scene-stealing character actress who grew up on television, transitioning from beloved teen roles on 'Full House' to sharp adult performances on dramatic series.
Born 1980 (age 46)·American actress·Birthday: December 19·Generation X
Biography
Marla Sokoloff became a familiar face in American living rooms while still a teenager, mastering the art of the memorable guest spot. As the sarcastic yet sweet Gia on "Full House," she left an indelible mark on 90s sitcom history. Rather than fade after child stardom, she adeptly navigated the transition, popping up everywhere from "Friends" to "The Practice," where she held her own among veteran actors. Her role as the mischievous nanny Claire on "Desperate Housewives" showcased her knack for comedic timing with an edge. Beyond television, she embraced indie films and even a foray into music, releasing an album. Sokoloff's career is a model of longevity in a fickle industry, built on reliability, charm, and the ability to make even small roles distinctly her own.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Marla was born in 1980, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Marla Was Born
The biggest hits of 1980
#1 Movie
The Empire Strikes Back
Best Picture
Ordinary People
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Marla's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1980Born
John Lennon shot and killed in New York
Gas: $1.19/galHome: $47,200Min wage: $3.10/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Call Me" — BlondieBest Picture: Ordinary People
1985Started school
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1993Became a teenager
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
1996Could drive
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
1998Could vote
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2001Turned 21
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2010Turned 30
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2020Turned 40
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 46 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Portrayed recurring character Gia Mahan across both the original "Full House" and its sequel series "Fuller House."
- Played a series regular role as Lucy Hatcher on the final season of the Emmy-winning drama "The Practice."
- Starred as Claire, the manipulative nanny, in a major story arc on the hit series "Desperate Housewives."
- Released a pop-rock album titled "Grateful" in 2007, for which she also co-wrote songs.
Did You Know?
She is a classically trained pianist and played the piano on her own album.
Her first major acting role was in the film "The Baby-Sitters Club" in 1995.
She guest-starred on an episode of "Friends" as Dina, the sister of Matt LeBlanc's character Joey Tribbiani.
She is married to musician Alec Puro, the drummer for the band Deadsy.
“I learned early on that being a working actor means showing up prepared and ready to play.”
