Two decades after bounding onto our screens as the energetic, health-conscious Stephanie in the global children's phenomenon Lazy Town, Julianna Rose Mauriello is almost unrecognisable. The former child star, now 35, has traded the bright pink tracksuit and catchy tunes for a life of serene simplicity far from the Hollywood glare.
Fans of the iconic show, which championed exercise and healthy eating, have been left stunned by recent photos of Mauriello, who appears vastly different from the character she played between 2004 and 2007. Gone are the signature pink pigtails; today, she sports a natural, blonde bob and a calm, mature demeanour.
A Life Off-Screen and Off-Grid
So, what has the former star been up to? Mauriello has deliberately stepped away from the limelight, choosing a quiet life focused on family and personal pursuits. She is now a mother and has embraced a peaceful, almost off-grid existence.
Her life is a world away from the colourful, hyper-active set of Lazy Town. She has swapped script lines for a passion for pottery and ceramics, often sharing her creative process and finished pieces with a small, dedicated following on social media.
From Iceland to the World
The original series was a unique Icelandic production that became a worldwide smash, thanks to its catchy theme song 'We Are Number One' and its positive message. While the show's creator and Sportacus actor, Magnús Scheving, remains a businessman in Iceland, Mauriello's path diverged significantly.
After her time in Lazy Town, she returned to the United States to complete her education, graduating from Sarah Lawrence College. She has since taken on selective acting roles, including a part in the Netflix series Dead to Me, but has largely prioritised a private life away from the camera.
A Legacy of Health and Energy
Lazy Town remains a cherished part of childhood for millions who grew up in the mid-2000s. Mauriello's character, Stephanie, was the optimistic newcomer who always encouraged her lazy friend Robbie Rotten and the other kids in town to get up and play.
While Julianna Rose Mauriello may look different today, her choice to live a balanced, healthy life off-screen perfectly echoes the very values she promoted on the show, proving that sometimes, life truly does imitate art.
