IN CONVERSATION WITH COBIE SMULDERS

interview by JANA LETONJA

Canadian actress, producer, and activist Cobie Smulders’ career has spanned more than two decades across film, television, stage, and audio storytelling. Known for portraying sharp, complex female characters, Cobie became a global fan favorite as Robin Scherbatsky in the hit series How I Met Your Mother and as Maria Hill in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Her work continues to evolve across genres, with recent performances in Apple TV+’s award-winning comedy Shrinking and Netflix’s hugely successful series The Lincoln Lawyer. Beyond the screen, she has expanded into audio storytelling with Audible’s Mistletoe Murders and remains actively involved in philanthropic work, supporting organizations such as Oceana and Save the Children. As Vancouver prepares to host matches during the upcoming FIFA World Cup, she is also serving as a city representative, celebrating her Canadian roots while championing global culture and community.

You’ve built a career playing strong, memorable characters across very different genres. What initially drew you to acting?

I’ve always been fascinated by people and what drives them to do what they do. Growing up, I would be constantly playing out scenarios in my mind, pretending to be living a life much different than my day to day. What started as an overactive imagination became a career. 

blazer bra, and trousers SPORTMAX
earrings and necklace MARTHA CALVO
leather pumps CAMILLA GABRIELI
gold rings LOREN STEWART

Robin Scherbatsky in How I Met Your Mother remains an iconic role. Looking back, what do you think made that character resonate so deeply with audiences?

It makes me so happy that How I Met Your Mother resonated with people. Maybe the audience felt connected to her because she showed her vulnerability even when it was hard for her to do so.

leather trench bra, and trousers SPORTMAX
earrings and necklace LAURA LOMBARDI
leather pumps CAMILLA GABRIELI

Your portrayal of Maria Hill introduced you to the Marvel universe. How did stepping into such a massive franchise inspire your future career?

Playing Maria Hill has been a blast. Stepping into the Marvel universe was an education. Every member of the crew, the directors, my co-stars, the execs, everyone was in pursuit of excellence. It creates a really unique and inspiring vibe on set and definitely sets the bar for what’s possible and the quality of work you’d hope to replicate in other projects.

Shrinking has been widely praised for its emotional honesty and humor. What attracted you to that project?

I was most excited to work with Jason again, but also feel very honored to join a show that spreads a message of love and self-acceptance.

pleated silk top R13
bandeau and striped shorts THE FRANKIE SHOP
socks FALKE
patent kitten heels HERBERT LEVINE
earrings and bracelet LAURA LOMBARDI

The Lincoln Lawyer has become one of Netflix’s most watched series. What excites you about being part of that world?

It’s always fun to be welcomed into a close-knit group that has been working together seamlessly for so many seasons. It is a fantastic cast and the show highlights so much of LA’s real culture.

double breasted blazer ALEX PERRY
floral balloon trousers CHLOE
patent heels JIMMY CHOO
earrings MARTHA CALVO
rings LOREN STEWART

You’ve also expanded into audio storytelling with Mistletoe Murders. Do you find that narrating or voice work opens up different creative possibilities for storytelling?

Ken Cuperus has written a cozy and layered story that lends so seamlessly to audio. Creating a world with such descriptive details that the listener has to piece together in their own imagination definitely allows for a more expansive experience for the audience.

trench and trousers THE FRANKIE SHOP
earrings MARTHA CALVO
leather heels JUDE

You’re representing Vancouver in partnership with FIFA ahead of the World Cup. What does that opportunity mean to you?

I grew up playing soccer and just love the sport. Vancouver just got its first women’s pro soccer league, The Vancouver Rise, and with FIFA coming, it’s going to be a great summer in my hometown. 

pinstriped blazer, skirt, and pants SPORTMAX
earrings MARTHA CALVO
leather pumps CAMILLA GABRIELI

You’re also involved with organizations such as Oceana and Save the Children. What motivates you to support those causes?

Right now, when there is so much chaos and uncertainty in the world, I find myself needing to reach out and help where I can. As a Save The Children Ambassador, I support the work they do to help vulnerable kids around the world. They have a wide impact, and it makes such a difference in the lives of so many families. 

I grew up immersed in nature and want to see it thrive and to protect it for future generations. I’ve been lucky enough to witness firsthand the incredible work that Oceana does to fight the uphill battle of climate change.

With so many projects and passions, how do you stay creatively energized?

I stay creative by being outside in nature. It helps me feel grounded. Also, I have music playing nonstop, that keeps me buoyant.

top and skirt WILLY CHAVARRIA
earrings MARTHA CALVO
sheer socks FALKE
leather pumps CAMILLA GABRIELI

TEAM CREDITS

talent COBIE SMULDERS
photography TYLER PATRICK KENNY
styling MARISA ELLISON
makeup JO STRETTELL
hair CHRISTIAN MARC
producer JAY SIVAYAVIROJNA
styling assistant DIANA KOSHEVOY
editor TIMI LETONJA
interview JANA LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN
special thanks AMATO STUDIO