
Cobie Smulders was born Jacoba Francisca Maria Smulders on April 3, 1982, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Growing up in a diverse household, with a Dutch father and an English mother, she was exposed to different cultures and developed a strong sense of ambition.
As a teenager, Smulders had a keen interest in marine biology, dreaming of a career exploring the depths of the ocean. However, fate had other plans. She was discovered by modeling scouts, which led her into the world of fashion and commercials.
Despite finding success in modeling, she felt unfulfilled. The world of storytelling and performance called to her, leading her to pursue acting seriously.
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Cobie Smulders began her acting career with guest roles in early 2000s television shows. She appeared in series like “Special Unit 2” and “Jeremiah,” gradually making her way through Hollywood’s competitive landscape.
Her first major role came in “Veritas: The Quest” (2003-2004), a short-lived ABC adventure drama. Though the show only lasted one season, it gave Smulders much-needed exposure and helped her land bigger roles.
Then, in 2005, she secured the role that would define her career—Robin Scherbatsky in “How I Met Your Mother.”

How “How I Met Your Mother” Made Cobie Smulders a Household Name
In 2005, Smulders joined the cast of CBS’s “How I Met Your Mother” (HIMYM) as Robin Scherbatsky, a fiercely independent journalist with a dry sense of humor.
The sitcom became a massive hit, running for nine seasons (2005–2014) and turning Smulders into a household name. Her chemistry with the ensemble cast, especially with Neil Patrick Harris (Barney Stinson) and Josh Radnor (Ted Mosby), made Robin one of the show’s most iconic characters.

Through her portrayal, Smulders broke stereotypes, proving that female leads in sitcoms could be both career-focused and romantically complex.
As “How I Met Your Mother” neared its end, Cobie Smulders made a successful transition to Hollywood films. She landed the role of Maria Hill in Marvel’s “The Avengers” (2012), marking her entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Maria Hill, a high-ranking S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, became a key supporting character in the MCU. Smulders reprised her role in several blockbuster films, including:
- “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” (2014)
- “Avengers: Age of Ultron” (2015)
- “Avengers: Infinity War” (2018)
- “Avengers: Endgame” (2019)
- “Spider-Man: Far From Home” (2019)

Her performance as Maria Hill showcased her ability to handle action-packed roles, solidifying her presence in big-budget Hollywood films.
Cobie Smulders didn’t limit herself to the MCU. She actively took on diverse roles, proving her ability to excel in multiple genres.
She starred in:
- “Safe Haven” (2013): A romantic drama where she played a pivotal supporting role.
- “Jack Reacher: Never Go Back” (2016): An action-thriller starring Tom Cruise.
- “Literally, Right Before Aaron” (2017): A romantic dramedy that showcased her comedic timing.

In television, she took on lead roles in:
- “Friends from College” (2017–2019): A Netflix comedy-drama about complicated relationships.
- “Stumptown” (2019–2020): A crime drama where she played a fierce private investigator, receiving widespread critical acclaim.
In 2007, Cobie Smulders was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at just 25 years old. After multiple surgeries and treatments, she made a full recovery and became a strong advocate for cancer awareness.

She works with organizations that promote early detection and research, using her platform to support women’s health initiatives.
Additionally, she is an active environmental advocate, raising awareness about climate change and ocean conservation—a passion she has carried since childhood.
Cobie Smulders continues to thrive in Hollywood, balancing blockbuster franchises, independent films, and television roles.
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With upcoming projects on the horizon, she remains a sought-after actress, known for her versatility, talent, and resilience.
Her journey proves that determination, hard work, and talent can lead to a long-lasting and impactful career in Hollywood.