Tricia Helfer

Tricia Helfer

Active - 2003 - 2022  |   Born - Apr 11, 1974 in Donalda, Alberta, Canada  |   Genres - Drama, Action, Adventure

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Biography by AllMovie

A former Canadian farm girl who found fame as a highly advanced humanoid robot intent on destroying the human race, Donalda, Alberta, native Tricia Helfer was discovered by a modeling agent while still in high school and wasted no time packing her bags for New York City. It wasn't long after arriving in the Big Apple that Helfer won the "Ford Supermodel of the Year" award, with subsequent campaigns for Giorgio Armani, Chanel, and Ralph Lauren soon making her one of the most visible models in North America. Later, during an on-camera acting class intended to train her as a fashion correspondent for Canadian television, the prolific catwalk queen realized that her true ambition was to become a dramatic actress.

In order to pursue her passion, Helfer set her sights on Los Angeles, with an early appearance on the Showtime's sci-fi series Jeremiah serving as both her acting debt and a sneak preview of her future success in the genre. Just one year later, Helfer was cast as seductive Cylon Number Six on the Sci-Fi Channel's miniseries Battlestar Galactica, a series that earned a rabid fan base and much critical acclaim. Helfer would go on to find continued success on the small screen, with shows like Burn Notice, Dark Blue, and The Firm.

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Factsheet

  • Grew up on her family's grain farm, and was discovered at age 17 while waiting in line at a movie theater.
  • In July 1992, received a three-year, $250,000 contract with the Ford talent agency for winning its Supermodel of the World contest.
  • While still pursuing a modeling career, worked as a reporter for Canada's Ooh La La Fashion Television.
  • After 10 years in modeling, gave it up to focus exclusively on acting.
  • Worked with a voice coach to portray Farrah Fawcett in Behind the Camera: The Unauthorized Story of 'Charlie's Angels'.
  • Featured in the February 2007 issue of Playboy magazine.
  • Supports many charitable organizations focused on stopping animal cruelty, including the Humane Society, PETA, Kitten Rescue and Best Friends Animal Society.