Marla Lynne Sokoloff (born December 19, 1980) is an American actress whose work spans television and film. She rose to public recognition in the 1990s and 2000s through recurring and supporting parts on network series and in mainstream comedies. Her best-known roles include Lucy Hatcher on the legal drama The Practice and the feisty neighbor Gia Mahan on the sitcom Full House, a role she later revisited on the reunion series Fuller House.

Early life and entry into acting

Sokoloff began acting as a child and moved into television guest spots, commercials and small film roles as a teenager. Early exposure to acting led to steady work through the 1990s, allowing her to build a resume of varied parts in both dramatic and comedic projects. This foundation prepared her for longer-term recurring characters that introduced her to wider audiences.

Television career and notable roles

On television Sokoloff is widely recognized for her recurring role as Lucy Hatcher on The Practice, where she played a legal assistant in the series' ensemble cast. She also appeared on family and teen dramas, including a stint as Jody Lynch on Party of Five. One of her signature parts is Gia Mahan, a scene-stealing neighborhood teen on the ABC sitcom Full House, a character she later reprised on the Netflix revival Fuller House. The network for Full House original broadcasts is commonly cited as ABC.

Film work and other projects

In film, Sokoloff has taken supporting roles in comedies and independent features. She appeared as Wilima in the broad comedy Dude, Where's My Car? and has since combined film appearances with television work. Her screen persona often blends comedic timing with a knack for playing relatable, sometimes acerbic characters.

Selected credits

  • The Practice — Lucy Hatcher (recurring)
  • Full House — Gia Mahan (recurring)
  • Fuller House — Gia Mahan (reprise)
  • Party of Five — Jody Lynch (guest/recurring)
  • Dude, Where's My Car? — Wilima (feature film)

Across more than two decades Sokoloff has balanced guest spots, recurring television roles and film parts, maintaining a steady presence in American popular entertainment. Her career illustrates a common path for character actors who move between supporting television roles and feature films, and she remains recognizable to viewers who followed family sitcoms and legal dramas from the 1990s onward.