Vanessa Marano Movies and TV Shows Life Vanessa Marano is an American actress known for her versatility and wide-ranging roles in both film and television. With a career spanning over two decades, she has gained recognition for her performances in a variety of genres, from teen dramas to comedy series. Below is a comprehensive overview of her movies and TV shows.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Vanessa Nicole Marano was born on October 31, 1992, in Los Angeles, California. She began acting at a young age, taking part in community theater productions before moving to television. Her early years were marked by guest appearances on various TV shows, but it was her role in the popular series Gilmore Girls that gave her the early recognition she needed to propel her career.
| Movies | TV Shows |
|---|---|
| “A Sort of Homecoming” (2015) | “Switched at Birth” (2011–2017) |
| “Finding Carter” (2014) | “The Secret Life of the American Teenager” (2008–2013) |
| “The First Time” (2012) | “Gilmore Girls” (2006–2007) |
| “The Harper House” (2021) | “The Young and the Restless” (2007) |
| “The Celestine Prophecy” (2006) | “Scorpion” (2015) |
| “Christmas Bounty” (2013) | “The Fosters” (2013–2018) |
Television Shows
1. Gilmore Girls (2003-2007)
One of Marano’s earliest roles was as Lucy, a student at Yale University, on Gilmore Girls. She appeared in several episodes, quickly establishing herself as a talented and promising young actress. This role gave her the opportunity to gain significant exposure in the entertainment industry.
2. Switched at Birth (2011-2017)
Perhaps the role that brought Marano the most attention was Bay Kennish in the ABC Family (now Freeform) series Switched at Birth. In the show, Marano portrays a teenager who discovers she was switched at birth with a deaf girl, leading to complex family dynamics and challenges. The show ran for five seasons, and Marano’s performance earned her a nomination for a Teen Choice Award. The series also garnered critical acclaim for its portrayal of deaf culture.
3. The Secret Life of the American Teenager (2009-2010)
Before landing her breakout role in Switched at Birth, Marano appeared in a recurring role as Jackie’s friend on The Secret Life of the American Teenager. While her role was not as prominent, this experience gave her additional exposure in the world of teen dramas.
4. Young & Hungry (2014-2018)
Marano appeared in a guest role in this sitcom, where she played Madeline, a character in one of the episodes of the popular show about a food blogger and her millionaire employer. Young & Hungry was a lighthearted comedy that ran for five seasons on Freeform.
5. Last Man Standing (2015-2017)
In Last Man Standing, a sitcom starring Tim Allen, Marano had a recurring role as Mandy’s (played by Molly Ephraim) friend, a character who navigates her way through family dynamics and growing up. Her appearances helped her continue to build her television career.
6. The Lying Game (2011-2013)
Marano starred as Emma Becker, one of the main characters in this mystery drama series. The Lying Game follows two identical twins, one of whom is raised in foster care, as they try to unravel the mystery of their birth parents. The show gained a loyal fanbase but was eventually canceled after two seasons.
Movies
1. A Sort of Homecoming (2015)
In this drama, Marano played Reagan, a high school senior who struggles with the consequences of returning to her hometown after a failed relationship. The film explores themes of family, relationships, and personal growth, allowing Marano to showcase her dramatic abilities in a feature film setting.
2. Finding Alice (2014)
Marano starred as Alice, a young girl who goes on a transformative journey after an unexpected event. The movie was part of the indie film circuit and helped further diversify Marano’s portfolio with a role that challenged her beyond her TV work.
3. The Last Word (2017)
In The Last Word, Marano played a supporting role in this comedy-drama starring Shirley MacLaine and Amanda Seyfried. The film follows a woman who hires a journalist to write her obituary while she is still alive, leading to a story about her life and legacy.
4. Sky (2015)
A drama that starred Diane Kruger, Sky featured Marano in a minor yet significant role. The film deals with a married woman who experiences a life-changing journey after a traumatic event while traveling in France.
5. Dear Lemon Lima (2009)
This quirky indie film centers on Vanessa (played by Marano), a high school girl who is dealing with the aftermath of a breakup and an awkward adolescence. The film is a mix of comedy and coming-of-age drama, with Marano’s character offering a sweet, heartfelt performance.
Voice Acting Roles
In addition to her on-screen roles, Vanessa Marano has also lent her voice to animated projects:
1. Avatar The Last Airbender The Legend of Korra (2012-2014)
Marano voiced Mako’s younger sister, Kya, in the highly popular animated series The Legend of Korra, a spinoff of the iconic show Avatar: The Last Airbender. This show was highly praised for its mature storytelling and groundbreaking animation, and Marano’s role helped introduce her to a new fanbase.
Future Projects and Career
As of 2025, Vanessa Marano continues to build a successful career in both television and film. She has proven her ability to take on a range of roles, from dramatic to comedic, and has earned a devoted fanbase along the way. With several ongoing and upcoming projects, it’s clear that her star will continue to rise in the entertainment industry.
Conclusion
Vanessa Marano has built a solid career with memorable roles in both movies and television. From her breakout role in Switched at Birth to her voice acting in The Legend of Korra, she has proven herself as a versatile and talented performer. Fans eagerly anticipate her future work, and her career shows no signs of slowing down.