Laura Marano is widely recognized for Disney Channel’s AUSTIN AND ALLY, but her acting career began when she was five years old. Beyond television and film, she has lent her voice to characters in Finding Nemo and Ice Age 2: The Meltdown, and she recently spoke about her career, on-set pranks, the future of the show, and more.
Her first steps into acting happened in a theatre-loving family. Laura’s mother runs a theatre, and the sisters grew up backstage, falling in love with performing and the life behind the scenes. The atmosphere at home shaped a fearless approach to auditions and opportunities as they came along.
Vanessa, Laura’s older sister, is also pursuing acting, and the two share a close bond that helps them navigate the same industry. The connection gives them a reliable sounding board for auditions, shoot days, and the inevitable ups and downs of youth stardom.
Laura remembers that Vanessa pressed their mother to pursue acting for two years every day, eventually convincing the family to pursue representation. The moment opened a doorway that would guide both sisters into professional acting, with a trusted agent joining their team not long after.
A talent agent agreed to meet the sisters and, to everyone’s surprise, signed both of them. Laura, then a lively five-year-old, quickly became part of a partnership that has endured for years, with the same agent guiding their early steps and ongoing careers.
The sisterly dynamic proved invaluable as they faced auditions and long shooting days. The support they offered each other helped transform challenges into opportunities and created a sense of teamwork that deepened their relationship beyond the screen.
In addition to live-action work, Laura has embraced voice acting for animated features. She enjoys the contrast it offers, noting the relaxed atmosphere, the lack of makeup needs, and the faster pace of sessions compared with typical on-set days.
Voice work appeals because it can be quick and comfortable, often letting a performer step into a character with relative ease. Laura appreciates the different energy it brings and the chance to explore vocal performance in a low-pressure setting.
Attending the Young Hollywood Awards, Laura describes the preparation as a coordinated routine of hair, makeup, nails, and outfit selection the night before. The process culminates in a red-carpet experience that blends fashion, interviews, and fans who cheer from the sidelines.
The red carpet is energizing and memorable, she explains, because it reminds viewers that a show has a real, active audience. Fans cheer, call out names, and ask for photos, creating moments that feel both exciting and intimate in a corridor of flashing lights.
When asked about a favorite episode from this season, Laura notes that several stand out for different reasons. One episode featured her writing and performing a song that appeared on screen, a personal highlight that connected music and storytelling in a fresh way.
The second season finale is described as especially strong, with the cast exploring multiple movie genres—from action to musical to pirate-themed scenes. The finale blends fun and drama, as Ally and Austin each land exciting career opportunities that do not align neatly, creating a notable contrast and emotional arc.
It was a fun yet bittersweet shoot, marked by the sense that a season was ending. The cast felt both the joy of collaborating and the sadness of saying goodbye for the moment, which added an emotional layer to the season’s closing chapters.
On-set humor continues to be a staple, including a moment when Laura and Raini Rodriguez lurked to surprise Calum Worthy. The scare was startling and loud, prompting laughter across the crew and a playful tease about who had initiated the moment.
There are clear parallels between Laura and her on-screen persona. Both share a deep love of music and songwriting, a fondness for school, and a goofy, endearing awkwardness that makes Ally feel authentic. The character’s stage fright mirrors Laura’s own early challenges, which makes the portrayal feel honest and relatable.
Looking ahead, season three is teased as a blend of new music, plenty of laughs, and perhaps a few romantic subplots, all while staying true to the four quirky friends who fans have come to love.
In closing, Laura invites audiences to tune in to AUSTIN AND ALLY on Family Channel, inviting fans to share in the ongoing adventures of this beloved group of characters. Photo credit goes to Marc Cartwright.