Meet Laila Lockhart Kraner’s Parents: Shameek Lockhart and Elise Lockhart

Laila Lockhart Kraner has won the hearts of global audiences with her charisma, talent, and infectious energy, most notably through her role as Gabby in Netflix’s popular series Gabby’s Dollhouse, where she brings the character to life both on screen and through voice acting.

Born on May 29, 2008, in Boca Raton, Florida, Laila is 17 years old. From an early age, she displayed a love for performing, often entertaining her family with singing, dancing, and playful skits.

When she was six, her family moved to Los Angeles, California, to support her aspirations. There, she took acting classes, participated in showcases, and eventually signed with both an agent and a manager.

Laila comes from a multicultural background—her father, Shameek Lockhart, is of Dominican descent, while her mother, Elise Lockhart, has Russian-Jewish roots. She has two older siblings, Malik Lockhart and Aiden Lockhart, and practices Christianity.

Balancing her education with a growing acting career, Laila has pursued both academic and artistic excellence. Although her schooling details remain private, she is known for her training in various dance styles, including ballet, jazz, and hip-hop, as well as her athleticism in track and field. She is also a talented musician who plays the electric guitar.

Currently standing at about 4 feet 7 inches (140 cm), Laila is single, with no public history of relationships, as she continues to focus on her craft, studies, and family life. With an impressive résumé that already spans live-action, voice acting, and animation, her journey reflects a blend of creativity, discipline, and resilience, shaped by her supportive upbringing and passion for performance.

Shameek Lockhart

Shameek Lockhart, Laila‘s father, brings a rich Dominican background to the family dynamic, contributing to Laila‘s diverse ethnic identity.

Hailing from the Dominican Republic, Shameek embodies the warmth and vibrancy often associated with Caribbean culture, which has influenced Laila‘s multilingual abilities—she speaks Spanish fluently alongside English.

His role as a devoted father is evident in the way he nurtured Laila‘s early talents. From a young age, Laila would entertain the family with impromptu performances, and Shameek, along with Elise, encouraged her to pursue these passions seriously.

The family’s move to Los Angeles when Laila was six was a pivotal decision, likely spearheaded by parents like Shameek, who recognized her potential in Hollywood. This relocation allowed Laila to attend acting classes and sign with an agency, marking the start of her professional journey.

Shameek‘s Dominican roots add a layer of cultural depth to Laila‘s story; she has spoken in interviews about how her father’s heritage has shaped her worldview, fostering a sense of global curiosity that shines through in her roles. Today, Shameek continues to support his daughter’s career from the sidelines, prioritizing family privacy while celebrating her milestones, such as the global success of Gabby’s Dollhouse, which has run for 11 seasons.

Elise Lockhart

Elise Lockhart, Laila‘s mother, complements the family’s heritage with her Irish and Italian ancestry, creating a tapestry of European influences that blend seamlessly with Shameek‘s Dominican background.

Elise‘s role in Laila’s life has been equally instrumental, providing the emotional foundation for her daughter’s bold foray into acting. Like Shameek, Elise keeps a low profile regarding her career, but sources highlight her as a guiding force who fostered creativity at home.

Laila‘s childhood was filled with opportunities to sing, dance, and act for her family, with Elise often at the center of these joyful moments. Elise‘s Italian and Irish descent has enriched Laila‘s exposure to languages and traditions; the young actress is also conversational in Russian, though the exact connection to her mother’s side varies in reports, underscoring the family’s blended cultural mosaic.

The Lockharts‘ decision to relocate from Florida to California reflects Elise‘s proactive approach to supporting Laila‘s dreams, including enrolling her in classes and attending showcases that ultimately led to her first agency representation.

Elise‘s influence extends to Laila‘s well-rounded lifestyle, encouraging academics, athletics, and hobbies like guitar playing, ensuring her daughter remains grounded amid rising fame. As Laila balances school and stardom, Elise‘s quiet strength serves as a reminder of the nurturing power behind every young talent.