Born in Rome, Italy, to a Classics professor and a sculptor, Leila spent her childhood moving from town to town (Boston, Champaign-Urbana, Princeton, Rome, Cincinnati), before returning to her family’s hometown of New York City.

As an actress in NYC, Leila studied at Circle in the Square, HB Studios, and The Actors Studio, while getting her B.A. in English Literature at Columbia University.

Since arriving in Los Angeles, she has been involved in scores of plays, in addition to several TV shows and films, all the while studying with her acting coach of over a decade, John Kirby.

With her writing partner, Jennifer Jostyn, Leila wrote and produced the comedy feature LIFE COACH: THE MOVIE, which won Best Comedy and Best Director (for husband, Josh Stolberg) on the festival circuit.  It stars Jonathan Silverman, Lauren Graham, Ron Livingston, and Rainn Wilson.

A few years ago, Leila was thrilled to get the chance to act in and produce the indie movie CONCEPTION alongside her husband, writer/director Josh Stolberg.  A romantic comedy about nine couples on the night they conceive, CONCEPTION boasts an all-star cast (Pamela Adlon, David Arquette, Connie Britton, Julie Bowen, Sarah Hyland, Alan Tudyk), as well as Leila and Josh’s two sons, Asher and Xander!

The past two years have seen Leila star opposite Steven Weber in the horror movie, CRAWLSPACE, as well as  work with the fabulously talented Nia Vardalos in the indie comedy HELICOPTER MOM.  

Most recently, Leila played a flirtatious zombie in the spoof movie, THE HUNGOVER GAMES.

Leila also teaches a Young Professionals scene study class every week at the John Kirby Studios.