Gabby’s Dollhouse Star Laila Lockhart Kraner On What She Hopes Kids Learn From The Series

She is back and better than ever!

Laila, who plays the titular role of Gabby in the fan-favorite Netflix children series, has returned for its landmark 14th Season, bringing a whole new set of episodes to bring joy to all ages.

We had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Laila about growing up with the character, the Gabby’s Dollhouse universe expanding, and more!

You have practically grown up with Gabby as a character. Do you consider yourself to be similar to her?

LLK: “I do think there are a lot of similarities between me and Gabby. When I first started the main one was our shared love of cats and general positivity, but I think over the years the character began to influence me in so many more ways. I hadn’t really heard of a “growth mindset” before starting the show and now I feel like I’m wired to approach every problem or failure as an opportunity to grow and improve.”

Gabby’s Dollhouse is one of the most-watched kids’ shows on Netflix! What do you think it is about Gabby’s world that kids connect with so much?

LLK: “I think the face-to-face connection in the intros and outros really help grab kids attention and make them feel like they are right there with Gabby. One way I got adjusted to acting straight to camera (which is a big acting no-no) was by imagining I was talking to my close friend, and I feel like that really resonated with Gabby fans. Kids love to feel involved and what I think is so great about Gabby’s Dollhouse is that the viewer is woven into the story as another one of the characters’ friends through questions or callouts.”

3. The show has also inspired toys for young little girls to obsess over, including Gabby dolls and their very own dollhouses. Did you have a beloved childhood toy?

LLK: “I had a few! My OG toy was a brown stuffed dog who I very creatively named Brownie. I also had a parrot I loved and a whole collection of Beanie Boos I played with. I loved a good animal-themed toy.”

Season 14 introduces Gabby’s little sister Doozie! What can fans expect from that new sibling dynamic?

LLK: “I think the sibling dynamic makes a lot of sense considering Gabby has always felt like a kind of older sister to the Gabby Cats. What’s really cool though is that we can see that dynamic in real life with another human on the show! It was super fun working with Celly and although in real life I’m a younger sister, on set it really felt like the typical older/younger sister playful dynamic so I’m excited for everyone to see that play out!”

You’ve gone from the series to the movie and now an upcoming competition show. What’s it like getting to explore Gabby in so many different formats and is there one remaining that you think would be a good fit?

LLK: “It’s been so much fun expanding Gabby’s Dollhouse world and getting to explore what she might be like outside her room, talking to other people, and even hosting a show! I had a lot of fun interacting with people in the movie and the competition show as Gabby because it gave me a wider understanding of who she really is as a whole person. I’m not sure what other formats we could do but I think it’d be cool to see her explore further outside the Dollhouse.”

What’s one thing you hope kids take away from watching Gabby’s adventures? 

LLK: “I hope they learn the patience and positivity it takes to resolve problems. I hope they learn what it means to be a good supportive friend, and I really hope the show inspires them to keep being creative and use their imagination whenever they can.”

Make sure to watch Laila in Season 14 of Gabby’s Dollhouse, streaming right now on Netflix!

Je’Kayla Crawford– Founder and Director– Je’Kayla has been a journalist for years and decided to start a publication of her own, New Scene Magazine, back in October 2020. When not helping her team and working on their print issues, you can find her watching a movie on Netflix or baking using a viral TikTok recipe.