Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on April 13, 1993, in Los Angeles, California, Marks is the daughter of actress Nova Ball and Robin Marks. She began her acting career at a young age, appearing in commercials and small television roles before transitioning to film.Acting Career
Marks has appeared in a variety of film and television productions. Her early film credits include roles in ''Accepted'' (2006) and ''The Runaways'' (2010). She gained wider recognition for her television work, notably as Amanda Brotzman in the BBC America series ''Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency'' (2016–2017) and as Lena in the Freeform comedy-drama ''Grown-ish'' (2018–2019). Other significant acting roles include appearances in films such as ''The Amazing Spider-Man'' (2012) and ''Anesthesia'' (2015). She also starred in films she co-wrote, such as ''Banana Split'' (2018), and films she directed, like ''Mark, Mary & Some Other People'' (2021).Directing and Writing Career
Marks has increasingly moved into directing and writing, often focusing on independent films that explore complex relationships and coming-of-age themes.- After Everything (2018): Marks made her feature directorial debut, co-directing and co-writing this romantic drama with Joey Power. The film premiered at SXSW.
- Banana Split (2018): She co-wrote this acclaimed teen comedy with Joey Power.
- Mark, Mary & Some Other People (2021): Marks wrote and directed this independent comedy exploring a young couple's foray into an open relationship. It won the Best Screenplay award at the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival.
- Don't Make Me Go (2024): Marks directed this road trip drama starring John Cho and Mia Isaac for Amazon Prime Video.
Her directorial work is often characterized by an honest and nuanced approach to character development and relationship dynamics, frequently exploring themes of modern romance, friendship, and personal growth.
Filmography (Selected)
Acting
- ''Accepted'' (2006) as Lizzie Gaines
- ''The Runaways'' (2010) as Tammy
- ''The Amazing Spider-Man'' (2012) as Missy Kallenback
- ''Anesthesia'' (2015) as Ella
- ''Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency'' (2016–2017) as Amanda Brotzman
- ''Sweet/Vicious'' (2016) as Chloe
- ''Banana Split'' (2018) as Clara
- ''Grown-ish'' (2018–2019) as Lena
- ''The Violent Heart'' (2020) as Cassie
- ''Mark, Mary & Some Other People'' (2021) as Mary
Directing and Writing
- ''After Everything'' (2018) – Co-director, Co-writer
- ''Banana Split'' (2018) – Co-writer
- ''Mark, Mary & Some Other People'' (2021) – Director, Writer
- ''Don't Make Me Go'' (2024) – Director
[[Category:American actresses]] [[Category:American film directors]] [[Category:American screenwriters]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:1993 births]]