From Gia To Screenwriter: The Unfolding Career Of Marla Sokoloff In 2025

Marla Sokoloff, the actress beloved by a generation for her iconic roles as Gia Mahan on Full House and Lucy Hatcher on The Practice, has recently made a significant and successful pivot to a new creative chapter: screenwriting and directing. Her most notable and current success is the romantic comedy The Merry Gentlemen, a film she penned and starred in, which premiered on Netflix on November 20, 2024, and quickly became a holiday season favorite. This new role highlights her evolution from a staple of '90s television to a multi-hyphenate creative force in Hollywood.

As of today, December 12, 2025, Sokoloff is actively balancing her career as a working actress, a burgeoning director, and a mother of three, proving that her ambition extends far beyond the nostalgic characters that made her famous. Her latest projects and ventures demonstrate a committed effort to take control of her narrative and produce the kind of content she is passionate about, cementing her status as a versatile talent in the industry. Her career journey offers a fascinating look at how a long-time performer can successfully transition behind the camera.

Marla Sokoloff: A Comprehensive Biography and Profile

Marla Lynne Sokoloff was born on December 19, 1980, in San Francisco, California. Her early career was marked by a blend of acting and music, though she ultimately focused on acting, making her debut in the mid-1990s.

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• Full Name: Marla Lynne Sokoloff
• Date of Birth: December 19, 1980
• Place of Birth: San Francisco, California, U.S.
• Occupation: Actress, Screenwriter, Director, Singer, Guitarist
• Spouse: Alec Puro (m. 2009)
• Children: Three daughters: Elliotte Anne Puro, Olive Mae Puro, and Harper Bea Puro
• Key Television Roles: Gia Mahan (Full House, Fuller House), Lucy Hatcher (The Practice), Dina (Party of Five)
• Key Film Roles: Wanda Sellars (Dude, Where's My Car?), Lisa (Whatever It Takes), Annie (Sugar & Spice)
• Recent Creative Role: Screenwriter and Co-Star (The Merry Gentlemen, 2024)

Sokoloff gained initial widespread recognition for playing Gia Mahan, the rebellious and sarcastic best friend of Stephanie Tanner (Jodie Sweetin) on the sitcom Full House. This role, which she reprised decades later on the Netflix sequel Fuller House, remains one of her most iconic and beloved by fans of '90s television.

Her most critically significant role, however, came as Lucy Hatcher, the ambitious and often overwhelmed receptionist on the legal drama The Practice, where she was a main cast member from 1998 to 2004. This role showcased her dramatic range and solidified her place as a serious working actress.

The Creative Pivot: Writing, Directing, and Netflix Success

In recent years, Marla Sokoloff has intentionally shifted her focus, moving from primarily acting to developing projects from the ground up. This transition has proven highly fruitful, positioning her as a creator rather than just a performer.

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The biggest news surrounding her career is the success of The Merry Gentlemen. This holiday romantic comedy, which she wrote the screenplay for, was released on Netflix in late 2024. The film stars Britt Robertson and Chad Michael Murray, with Sokoloff also appearing in a co-starring role as Marie. The project is a major milestone, demonstrating her talent for crafting engaging, commercial stories.

The film's plot, which is an unconventional holiday tale featuring a group of male exotic dancers, offered a fresh and humorous take on the genre. Her decision to tackle both writing and acting in the same feature underscores a deep commitment to her creative vision and a desire to control the final product.

Beyond screenwriting, Sokoloff has also stepped behind the camera as a director. She made her network directorial debut with the Lifetime holiday movie Christmas Hotel. This move into directing is a clear indication that she is expanding her professional horizons and building a comprehensive portfolio of production experience.

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This creative pivot is a trend among many established actors, but Sokoloff has executed it with notable success, securing distribution on major platforms like Netflix and Lifetime for her written and directed works. Her current work is not just a continuation of her career but a reinvention.

Life and Family: Balancing Hollywood and Motherhood

Marla Sokoloff's personal life is a central part of her current narrative, with her openly discussing the challenges and joys of being a working mother in Los Angeles. She is married to musician Alec Puro, known for his work as a film and television composer and the drummer for the band Deadsy. The couple married in 2009, and their relationship has been a steady foundation for her career expansion.

The couple shares three daughters: Elliotte Anne, Olive Mae, and the youngest, Harper Bea Puro, who was born in February 2022. Sokoloff frequently shares glimpses of her family life, often writing about the relatable struggles of parenting while managing a busy career. Her candidness about balancing auditions, writing deadlines, and raising three children resonates deeply with her audience, adding a layer of topical authority to her public persona.

Her commitment to family has also influenced her professional choices. Much of her recent work, particularly the holiday-themed movies, allows her to work on projects that align with her family-centric lifestyle, often filming closer to home and during specific production windows.

The actress has been vocal about the importance of self-care and mental health, often sharing her personal journey, including a past health scare that led her to accept more help and prioritize her well-being. This vulnerability has made her a relatable figure to fans who grew up watching her on television.

Upcoming Projects and Legacy in 2025

Looking ahead into 2025, Marla Sokoloff is not slowing down. She is reportedly developing another film, a screenplay she wrote herself, which is currently in the works. This continued focus on original content creation suggests that her future lies increasingly behind the scenes as a writer-producer.

Her legacy is a fascinating tapestry woven from different eras of television. For '90s kids, she will always be the cool, rebellious Gia Mahan. For drama fans, she is the dependable Lucy Hatcher from the David E. Kelley universe of shows. Now, for a new generation of Netflix viewers, she is the creative mind behind a breakout holiday hit.

The ability to successfully transition between acting, writing, and directing is a testament to her enduring talent and adaptability. By taking on the role of a multi-hyphenate, Marla Sokoloff has ensured her career remains fresh, relevant, and entirely on her own terms, offering an inspiring blueprint for longevity in Hollywood.