Celebrity Info
Growing up in Canada, Sara Canning was deeply involved in competitive figure skating, dedicating years to the sport until she reached the age of 16. Around that time, she began to develop a quiet but growing interest in theater—something that slowly started to capture her attention more and more. That said, back then, Sara didn’t really have the time or space to fully explore acting as a serious path. After spending a somewhat aimless year studying for a general arts degree—which didn’t quite fulfill her creatively—Sara realized she couldn’t ignore her passion for performing any longer. So, she made a bold move: transferring to the Vancouver Film School to seriously pursue acting.
Just one year after graduating, Sara landed her first notable role—playing Nicky Hilton, the sister of celebrity Paris Hilton—in the TV movie Paparazzi Princess. From there, she continued building her resume with a string of modest but steady roles. For instance, she starred alongside former teen idol James Van Der Beek in the suspenseful television film Taken In Broad Daylight, where she held her own in a tense kidnapping storyline. She also made brief appearances on popular series like Smallville, the moody drama centered around Superman’s early years, where she appeared in two episodes, and added another credit with a guest spot on the teen-focused thriller Kyle XY.
Then came a turning point in Sara’s career. While filming her first full-length movie, the 2007 Canadian period drama Black Field, she got unexpected news: a pilot she had shot earlier had been picked up by The CW network. This meant Sara was now set to become one of the main cast members on what would soon become a massive hit—the supernatural series The Vampire Diaries. Playing Jenna Sommers, the kind-hearted aunt and guardian of protagonist Elena Gilbert, Sara brought warmth and relatability to the role. For two seasons, her character remained blissfully unaware of the dark, otherworldly forces swirling around her, which only made her eventual fate all the more impactful.
Living in Atlanta during the show’s run, Sara immersed herself in the role and the production. But once her time on The Vampire Diaries concluded, she made the decision to return home to her roots in Vancouver. Since then, Sara has stayed active in the industry, frequently taking on roles in television movies and continuing to build a diverse and steady body of work—all while maintaining a grounded presence in the entertainment world.
When it comes to Sara Canning’s filmography, one standout performance that really shines is in Lyra (2022), which happens to be her highest-rated movie to date. Fans and critics alike have praised Sara Canning for her compelling role in this film, making it a clear highlight in her career. On the other end of the spectrum, Sara Canning appeared in The Right Kind of Wrong (2013), a project that, while still part of her diverse body of work, received notably lower ratings. It’s interesting to see how Sara Canning has evolved as an actress over the years, taking on varied roles that showcase her range—some more successful than others. Still, both films contribute to the journey of Sara Canning as a talented performer in the industry.
United States
