Our Northern neighbors are responsible for giving us more than just awesome hockey, poutine, and sweet maple syrup. Canada is also home to a talented pool of actresses who have carved a niche for themselves with their acting prowess and to-die-for looks. Not only that, but these Canadian actresses are some of the biggest names in Hollywood. Their resumes range from big screen roles to Canadian television shows to American sitcoms. That’s why StudyFinds compiled a list of the best Canadian actresses taking over Hollywood.
No matter where an actor is from, there is an interesting way to predict their success. Mathematicians at the Queen Mary University of London say they’ve found a way to determine if a film star’s career has peaked or only just beginning to take off. By mapping the career arcs of many famous actors, researchers found that for many, their most successful year — defined as the year with their most credited roles — is usually near the start of their career. Notably, researchers identified several clear signals that can be used to predict with a whopping 85 percent accuracy if an actor’s most successful year has passed or not. We can safely say only the best lies ahead for the actresses on this list.
Stars who do succeed end up becoming role models. Nearly 60 percent of Americans credit a celebrity with helping them push through an issues they’re dealing with in their lives, a recent survey from MitoQ reveals. Celebrity roles models have helped people overcome a tough time personally and improved their physical health and nutrition. Oprah Winfrey, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Bear Grylls, Rebel Wilson, and Tyler Perry are among the role models who have inspired people to push past limitations such as fear and self-doubt.
Thanks to the recommendations of ten celebrity experts, StudyFinds was able to put together a list of the best Canadian actresses that were mentioned most. The women on our list are not only successful but have become inspirations for millions across the globe. Let us know your favorite stars in the comments below!
➡️ How Our “Best Of The Best” Lists Are Created
StudyFinds’ “Best of the Best” articles are put together with the idea of taking the work out of common consumer research. Ever find yourself searching for a product or service on Google and reading multiple reviews to find items listed across many of them? Our Best of the Best lists are created with that process in mind, with each item ranked by how frequently it appears on expert reviews or lists. With Best of the Best, you are getting consensus picks — making them truly the best of the best!
7 Best Canadian Actresses That Fans Can’t Get Enough Of
1. Evangeline Lilly
Topping the list is Evangeline Lilly, best known for her role as Kate Austin in the popular series “Lost.” Before becoming a famous actress, Lilly grew up in Fort Saskatchewan. She actually changed schools three times while young — not because of poor behavior or performance — but because she was very active in sports and goodwill missions. Lilly has lived in a grass hut in the Philippines, volunteered for many charities and has already visited 14 countries. “She still does charity work, donating a portion of her fees to various foundations,” says Hollywood North Magazine.
Millions swooned for Lilly while she played Kate Austen on “Lost,” a tough, but attractive, escaped convict. “Every time we see her picture, we think to ourselves, ‘We have to go back to the island,” notes Complex.
Lilly’s acting on “Lost” garnered her much recognition, especially when it came to awards season. According to Famous Fix, Lilly was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama Series and won a Screen Actors Guild Award.
2. Cobie Smulders
Cobie Smulders is LEGENDARY! Born Jacoba Francisca Maria Smulders, Cobie is best known for starring as Robin Scherbatsky in the CBS sitcom, “How I Met Your Mother.” She was also a fixture in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, playing S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Maria Hill, beginning with “The Avengers”. Her character was ultimately killed off in the Marvel series “Secret Invasion.”
Smulders grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia, and was an active member of the Girl Guides of Canada. She was a model before getting into acting. “She did not model for long but used the experience in her acting career,” writes Discover Walks.
Smulders also had a recurring role on the Showtime drama, “The L Word.” Since her time on the hit sitcom, she has starred in several films, including a voice role as Wonder Woman in “The Lego Movie” and “The Lego Movie: The Second Part.”
3. Rachel McAdams
Coming third on the list is Rachel McAdams, who rose to fame in the mid-2000s thanks to roles in “Mean Girls” and “The Notebook.” Those roles launched McAdams into superstardom, becoming one of the most famous actresses in the world.
