Gabriel was born in Burbank, California, and is of Mexican descent.She graduated from Burbank High School. Gabriel appeared in the films The Spirit (2008), as Young Sand Saref, and Welfare to Love. She has performed on The Tonight Show, a late-night talk show, and had a recurring role on the comedy-drama television series Weeds. She has also appeared in one episode of Zoey 101, a situation comedy. She also appeared as Princess Yue in the movie The Last Airbender (2010), directed by M. Night Shyamalan. The film was based on Avatar: The Last Airbender, an animated children's television series. She will appear as a series regular on the original TNT sci-fi action/drama series Fallen Skies produced by Steven Spielberg which will air in the Summer 2011.