Hi, I’m Marla–a Chicago-based actor passionate about bringing bold, deeply human characters to life.

My mission as an artist is to explore vulnerability and strength–that sweet spot where comedy meets drama.  

I’ve starred in and played supporting roles in more than 40 films and performed on stages across Chicago and around the country. Some of my favorite roles include a desperate B-movie actress in Private Screening (Best Supporting Actress winner) and a dual-gender character in Be Your Wo/Man (Best Supporting Actress nominee). 

Recently, I’ve appeared as a guest star on the dramatic TV series Darkroom, starred in the comedy Lighting Lotto, and played series regular roles on the sitcom Apartment 41 and the streaming comedy Peaches & Daisies.  

On stage, I was most recently seen in Bill W. and Dr. Bob, a period drama about the origins of Alcoholics Anonymous. The production ran for ten sold-out weeks at Chicago’s Biograph Theater, followed by acclaimed performances at the Ross Ragland Theater in Oregon and the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, IL.  

I trained in Chicago-style improv at The Annoyance and ComedySportz, and I continue to grow as an actor with the best coaches in LA and the Midwest. I love creating characters who challenge perception and celebrate resilience. When I’m not on set or stage, you can usually find me perfecting a new dialect, baking something sweet, or recharging through yoga and kickboxing.