McAdams is best known for her roles in romantic and comedic films, which includes “Wedding Crashers” and “The Vow.” She ended up stepping back from the Hollywood life for a few years after being nominated for the BAFTA Award for Best Rising Star. “Rachel took a short break from acting and was back in 2009 when she got roles in the movies ‘State of Play’ and ‘The Time Traveler’s Wife,'” writes Discover Walks.
McAdams is a very popular figure in Hollywood, thanks to her charity work. The Famous People points out that she believes in leading an eco-friendly and sustainable life, as well.
4. Anna Paquin
Anna Paquin is one of the rare child actors who didn’t fizzle out, winning an Oscar when she was only 11 years old! She played the role of Flora McGrath in Jane Campion’s romantic drama film “The Piano,” despite having had little acting experience. Paquin became the second youngest person to win the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Paquin’s role in “The Piano” was only the beginning. Her success landed her told roles in “X-Men,” “Jane Eyre,” and the breakthrough character Sookie Stackhouse in HBO’s “True Blood.”
Following movie roles in “Fly Away Home,” “She’s All That,” and “Amistad,” she focused her craft on the stage between 2001 to 2004. During that time, she would star in plays between New York and England. In 2007, though, is when everything changed after starring in “True Blood.”
5. Kristen Kreuk
Kristen Kreuk is best known for her role as Lana Lang in the superhero series “Smallville.” That show propelled Kreuk to other starring roles. “Kristin also played the role of Catherine Chandler in The CW sci-fi program ‘Beauty & the Beast’ and Joanna Hanley in the CBC legal drama ‘Burden of Truth,'” says The Next Hint.
With sultry, smoky eyes and an adorable smile, the roles Kreuk landed come to no shock. Kreuk made her acting debut when she landed a lead role in ABC’s “Snow White: The Fairest of Them All,” which aired in 2001. Other screen credits include “Vampire,” “Robot Chicken,” “Space Milkshake,” “Ghostwriter,” and “The Emissary.”
6. Shay Mitchell
Shay Mitchell burst onto the scene when she first made cameo appearances in the popular series “Degrassi: The Next Generation.” She then rose to prominence after starring as Emily Fields in the teen drama series “Pretty Little Liars.”
On top of being an incredible actress, she is also a very giving humanitarian. “Mitchell was an ardent supporter of the Somaly Mam Foundation until the non-profit organization ended its operations in 2014. She also works closely with organizations, such as The Trevor Project,” says The Famous People.
Mitchell is one of the richest models in Canada, previously serving as a bartender before starting her acting career. “In 2016, Mitchell made her cinematic debut in the American comedy ‘Dreamland.’ ‘Immediately Afterlife,’ ‘Verona,’ ‘Just Yell Fire: Campus Life,’ ‘Mother’s Day,’ and ‘The Possession of Hannah Grace’ are among the other films she worked on and was praised for,” says The Next Hint.
7. Nina Dobrev
Last, but certainly not least, on the best Canadian actresses list is Nina Dobrev, who got her big break for her work as Mia Jones on “Degrassi: The Next Generation.” Her career really took off after being cast in “The Vampire Diaries” on The CW. “Her part as Elena Gilbert earned her worldwide recognition. And her multifaceted talent attracted a plethora of honors and appreciation,” writes The Next Hint.
Even though she’s Canadian, Dobrev was actually born in Sofia, Bulgaria. On top of “DeGrassi” and “The Vampire Diaries,” Dobrev has also appeared in “Redeeming Love,” “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” “The Final Girls,” “Let’s Be Cops,” and “Flatliners.”
Apart from her acting career, Dobrev is known for her activism and charity work, using her fame to support several charitable causes, including Puma’s Project Pink, the WE movement, Me to We, and We Day.
You might also be interested in:
- Best Places To Live In Canada
- Best Canadian Actors
- Best Female Actors of All Time
- Best Valentine’s Day Movies
Sources:
- The Next Hint
- Hollywood North Magazine
- Complex
- Famous Fix
- Elle Canada
- Tuko
- Ranker
- The Famous People
- MovieWeb
- Discover Walks
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.