Bio
Laura Marano is an American actress best known for her role as Kate Malone in Without a Trace (2003-2006), as one of the 5th-graders in the game show Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? (2007), and as Gracie Carr in the sitcom Back to You, from 2007-2008.
She currently stars as brilliant yet shy songwriter Ally Dawson, one-half of an internet music duo that has become an overnight sensation, on the Disney Channel comedy series Austin & Ally, since 2011.
Marano began her acting career at the age of five, performing in plays at the Agoura Children's Theatre. Parlaying her love of performing onto the small screen, she then appeared in national commercials for companies including Wendy's and Burger King.
Marano has guest starred in a number of television series, including Heroes, Children's Hospital, Flash Forward, Little Monk, Medical Investigation, Huff and Joan of Arcadia.
Additionally, she had recurring roles on Without a Trace and The Sarah Silverman Program, and was a series regular on Back to You and the game show Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?.
On the big screen Marano voiced characters in the animated features Finding Nemo and Ice Age: The Meltdown. She also appeared in the George Clooney and Steven Soderbergh produced film, The Jacket, as well as Judd Apatow's Superbad.
The younger of two siblings, Marano has many hobbies, including soccer, piano, hip-hop, tap dancing and singing. She considers reading and writing songs her favorite pastimes.
Marano has an adventurous spirit and especially enjoys travelling. Her dog, Velvet, remains her greatest fan. She is the younger sister of actress Vanessa Marano.