Sharon Taylor

Sharon Taylor (born June 5, 1981) is a Canadian actress, writer, director, and martial artist best known for her versatile performances across genres in television and film.^[1][2][3] Born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, Taylor developed an early passion for storytelling, transitioning to theater during her teenage years before earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in theatre from Simon Fraser University.^[2][4] Her professional acting career began in 2006, with early recurring roles including Amelia Banks in the science fiction series Stargate Atlantis (2007–2009) and the Kryptonian villain Faora Hu-Ul in Smallville (2010–2011).^[5][6] Taylor's martial arts background, including a second-degree black belt in karate and kickboxing, has informed her action-oriented characters, such as in Ghost Wars (2017–2018) where she portrayed a demon-possessed mortician.^[3][7] Taylor has garnered critical acclaim for her range, earning a Leo Award for Best Performance in a Comedy for her role in the sitcom JANN (2021) and a nomination for Best Lead Performance in a Motion Picture for her role in the film When Time Got Louder (2022).^[3][8] Notable credits also include the crime drama Bad Blood (2017–2018) as Rose Sunwind, the dystopian series Altered Carbon (2018), and guest appearances in The X-Files (2018) and Nancy Drew (2023) as a main antagonist.^[1][6] Notable recent credits include Lieutenant Oracene Massey in the series Cross (2024) and Hera in the film Sniper: The Last Stand (2025). In addition to acting, she has written scripts and directed projects, while maintaining an active presence in the entertainment industry through both Canadian and American productions.^[3][5]

Early life and education

Upbringing

Sharon Taylor was born on June 5, 1981, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.^[1] She was raised in the nearby North Vancouver area, where she spent her childhood in a culturally vibrant city known for its arts scene.^[9] Details about Taylor's family background remain limited and private, with no public information on siblings or specific parental occupations. She grew up in a non-showbiz household, which provided a typical suburban environment without early industry connections. Vancouver's rich cultural offerings, including local theatre and film influences, subtly shaped her formative years, though she has described lacking a defined childhood ambition at the time.^[10][9] Taylor's initial exposure to performing arts came through everyday inspirations and school experiences. As a child, she was captivated by films such as Romancing the Stone, particularly admiring actress Kathleen Turner's strong on-screen presence, which sparked an early fascination with action-oriented roles. Without a singular dream profession in mind during her younger years, her interest in theatre began to solidify in high school through drama classes and a pivotal Grade 12 class trip to the Vancouver Playhouse, where witnessing live performances ignited her passion for acting. In a 2021 interview, Taylor reflected: "I was born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, and never really had a specific childhood dream while growing up, but as soon as I discovered acting in my high school drama class, I was on track to follow that dream of being an actor and never looked back." These early encounters in Vancouver's local arts community laid the groundwork for her pursuit of formal theatre training.^[9][10]

Academic training

After high school, Taylor attended the theatre program at Capilano College before enrolling in the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program in Theatre at Simon Fraser University (SFU) in Vancouver, British Columbia. She completed the degree, which emphasized the development of skills as a theatre artist through intensive studio courses in acting, movement, and voice, supplemented by studies in dramatic literature and theatre history.^{[7][11][12][10]} The SFU Theatre program provided Taylor with a rigorous foundation in performance training, exposing her to a broad range of genres including devised theatre, live art, and avant-garde practices, while grounding her in performance studies and theoretical frameworks for theatre histories.^[11][13] During her studies, she honed her acting skills through participation in university productions, which allowed her to apply classroom techniques in practical, collaborative environments.^[14][5] This academic training equipped Taylor with the foundational tools necessary for transitioning into professional theatre work upon graduation. Around this period, she began her personal pursuit of martial arts training, which complemented her physical performance development but remained a separate endeavor from her formal studies.^[7][2]

Career

Theatre and early roles

Following her graduation from Simon Fraser University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in theatre, Sharon Taylor transitioned into professional theatre in Vancouver, co-founding Shifting Point Theatre with three fellow alumni in the early 2000s. The company focused on producing original works designed to shift audience viewpoints, allowing Taylor to perform and collaborate in live settings that emphasized improvisation and direct engagement.^[5][9] Taylor dedicated several years to extensive theatre work, participating in annual productions that built her foundation in character development and ensemble dynamics, before pivoting to screen acting around 2006. This stage experience provided her with a strong base in authentic emotional delivery and adaptability, skills she carried into her initial television appearances.^[5][15] Her screen debut came in 2006 with the role of Sally in the Canadian TV movie To Have and to Hold, a minor part that marked her entry into filmed performance.^[5] In 2007, she secured early guest spots, including Stark's Doctor in an episode of the sci-fi series Eureka and a Replicator Technician in Stargate Atlantis, where her theatre-honed research and preparation helped her portray technical roles with precision.^[15] These appearances in Vancouver-filmed productions served as building blocks, blending her stage discipline with the demands of on-camera work.^[7]

