When people say they’ve “been through it all,” it may be an exaggeration, but in Cobie Smulders’ case, it’s remarkably accurate. Since the early 2000s, the Canadian actress has graced our screens with resilience and grace. Over two decades, Smulders has approached each role with a dedication that has earned her critical acclaim in film, television, and theater. This fierce commitment is partly due to her humble outlook on Hollywood. “I always feel like, ‘Oh, this is the last job I’ll do and I’ll never work again,’” she confessed to *Entertainment Tonight*. “I’m very, like, pessimistic about the way I work within this industry.”
Although Smulders didn’t grow up in show business, her journey on-screen has been captivating. What’s more, she has achieved this success while overcoming personal challenges that she only revealed publicly years later.
#1. Cobie Smulders’ Canadian Roots
Raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, Cobie Smulders is proudly Canadian. Her parents, both immigrants, brought rich stories with them. Her mother’s journey, however, is particularly captivating. “They were pulling up the anchor, and a rusted cable poked a hole in the boat,” Smulders told *Maclean’s*, describing how her mother’s boat sank in the middle of her voyage. Fortunately, the crew was rescued and brought to Vancouver, where her mother decided to settle.
Smulders, born on April 3, 1982, was named Jacoba Francisca Maria Smulders, later nicknamed “Cobie” in honor of her great-aunt. Though she loved performing in school theater, she didn’t initially consider acting a career.
#2. A Brief Foray into Modeling at Age 12
At 12, Smulders was captivated by the idea of becoming a model after a girl at summer camp told her she “looked the part.” Despite the uncertainty, she pursued modeling, traveling to Japan, Germany, Paris, and Milan. “I’m in Japan, I don’t know the language, and I’m standing in front of these businessmen,” she recalled. Though she secured a few jobs, Smulders admitted the experience was unfulfilling. “I made zero dollars at it,” she later told *Paste Magazine*, eventually deciding that modeling was not her path. “I hate having my picture taken,” she confessed to *Men’s Journal*.
#3. Her First Big Break at 19
When modeling didn’t work out, Smulders turned to acting, eventually landing her first major role on ABC’s *Veritas: The Quest* at 19. The character she auditioned for was supposed to be 28, so her team advised her to keep her age vague. Smulders won the part of archaeologist Juliet Droil, but unfortunately, the show lasted only one season. Following the show’s cancellation, she struggled to find work and spent two years waitressing and assisting her mother.
#4. A Turning Point in Her Acting Journey
Back home, Smulders considered pursuing a degree in marine biology, but the call to act was stronger. She immersed herself in theater and reconnected with her acting circle. “I was like 20… ‘I think I’m just going to do this for a couple of years and see what happens,’” she told *Paste Magazine*. Her love for nature and the ocean persisted, later inspiring her to work with environmental organizations like Oceana and Clean Trails to raise awareness on conservation issues.
#5. Finding Love with Taran Killam
At 22, Smulders met actor and *Saturday Night Live* star Taran Killam at a friend’s party, and the two instantly clicked. “It was one of those kismet things where you meet someone and you’re immediately like, ‘Oh! Now we’re dating exclusively,’” Smulders shared. They married in 2012 and now have two daughters, Shaelyn Cado and Janita Mae.
#6. Her Breakthrough Role in 2005
Despite facing challenges after *Veritas: The Quest*, Smulders remained determined, taking acting classes and auditioning during Hollywood’s pilot seasons. In her third season of auditions, she landed the role of Robin Scherbatsky on *How I Met Your Mother*. Originally offered to Jennifer Love Hewitt, Smulders’ portrayal of Robin brought a unique, Canadian twist to the character, making her a beloved part of the series.
#7. Battling Cancer at 25
In 2008, at the height of her *How I Met Your Mother* fame, Smulders received a devastating diagnosis of ovarian cancer. “My energy was low, I was just so tired all the time,” she wrote in *Lenny Letter*. After surgery and extensive lifestyle changes, she eventually became cancer-free, though the experience was life-changing. Now, she views it as a source of resilience, saying, “I’m trying to think of it as a positive thing.”
#8. Joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2012
Smulders made her MCU debut as S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Maria Hill in *The Avengers*, directed by Joss Whedon. To prepare, she trained with a SWAT expert to handle weapons and perform stunts. Since then, she has reprised her role in various MCU films, including *Infinity War* and *Endgame*, and later in the Disney+ series *Secret Invasion*.
#9. Teaming Up with Tom Cruise
In 2016, Smulders co-starred with Tom Cruise in *Jack Reacher: Never Go Back*, playing Maj. Susan Turner. Although director Edward Zwick knew her from her indie film *Results*, her role as Turner required intense physical preparation, including time at a CIA shooting range. She later expressed an eagerness to work with Cruise again, calling the experience “fantastic.”
#10. Her Broadway Debut in 2017
Smulders realized her dream of performing on Broadway in 2017 when she starred in Noël Coward’s *Present Laughter*, directed by Moritz von Stuelpnagel. Her natural talent and stage presence won over both audiences and castmates, with the director commenting, “Cobie was built for the theater.”
#11. Returning to TV as a Lead in Stumptown
After *How I Met Your Mother*, Smulders took on the lead role of Dex Parios in *Stumptown*, a gritty crime drama on ABC. She was drawn to the role for its complexity, telling *The Standard*, “I fell in love with Dex.” Unfortunately, despite critical acclaim, *Stumptown* was canceled after one season due to COVID-19-related production delays.
#12. Joining American Crime Story
Smulders later joined Ryan Murphy’s anthology series *American Crime Story* for its third season, portraying conservative commentator Ann Coulter. Although she could have reached out to Coulter, Smulders opted to study her books for inspiration.
#13. Revisiting Robin in How I Met Your Father
Years after *How I Met Your Mother* ended, Smulders made a cameo on the spin-off *How I Met Your Father*. In the episode, she gives advice to Sophie (Hilary Duff’s character), symbolizing her character’s growth and wisdom. Smulders expressed interest in returning to the role as long as it complemented the show’s storyline.
Through the highs and lows, Cobie Smulders has shown remarkable resilience, growing both on-screen and off. Her journey highlights her versatility and dedication, marking her as one of Hollywood’s most inspiring actresses.
