Beginning her career in the Australian fantasy series H2O: Just Add Water, Claire Holt transitioned from domestic television to a prominent role in American supernatural dramas. Her professional trajectory reflects the shifting landscape of contemporary film and television, balancing long-running series appearances with cinematic projects and ventures into digital content creation and entrepreneurial branding.
Early Career and International Transition
Born in 1988 in Brisbane, Australia, Holt attended Stuartholme School before securing her first television role as Emma Gilbert in the 2006 fantasy show H2O: Just Add Water. Following her departure from the series after two seasons, she relocated to pursue opportunities in the United States. Her American film debut occurred in 2009 with the direct-to-DVD release of Messengers 2: The Scarecrow, filmed in Sofia.
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Holt gained significant recognition through her portrayal of Rebekah Mikaelson in The CW network’s supernatural drama franchise. She debuted as a regular on The Vampire Diaries in 2011, subsequently moving to the spin-off series The Originals from 2013 to 2018. Her character work in this franchise extended to the series Legacies, where she made final appearances in 2021 and 2022. Beyond this, she appeared in Mean Girls 2, the first two seasons of Pretty Little Liars, and the NBC series Aquarius.
Filmography and Independent Projects
Her film work includes roles in the 2012 comedy drama Blue Like Jazz and the 2017 survival thriller 47 Meters Down, which performed well with critics. In 2021, she starred in and executive produced the comedy horror project Untitled Horror Movie. Throughout her career, Holt participated in numerous auditions, including screen tests for roles in The Secret Circle and Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief.
Philanthropy and Entrepreneurship
Holt has leveraged her platform for advocacy, notably raising funds for the Boston Children's Hospital through marathon participation. In 2022, she completed the New York City Marathon, contributing US$162,000, and followed this in 2024 by raising over US$100,000 during the Chicago Marathon. Her business ventures include a 2026 collaboration with Madeline Simmer to launch the clothing brand Saint Sirène, which focuses on specific cuts of white T-shirts, as well as partnerships with VEE Collective and Andie Swim.
Fast facts
- Born: 1988, Brisbane, Australia
- Education: Stuartholme School
- Primary Occupations: Actor, film actor
- Notable Role: Rebekah Mikaelson, The Originals
- Marathon Advocacy: Boston Children's Hospital donor
- Clothing Brand: Saint Sirène
Questions readers ask
What was Claire Holt's first television role?
She played Emma Gilbert in the Australian series H2O: Just Add Water from 2006 to 2008.
Is Claire Holt still acting?
In December 2025, she announced she was taking a break from acting to focus on raising her children.
Achievements
- Notable work: H₂O: Just Add Water
- Worked as actor and film actor
