Cobie Smulders has captured the hearts of millions with her role as Robin Scherbatsky in the hit sitcom "How I Met Your Mother" and as Agent Maria Hill in various Marvel projects. Let's dive deeper into the life of this talented Canadian-American actress.
| Full Name | Jacoba Francisca Maria Smulders |
|---|---|
| Profession | TV Actress |
| Age | 42 years |
| Date of Birth | April 3, 1982 |
| Birthplace | Vancouver, Canada |
| Zodiac Sign | Aries |
| Nationality | Canadian-American |
| Net Worth | $25 million (estimated as of 2025) |
| Husband | Taran Killam |
| Children | 2 (Shaelyn and second daughter) |
Early Life & Background
Cobie Smulders was born as Jacoba Francisca Maria Smulders on April 3, 1982, in Vancouver, Canada. She is of Dutch and British descent. Growing up in Canada, Smulders had a fairly normal childhood before she ventured into modeling. She attended the University of Victoria where she initially studied marine biology before pursuing acting.
Her early influences came from various TV shows and movies that sparked her interest in performing arts. Despite her initial career path in modeling, she quickly realized that acting was her true passion.
Career Journey
From Modeling to Acting
Cobie began her career as a model but soon grew to dislike the profession. She has been quite vocal about her negative experiences in the modeling industry and how she found her true calling in acting.
Breakthrough with "How I Met Your Mother"
Smulders' big break came when she was cast as Robin Scherbatsky in the CBS sitcom "How I Met Your Mother" (2005-2014). The show ran for nine successful seasons, and her portrayal of the news anchor with Canadian roots earned her critical acclaim and a loyal fan base.
Marvel Universe
In 2012, Smulders entered the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Agent Maria Hill in "The Avengers." She reprised the role in "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" (2014), "Avengers: Age of Ultron" (2015), "Avengers: Infinity War" (2018), "Avengers: Endgame" (2019), and several television appearances.
Television Success
Beyond her role in "How I Met Your Mother," Smulders has appeared in multiple episodes of "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." as Agent Maria Hill. In 2017, she joined the Netflix comedy series "Friends from College" as Lisa Turner, further showcasing her versatility as an actress.
Personal Life
Cobie Smulders married comedian and actor Taran Killam in September 2012, after dating for several years. The couple welcomed their first daughter, Shaelyn Cado Killam, in 2009, before they were married. They added to their family with a second daughter born in 2015, though they have kept their younger daughter's name private.
Smulders has been open about her health struggles, revealing in 2015 that she had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer at age 25 while filming "How I Met Your Mother." She underwent multiple surgeries and has fortunately been in remission since then.
Net Worth & Financial Success
As of 2025, Cobie Smulders has an estimated net worth of approximately $25 million. Her wealth comes primarily from her successful television career, particularly from "How I Met Your Mother," where she reportedly earned a significant salary per episode in the later seasons.
Her role in the Marvel films has also contributed substantially to her wealth. Additionally, Smulders has earned income through various endorsements and other acting projects throughout her career.
Physical Attributes
Cobie stands at approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall. She maintains her fitness through regular exercise and a balanced diet, which she has discussed in various interviews over the years.
Notable Facts & Trivia
- Smulders speaks fluent French, a skill she acquired growing up in Canada.
- She played Alyson Hannigan's best friend on "How I Met Your Mother."
- Cobie has performed her own stunts in some of her Marvel film appearances.
- She was initially considered for the role of Wonder Woman before Gal Gadot was cast.
- Besides acting, she is an advocate for ovarian cancer awareness.
- Smulders became a U.S. citizen in 2020 while maintaining her Canadian citizenship.
Philanthropic Work
Following her battle with ovarian cancer, Smulders has become an advocate for cancer research and awareness. She has participated in various charitable events and fundraisers aimed at supporting cancer patients and research organizations.
Social Media Presence
Cobie maintains a modest social media presence, occasionally sharing updates about her projects and personal life with fans while generally keeping her private life protected from public scrutiny.
FAQ
What is Cobie Smulders' real name?
Cobie Smulders' full birth name is Jacoba Francisca Maria Smulders.
How did Cobie Smulders get the role of Robin in "How I Met Your Mother"?
She went through the standard audition process and immediately impressed the creators with her natural comedic timing and chemistry with the cast.
Does Cobie Smulders have any upcoming projects?
As of early 2025, Smulders continues to take on diverse roles in both television and film, though specific upcoming projects may vary.
Did Cobie Smulders really play the piano and sing in "How I Met Your Mother"?
Yes, Smulders did play the piano and sing as her character Robin Sparkles in the show, showcasing her musical talents.
How has Cobie Smulders balanced her career and family life?
Smulders has spoken about the challenges of balancing her acting career with motherhood, often bringing her children to set when possible and carefully selecting projects to allow family time.