Television work

Sharon Taylor gained prominence in television through her recurring role as the skilled technician Amelia Banks on the sci-fi series Stargate: Atlantis from 2008 to 2009, appearing in 11 episodes.^[16] Producers incorporated her real-life expertise as a black belt kickboxer into the character, notably in action sequences where Banks assists in combat against Wraith invaders during the Atlantis hijacking arc.^[17] This role marked her breakthrough in genre television, blending technical proficiency with physicality drawn from her martial arts background.^[7] She followed this with a recurring portrayal of the Kryptonian villain Faora on Smallville, appearing in seven episodes across seasons 9 and 10, where she depicted both the character's original form in flashbacks and a cloned body in the present timeline.^[18] Taylor's performance as the manipulative and resilient Faora added intensity to the series' exploration of Superman's origins and alien threats.^[19] Taylor's television career expanded into lead and recurring roles across diverse genres, beginning with dramatic mysteries and supernatural thrillers. In 2017, she starred as Detective Virginia Panamick in the CBC/Netflix limited series Bellevue, a main role spanning all eight episodes, where she played a determined Indigenous investigator navigating a small-town disappearance and personal trauma. That same year, she took on the series regular role of Sophia Moon, a mortician and pathologist entangled in ghostly phenomena, in the Syfy/Netflix horror series Ghost Wars, appearing in eight episodes across its single season from 2017 to 2018.^[14] Her work in Ghost Wars highlighted her ability to convey quiet intensity amid supernatural chaos, including hands-on scenes like embalming that drew from her action-oriented skills.^[20] Continuing her momentum in genre fare, Taylor portrayed Rose Sunwind, a key figure in the Montreal underworld, as a series regular in the first season of the Netflix crime drama Bad Blood from 2017 to 2018.^[6] She then shifted to cyberpunk sci-fi as Myka, a resilient survivor and ally in Takeshi Kovacs' investigations, appearing in 5 episodes of Altered Carbon's second season in 2020.^[21] This role underscored her versatility in high-stakes, futuristic narratives. Taylor diversified further into comedy with her recurring role as Cynthia, the ex-partner of the titular character, in the CTV/The Comedy Network series Jann from 2019 to 2021, appearing across multiple seasons and contributing to the show's blend of humor and heartfelt family dynamics. In procedural drama, she recurred as Commander Elena Sosa, a veteran Montana Highway Patrol officer, in Big Sky in 2020.^[22] Her appearance as Liv Nijmeh, a complex support character, in an episode of the CBS drama Fire Country in 2022 added to her procedural credits.^[23] More recently, Taylor has taken on the recurring role of Lt. Oracene Massey in the Amazon Prime Video series Cross, starting in 2024 and continuing into subsequent episodes.^[24] In 2024, she appeared in two episodes of the Netflix series Dead Boy Detectives as Officer Parris and starred as Melody Ross in the TV movie Christmas Under the Lights. As of 2025, she appears as Raina in an episode of Alert: Missing Persons Unit.^[25] Throughout her career, Taylor has evolved from sci-fi and action-heavy roles in series like Stargate: Atlantis and Smallville to embracing drama in Bellevue and Bad Blood, and comedy in Jann, demonstrating a broad range across television formats.^[26]

Film roles

Sharon Taylor began her feature film career with supporting roles in action-oriented thrillers, marking her transition from television to the big screen. In 2015, she portrayed Carmen, a tough and resourceful undercover operative, in the high-stakes heist film 12 Rounds 3: Lockdown, directed by Stephen Reynolds, where her character navigates a tense police precinct takeover alongside lead Dean Ambrose. This role highlighted her ability to handle intense action sequences, drawing on her real-life martial arts training as a black belt in kickboxing.^[17] Taylor's filmography expanded into more dramatic territory with key supporting parts in subsequent projects. She played Agent Jenkins, a determined FBI operative investigating a drone-related conspiracy, in the 2017 thriller Drone, directed by Jason Bourque and starring Sean Bean, which explored ethical dilemmas in modern warfare. Her performance added layers of moral complexity to the ensemble cast. In 2022, Taylor took on the role of Sam, a compassionate colleague in the inspirational true-story drama Rescued by Ruby, a Netflix original directed by Katt Shea, where she supported the narrative of a state trooper (Grant Gustin) bonding with a shelter dog; the film received praise for its heartfelt storytelling and earned an 86% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. More recently, Taylor has embraced prominent action roles that leverage her physical prowess. In the 2025 military thriller Sniper: The Last Stand, directed by Danishka Esterhazy, she stars as Hera, a skilled operative in an elite team combating a rogue militia and an arms dealer; her fight scenes, including hand-to-hand combat, were singled out for their intensity and authenticity, reflecting her kickboxing expertise. Taylor's film work demonstrates genre versatility, blending high-octane thrillers with emotional dramas, which complements her extensive television career in sci-fi series like Stargate Atlantis. Her cinematic roles often emphasize strong, multifaceted female characters in suspenseful narratives, allowing her to expand beyond episodic formats into self-contained stories that showcase her range from tactical agents to empathetic allies.^[6] While she has contributed to indie shorts like CC (2018) as both actress and associate producer, her feature films prioritize collaborative ensemble dynamics over solo creative control.^[27]

