Rachel Skarsten (born 23 April 1985) is a Canadian actress. Her television roles include Dinah Lance in Birds of Prey (2002–2003), Tamsin in Lost Girl (2013–2015), Queen Elizabeth I in Reign (2014–2017) and Beth Kane / Alice in Batwoman (2019–2022). Her film credits include Fifty Shades of Grey, Molly's Game, and Acquainted.
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Early life
Skarsten was born in Toronto, Ontario. Her father Dr. Stan Skarsten was from Bergen, Norway, while her mother, Mary Aileen Self Skarsten, grew up in India. Skarsten grew up in northern Toronto, and spent time in Norway during her youth.
Skarsten trained with the Royal Academy of Dance for 12 years,before an ankle injury led her to stop pursuing dance. She later played hockey as a goaltender. In 2002 she played goalie for the Toronto Leaside Wildcats.
She attended Claude Watson School for the Arts from grades 4 to 8, majoring in visual arts and the cello. She continued in the Claude Watson Arts Program at Earl Haig Secondary School from grades 9–12, majoring in visual arts. She was discovered by an agent at a memorial for her father.
Acting career
Skarsten began acting as a child and appeared as a series regular in the television series 'Little Men'. She later played Dinah Lance in the WB television series 'Birds of Prey'. After the series ended, she returned to Canada and attended Queen's University, graduating in 2007 with a degree in English.
After returning to acting, Skarsten appeared in television series including 'Flashpoint', 'The L.A. Complex', 'The Listener', and 'Beauty and the Beast', and in films including 'The Vow' and 'Fifty Shades of Grey'.
In 2013, Skarsten joined the Canadian supernatural drama series 'Lost Girl' as Tamsin. She later joined 'Reign' as Queen Elizabeth I, appearing as a series regular during the show's third season.
In 2019, Skarsten was cast as Alice, also known as Elizabeth Kane, in the CW superhero series Batwoman.
Personal life
Skarsten married a founder and Al researcher named Alexandre Robicquet in May 12, 2020. In September 6, 2023, Skarsten announced that she was pregnant with their first child. Their son was born in late 2023.
Filmography
Film
The following list includes selected film and television credits.