Emily Swallow, the talented American actor, has certainly made a name for herself in the entertainment industry. Best known for her standout performance as FBI Agent Kim Fischer on CBS’s hit show The Mentalist (2008–2015), Emily Swallow’s journey to stardom began in Washington, D.C., where she was born, before being raised in Jacksonville, Florida. It was during her high school years that Emily Swallow first discovered her passion for acting—she dove into community theater and appeared in various plays, laying the early foundation for what would become a thriving career.
When college came around, though, Emily Swallow took a more practical path. Worried about the instability of life as a struggling actor, she chose to attend the University of Virginia. There, she earned a B.A. in Middle Eastern Studies and initially set her sights on becoming a foreign services officer. But fate had other plans. On a spontaneous decision, Emily Swallow auditioned for the Graduate Acting Program at NYU—and that single moment changed everything. She realized, deep down, that acting was still her true calling.
Emily Swallow was accepted into the prestigious program and quickly re-immersed herself in the world of performance. Her stage work soon led her to Broadway, where she brought Shakespearean characters to life in productions like A Midsummer Night’s Dream and King Lear. After graduating, the pull of Hollywood became impossible to ignore. Emily Swallow began auditioning for television roles and landed guest appearances on well-known series such as Guiding Light (NBC/CBS, 1957–2009), Medium (NBC, 2005–2011), and NCIS (CBS, 2003– ).
In 2009, Emily Swallow secured her first recurring role on Southland (NBC/TNT, 2009–2013), marking a turning point in her career. She followed that up with another notable recurring part on David E. Kelley’s short-lived but critically acclaimed series Monday Mornings (TBS, 2013). Then, later that same year, Emily Swallow got her big break—landing the role of FBI Agent Kim Fischer on The Mentalist. The character resonated with audiences, and Emily Swallow appeared in 14 episodes during the show’s sixth season, solidifying her place in the spotlight.
Emily Swallow has built an impressive filmography over the years, and when it comes to her highest rated movie, fans and critics alike have shown strong appreciation for her standout performances. While various roles have contributed to her growing reputation, Emily Swallow’s highest rated film tends to reflect her versatility and depth as an actress. On the other hand, every actor has a range of projects, and Emily Swallow’s lowest rated movie still offers insight into her dedication to diverse storytelling. Whether she’s shining in critically acclaimed work or exploring more challenging roles, Emily Swallow continues to make her mark in the industry.