Rachel Skarsten

Acting

Rachel Skarsten

Born
(age 41)
Birthplace
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Credits
36 titles

Biography

Rachel Skarsten (born 23 April 1985) is a Canadian actress best known for her roles as Dinah Lance / Black Canary on the WB series Birds of Prey, Tamsin in the Syfy series Lost Girl, Elizabeth I of England in Reign, and Beth Kane / Alice in Batwoman. Skarsten was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on April 23, 1985. She is fluent in Norwegian and English. She graduated from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, with a double degree in English Literature and Classical Studies.

Skarsten began her acting career in theatre, appearing in several productions with the Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto. She made her television debut in 2002, with a starring role in the WB series Birds of Prey. She played Dinah Lance / Black Canary, a superhero who fights crime with her teammates, Oracle and Huntress. The series lasted for one season.

In 2010, Skarsten was cast as Tamsin in the Syfy series Lost Girl. Tamsin is a Fae who is half-human and half-Succubus. She is a powerful and dangerous creature who is often at odds with the main character, Bo Dennis. The series ran for five seasons.

In 2013, Skarsten was cast as Elizabeth I of England in the CW series Reign. Elizabeth is the Queen of England and a complex and powerful figure. Skarsten received critical acclaim for her performance, and she was nominated for a Canadian Screen Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series. The series ran for four seasons.

In 2019, Skarsten was cast as Beth Kane / Alice in the The CW series Batwoman. Beth is the twin sister of Kate Kane, who becomes Batwoman. Alice is a villain who is obsessed with Kate and seeks revenge on her. The series ran for three seasons.

Signature work

Known For

Acting credits 36

YearTitleRole
2024 The Christmas Charade Film Whitney
2024 Jazz Ramsey: A K-9 Mystery Film Jazz Ramsey
2023 Christmas Island Film Kate Gabriel
2022 The Royal Nanny Film Claire Champion
2020 Nurses TV Lily Dawson (1 ep)
2019 Timeless Love Film Megan Murphy
2019 Batwoman TV Alice / Beth Kane (51 ep)
2019 Acquainted Film Claire
2018 For Love Film Charlotte Dumaine
2017 Molly's Game Film Leah
2017 Marry Me at Christmas Film Madeline Krug
2017 Imposters TV Poppy Langmore (4 ep)
2016 Wynonna Earp TV Eliza Shapiro (1 ep)
2015 In My Dreams Film Jessa
2015 The Red Dress Film
2015 Fifty Shades of Grey Film Andrea
2013 Reign TV Elizabeth I of England (34 ep)
2013 Transporter: The Series TV Delia Weigert (1 ep)
2012 Servitude Film Alex
2012 The Vow Film Rose
2010 Lost Girl TV Tamsin (36 ep)
2010 Made... The Movie Film Andi
2010 Republic of Doyle TV Veronica Frye (1 ep)
2009 The Listener TV Elyse (3 ep)
2007 American Pie Presents: Beta House Film Sharon
2007 Jack Brooks: Monster Slayer Film Eve
2003 Fear of the Dark Film Heather Fontaine
2002 Birds of Prey TV Dinah Lance (13 ep)
2002 Virginia's Run Film Caroline Lofton
2001 Tracker TV Jamie Swenson / Lontoria (1 ep)
2001 Screech Owls TV (1 ep)
2001 Jewel Film Raylene Hilburn (Age 14)
2000 Angels in the Infield Film Brigitte
1999 Twice in a Lifetime TV Young Julie Adams (1 ep)
1998 Little Men TV Elizabeth 'Bess' Laurence (26 ep)
1998 The Famous Jett Jackson TV (1 ep)
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