Laura Vandervoort, a versatile Canadian actress, has garnered a dedicated fanbase through her dynamic performances across a variety of genres in both movies and television. From science fiction to drama and thrillers, her portfolio boasts a range of memorable characters that reflect her passion and dedication to her craft. In this article, we’ll dive into the notable movies and TV shows that have defined Laura Vandervoort’s career and solidified her place in the entertainment industry.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Laura Dianne Vandervoort |
| Date of Birth | September 22, 1984 |
| Birthplace | Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Profession | Actress |
| Years Active | 1997–present |
| Genres | Science Fiction, Drama, Horror, Thriller |
| Breakthrough Role | Kara Zor-El / Supergirl in Smallville |
| Notable TV Shows | Smallville, V, Bitten, Supergirl |
| Notable Movies | Into the Blue 2: The Reef, The Entitled, Jigsaw, Rabid |
| Awards and Nominations | Nominated for Canadian Screen Award, Genre Fest nominations |
| Martial Arts | Second-degree black belt in karate |
| Social Media | Instagram, Twitter |
| Signature Style | Strong, multi-dimensional characters |
| Fan Base | Strong following among sci-fi and supernatural genres fans |
| Current Projects | Exploring new roles in film and television |
Early Life and Rise to Fame
Laura Vandervoort was born on September 22, 1984, in Toronto, Canada. Growing up, Laura demonstrated an early interest in performing arts, participating in martial arts, competitive gymnastics, and karate, where she achieved a second-degree black belt. Her initial foray into acting began with local productions and guest appearances in Canadian TV shows, which helped her develop the skills and confidence to pursue a professional acting career. Her breakthrough came when she was cast in a series that would become a defining moment for her career.
Breakthrough Role in “Smallville”
Portraying Kara Zor-El, aka Supergirl
One of Laura Vandervoort’s most iconic roles came when she joined the cast of Smallville in 2007. Cast as Kara Zor-El, also known as Supergirl, Vandervoort brought the character of Superman’s cousin to life in the show’s seventh season. Her portrayal of Kara, a young Kryptonian discovering her powers on Earth, resonated with audiences, adding a new layer of complexity to the show’s dynamic.
Impact of Her Role in Smallville
Laura’s portrayal of Supergirl not only solidified her standing in the science fiction and superhero community but also established her as a respected actress in the genre. Although her time on Smallville was relatively short-lived, fans continued to associate her with the character of Supergirl, leading to her reappearance in the show’s final season. This role remains one of the most memorable in her career, marking her entry into the realm of sci-fi and fantasy characters.
Major TV Shows Featuring Laura Vandervoort
1. “V” (2009–2011) – The Modern Sci-Fi Remake
Following her success on Smallville, Vandervoort took on another prominent role in the sci-fi genre as Lisa in V, a remake of the classic 1980s sci-fi series. V centers around an alien species, the Visitors, who come to Earth claiming to be peaceful but have hidden agendas. Laura’s character, Lisa, is a Visitor who undergoes a significant transformation over the series as she learns about human emotions, loyalty, and betrayal.
Her portrayal of Lisa allowed her to showcase her range, exploring the character’s emotional depth and internal struggles. Despite V being canceled after two seasons, the show remains a favorite among sci-fi fans, with Laura’s performance contributing significantly to its appeal.
2. “Bitten” (2014–2016) – Stepping into the Supernatural
In Bitten, Laura Vandervoort took on the lead role of Elena Michaels, the world’s only female werewolf. Based on the “Women of the Otherworld” book series by Kelley Armstrong, Bitten follows Elena as she navigates life within a werewolf pack while struggling to balance her human emotions with her animal instincts. Her performance in Bitten is widely regarded as one of her best, with fans and critics alike praising her ability to bring strength and vulnerability to Elena’s character.
Bitten ran for three seasons and solidified Laura’s status as a leading actress in supernatural and fantasy genres. Elena Michaels remains one of her most beloved roles, showcasing her ability to handle complex characters in intense, emotionally charged storylines.
3. “Supergirl” (2016–2019) – Returning to the Superhero Universe
Laura Vandervoort’s association with Supergirl extended to the Supergirl series on The CW, though this time in a different role. In Supergirl, she portrayed the villainous Indigo, a powerful alien with a deep connection to Kara Zor-El’s past. Her return to the Superman universe delighted longtime fans, providing a full-circle moment in her career.
Playing Indigo allowed Laura to experiment with a darker, more antagonistic character, showcasing her versatility as an actress. Her performance brought a unique intensity to the series and added complexity to her portrayal, reinforcing her popularity among superhero fans.
Key Movies in Laura Vandervoort’s Career
1. “Into the Blue 2: The Reef” (2009)
In this adventure thriller, Laura took on one of her first significant movie roles as Dani, a skilled diver. Into the Blue 2: The Reef follows a couple on a treasure hunt that takes a dangerous turn, plunging them into a world of deception and betrayal. While the movie was a direct-to-video release, it gave Laura a chance to explore a more action-driven role, and her performance helped expand her fanbase beyond television.
2. “The Entitled” (2011)
In The Entitled, Laura Vandervoort starred alongside Kevin Zegers in a suspenseful thriller about a young man who kidnaps the children of wealthy families to demand a ransom. Laura played the role of Hailey, one of the hostages, and her performance added emotional depth to the tense storyline. This film allowed Laura to showcase her ability to take on intense, dramatic roles, further diversifying her acting portfolio.
3. “Jigsaw” (2017) – A Return to Horror
Laura Vandervoort’s performance in Jigsaw marked her entry into the horror genre, as she starred in the eighth installment of the Saw franchise. Playing Anna, one of the victims caught in a deadly game of survival, Laura brought grit and intensity to her role. Jigsaw was a box-office success, and her performance was well-received by horror fans, adding a new dimension to her acting career.
Recent and Upcoming Projects
“Rabid” (2019) – Exploring Psychological Horror
In Rabid, a remake of David Cronenberg’s 1977 film, Laura Vandervoort played Rose, a woman who undergoes a radical transformation after a near-fatal accident. The film allowed Laura to explore themes of identity, transformation, and horror, showcasing her as a leading actress in psychological thrillers. Her performance in Rabid was widely praised, cementing her place in the horror genre and highlighting her commitment to challenging roles.
Other Recent Appearances
Beyond her major roles, Laura has made guest appearances in popular series such as White Collar, Haven, and CSI: NY. Her versatility as an actress is evident in her ability to adapt to a wide range of characters, whether in supporting roles or leading parts.
Laura Vandervoort’s Influence on Television and Film
Breaking Stereotypes in Sci-Fi and Supernatural Genres
Laura Vandervoort has become an influential figure, particularly within the sci-fi and supernatural genres. Through her portrayal of strong, multi-dimensional characters, she has broken stereotypes, bringing complexity and relatability to roles that might otherwise be one-dimensional. Her work in shows like Smallville and Bitten has earned her a dedicated following and solidified her position as a role model within these genres.
Expanding Into Diverse Genres
From superhero stories to horror, drama, and psychological thrillers, Laura’s career reflects her willingness to take risks and challenge herself. Her diverse portfolio demonstrates her range as an actress, and she continues to explore new genres, which speaks to her passion for the craft and dedication to growth in the industry.
Conclusion
Laura Vandervoort’s film and television career showcases her talent, versatility, and commitment to storytelling. From her early days as Supergirl in Smallville to her more recent ventures into horror with Jigsaw and Rabid, she has consistently delivered captivating performances across a variety of genres. With each role, Laura Vandervoort continues to cement her legacy as a talented, multi-faceted actress whose work resonates with fans around the world.
