If you’ve been watching FOX 11 Los Angeles lately, you might have noticed a certain glow from the news desk. People are suddenly typing how old is Marla Tellez into their search bars more than ever. It’s not just because she’s a staple of LA news; it’s because she recently shared a very personal, very relatable journey that has everyone talking.
Honestly, the "age" question in Hollywood and news media usually feels a bit invasive. But for Marla, her age has become a badge of honor. As of early 2026, Marla Tellez is 49 years old. She was born on April 16, 1976.
But here’s the thing. The reason her age is such a hot topic right now isn't about wrinkles or retirement—it's about a massive life shift she just navigated in her late 40s.
Why Everyone is Asking: How Old is Marla Tellez?
Usually, when a news anchor’s age trends, it's for some superficial reason. Not here. In 2024, at the age of 47 (turning 48 shortly after), Marla surprised her viewers with the news that she was expecting her first child. On March 23, 2024, she welcomed her daughter, Sloan.
Think about that for a second.
Starting the journey of motherhood at 48 is no joke. Marla has been incredibly candid about this. She’s gone on podcasts like The SEAM and Deborah Kobylt LIVE to talk about how she thought her years in the "grind" of morning news—waking up at 2:30 a.m.—would prepare her for the exhaustion of a newborn.
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She quickly found out she was wrong.
"I thought age and life experience would make me tougher," she shared in a recent interview. It turns out, no matter how many Emmy Awards you have on the shelf (and she has plenty), a crying infant is the ultimate equalizer.
A Quick Look at the Timeline
- Birth Date: April 16, 1976
- Birthplace: San Francisco, California
- College: Sonoma State University (Class of 1998)
- Current Age: 49 (as of January 2026)
- The Big Milestone: Welcomed daughter Sloan in March 2024
From the Bay to LA: A Career Built on Grit
You don’t just land an anchor chair at FOX 11 by accident. Marla’s career is a masterclass in "paying your dues." She grew up in Sebastopol and actually started behind the scenes as a writer and producer.
She didn't even dream of being on camera initially.
She eventually moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, for her first big anchoring gig. If you’re a TV nerd, you might recognize her from a cameo in Breaking Bad during her time there. She played—you guessed it—a news anchor.
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By the time she made it back to California, first in San Jose and then landing at KTTV (FOX 11) in Los Angeles in 2014, she was a seasoned pro. She’s handled everything from high-speed chases to deep-dive investigations into insurance payouts for wildfire victims.
The "New Mom" Reality at 49
There’s a specific kind of pressure that comes with being a public figure in your late 40s. Marla has leaned into it. She’s talked openly about the physical toll of an unexpected C-section and the "emotional whirlwind" of being a new mom while her peers are often looking toward the "empty nest" phase of life.
It’s refreshing.
In a world of filtered Instagram posts, she’s been real about the swelling, the IVs, and the sheer terror of dropping her daughter off at daycare for the first time. She even joked that breastfeeding felt like a competitive sport.
What This Means for Her Career
Marla is back at the desk now, balancing the noon news and her various hosting duties. She hasn't slowed down, but she has changed. You can see it in how she covers stories about family, health, and women's issues. She’s also a massive advocate for the Lynne Cohen Foundation, hosting their "Kickin' Cancer" event for over a decade. Her personal connection to the cause—her aunts are breast cancer survivors—has only deepened now that she’s a mother herself.
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Addressing the Rumors and Misconceptions
When people search for how old is Marla Tellez, they often find "fan-made" biography sites that get the dates wrong. Some sites claim she’s in her early 40s; others suggest she’s older.
Let’s set it straight: she’s a proud member of the "Gen X" club, born in '76.
The curiosity about her age likely stems from how well she balances a high-energy career with a newborn. It’s a "how does she do it?" vibe rather than a "how old is she really?" vibe.
What’s Next for Marla?
As she approaches her 50th birthday in April 2026, Marla seems to be hitting a new stride. She’s no longer just "the news anchor"; she’s become a bit of a North Star for women who are doing things on their own timeline.
If you’re following her journey, the best thing you can do is check out her work on FOX 11 or listen to her podcast appearances where she talks about the "newborn haze." She’s proving that the numbers on a birth certificate don't dictate when your "best years" are supposed to happen.
Actionable Insights:
- Follow the Real Story: Instead of relying on gossip sites, watch Marla’s "In Depth" segments on FOX 11 to see her journalistic expertise in action.
- Support the Cause: Marla has been the face of the Lynne Cohen Foundation for years. If you're inspired by her story, look into their work for women's preventive health.
- Redefine Your Timeline: If you’re feeling "behind" in life, take a page out of Marla’s book. Starting a family or a new career chapter in your late 40s isn't just possible—it’s happening.