Rachel Skarsten

About Rachel Skarsten

Born in Toronto on April 23, 1985, Rachel Alice Marie Skarsten is the daughter of Mary Aileen (Self) and Dr. Stan Skarsten, and the elder sibling to her brother, Jonathan. Her early years were dedicated to dance, with twelve years spent at the Royal Academy of Dance, culminating in an Elementary Level distinction in 1999. A subsequent ankle injury necessitated a shift from the dance floor to the sports arena. Skarsten then channeled her competitive spirit into ice hockey, excelling as a goalie for the Leaside Wildcats in Toronto. Her prowess on the ice led to a championship victory in the 2002 Toronto City Championships, secured in a thrilling shootout.

Her acting journey began with a role as Caroline Lofton in the 2002 film Virginia's Run. At the young age of sixteen, Skarsten landed a significant part, embodying the superhero Black Canary, also known as Dinah Lance, in the WB series Birds of Prey, a breakthrough discovery by producer Brian Robins. Following the show's conclusion, she returned home from Los Angeles, seeking a pause from acting to complete her high school education and pursue higher studies. She graduated from Earl Haig Secondary School among the top 10% of her class and was recognized as an Ontario Scholar. Her academic achievements earned her a place at Queen's University, where she earned a double major in English Literature and Classical History. Post-graduation, she embarked on a four-month backpacking adventure through Western Europe with friends before relocating back to Los Angeles in the spring of 2008.

Skarsten then re-entered the acting world, securing guest roles on television shows such as Flashpoint, The Listener, and The LA Complex. She became widely recognized for her portrayal of Tamsin in the supernatural crime drama Lost Girl, a role she held from 2010 to 2016. Her film credits include a part in the popular movie Fifty Shades of Grey (2015) and an appearance in Aaron Sorkin's Molly's Game (2017). On television, she brought Queen Elizabeth I to life in the CW series Reign. More recently, she played Poppy Langmore in the second season of Bravo's Imposters (2018) and took on the character of Beth Kane/Alice in the CW series Batwoman.