Local actress lands role on popular WB show

A STAR IS BORN—Vanessa Marano, standing, shown here with other members of the Agoura Children’s Theatre, recently nabbed a recurring role on “Gilmore Girls” and has appeared on several other television shows. The 13-year-old has starred in many productions at the Stage Door Theatre in Old Agoura. Vanessa Marano, a 13-year-old resident of Woodland Hills, has been offered a recurring role on the popular WB program “The Gilmore Girls.”

Marano was trained as an actor at The Stage Door Theatre in Old Agoura and is currently active with the Stage Door Children’s Theatre.

Marano began acting professionally at age 7. She starred in a number of plays at the Stage Door and gained recognition after doing national commercials.

“I begged my mom to let me act professionally for two straight years and, at first, she didn’t want me to do it because she wanted me to have a normal childhood,” said Marano.

The girl eventually convinced her mother to let her begin acting and was quickly signed by an agent.

In very little time Marano has built a prominent résumé. She’s appeared on TV shows such as “Malcolm in the Middle,” “Six Feet Under” and “Grounded for Life.” She did voices for the blockbuster Pixar film “Finding Nemo” and has already had recurring roles on “Without a Trace” and HBO’s “The Comeback.”

On “The Gilmore Girls” Marano plays Luke’s long lost daughter, April Nardini. She’s been featured in two episodes already but was unable to comment on how many more times her character will appear.

Marano enjoys tennis, dancing, piano and painting during her free time. She is currently being home schooled.

“I would like to go on and study acting at college eventually,” Marano said. “Education is a very big deal for me and my family.”

The Stage Door Theatre was founded in November 1980 and is housed in one of the oldest commercial buildings in the area.