Personal life

Sokoloff was born in San Francisco, California, the daughter of Cindi (nee Sussman), a former caterer, and Howard Sokoloff, a podiatrist. She was raised Jewish. Sokoloff is an alumna of the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts. Sokoloff has dated actors James Franco and Shane West who both starred with her in the teen flick Whatever It Takes. As of 2004, she has been dating composer and drummer Alec Puro.

Acting

In 1993, Sokoloff began acting at the age of twelve, when she was cast as Gia Mahan in the sitcom Full House. She played Stephanie Tanner's arch enemy, and later becomes her best friend. In 1998, her breakthrough role came when she was cast in the drama The Practice as Lucy Hatcher. The 5 ft. 3 in. Sokoloff also had a three-episode stint as a nanny in Desperate Housewives. Along with other popular appearances, she is well remembered as Joey's pregnant sister Dina in season 8 of Friends. She also played Imogene O'Neill in the mini series "Meteor".

In November 2006, she starred in the ABC television series Big Day. The last episode aired on January 30, 2007. Aside from television, Sokoloff has also starred in many movies, including Whatever It Takes; The Climb; The Tollbooth; Dude, Where's My Car?; Sugar & Spice; and Love On The Side.

In 2009, Sokoloff starred alongside Paul Campbell, Andy Griffith, Doris Roberts, and Liz Sheridan in the romantic comedy Play the Game.

Music

Sokoloff enjoys music and has a large guitar collection. She sang and played rhythm guitar in LA-based rock band Smittin until 2003 when she struck out on her own. On February 17, 2006, she released her first solo CD, called Grateful.