Laura Marano: ‘Breaking Disney stigma was challenging’

Laura Marano found it incredibly challenging making the transition from Disney child star to mature actress.
The 23-year-old had a breakout role as Ally Dawson on Disney Channel show Austin & Ally between 2011 and 2016, before moving on to star in films including Lady Bird and The War With Grandpa, as well as a series of TV guest spots.
She’s now appearing opposite Noah Centineo in Netflix romantic comedy The Perfect Date, but confessed that breaking the child actor mould wasn’t entirely easy.
“There’s challenges that come with it; for one thing there is a stigma with child actors in general,” she told Daily Mail Australia. “Add on the Disney aspect and there’s more stigma about what you can do and what kind of level you’re at.”
Laura also admitted her past meant she had to work extra hard convincing casting directors that she could take on more serious, mature roles.
“They definitely can easily see you as one character or one way,” the star shared. “The biggest challenge for me after Austin & Ally was re-establishing myself.”