Personal life and other pursuits

Martial arts background

Sharon Taylor began her martial arts journey in January 1999 as a hobby in Vancouver, seeking a physical outlet to complement her artistic pursuits. Growing up in the city, she trained at local academies, including Champions Martial Arts in North Vancouver, where she developed a disciplined routine that became integral to her daily life. Over the years, this personal passion evolved into a core element of her identity, with Taylor committing to five training sessions per week and viewing martial arts as a source of empowerment and resilience.^[28][29][10] With more than 20 years of experience, Taylor achieved a second-degree black belt in both karate and kickboxing, honing her skills through rigorous practice in striking techniques, forms, and sparring. She expanded her training to include Jiu-Jitsu, focusing on grappling and ground control, and Muay Thai, which emphasized clinch work and eight-limb fighting methods. These disciplines not only built her physical prowess but also instilled mental fortitude, transforming what started as recreational activity into a lifelong commitment.^[6][30] In her acting career, Taylor's martial arts expertise proved invaluable for performing authentic fight choreography, such as in Stargate: Atlantis, where producers integrated her kickboxing abilities into action sequences after discovering her black belt proficiency. This background has briefly influenced her selections toward action-oriented roles, allowing her to portray physically demanding characters with genuine intensity.^[7][9]

Writing and producing

Sharon Taylor expanded her creative involvement in the entertainment industry by contributing to screenwriting, drawing from her extensive acting background to develop stories that reflect her insights into character-driven narratives. Her desire for greater creative control, honed through years of on-screen roles, motivated her to pursue writing as a means to shape projects from inception. This transition allowed her to blend her performance expertise with storytelling, enabling more authentic portrayals and thematic depth in productions. She has also worked as an associate producer on the short film Detour (2003).^[3][31] One of her notable writing contributions is the original short story that served as the foundation for the 2020 indie thriller Torn: Dark Bullets, where she received a story credit alongside screenwriters Joshua Mazerolle and director Daniel Joseph Rizzuto. The film, which explores themes of grief and vigilante justice following a tragic shooting, originated from Taylor's personal narrative concept, marking her entry into professional screenwriting. She also appeared in a leading role in the project, illustrating her multifaceted engagement.^[32][33] As of 2024, Taylor has continued developing original scripts, engaging in pitch meetings with television network executives to advance her writing career. These efforts focus on crafting compelling, experience-informed stories that extend her acting insights into broader production roles, though specific projects remain in development without announced productions as of November 2025. Her writing pursuits underscore a commitment to storytelling that empowers diverse voices, evolving directly from her on-set observations and collaborative acting experiences.^[3]

Filmography

Film

Sharon Taylor's feature film career began in the mid-2010s, showcasing her versatility in action and thriller genres.

• 12 Rounds 3: Lockdown (2015): Taylor played Carmen Liszt, a corrupt police officer, in this action thriller directed by Stephen Reynolds, contributing to the film's high-stakes pursuit narrative.
• Drone (2017): As Agent Jenkins, a government operative, Taylor appeared in this sci-fi action thriller exploring ethical dilemmas of drone warfare, adding intensity to the investigative plot.
• Torn: Dark Bullets (2020): Taylor portrayed Jessica, a grieving mother entangled in a revenge scheme, in this crime thriller; she also co-wrote the story, marking a significant behind-the-scenes contribution to the film's emotional core.^[34]
• Sheltering Season (2022): In the role of Reynolds, a supporting character in this psychological drama about family trauma and isolation, Taylor delivered a nuanced performance amid the film's tense rural setting.
• Rescued by Ruby (2022): Taylor starred as Sam Johnson, a dedicated state trooper, in this biographical family drama based on a true story of an officer and his rescue dog, highlighting her ability to convey compassion and determination.
• Pie to Die For: A Hannah Swensen Mystery (2025): Taylor played Tonya Harmon in this mystery film.^[27]
• Reality Bites: A Hannah Swensen Mystery (2025): Taylor reprised the role of Tonya Harmon in this mystery installment.^[27]
• Sniper: The Last Stand (2025): Taylor took the lead as Hera, a skilled operative in a high-octane military action film, emphasizing her martial arts background in intense combat sequences.

Television

Sharon Taylor began her television career in the mid-2000s with guest appearances in popular science fiction and drama series, gradually transitioning to recurring and series regular roles in both Canadian and American productions.^[35] Her credits include the following television appearances, grouped by series and listed chronologically by initial appearance year: Taylor's recurring roles often featured in genre and drama series, showcasing her versatility in supporting characters.^[6]

Awards and nominations

Leo Awards

The Leo Awards, presented annually by the Motion Picture Arts & Sciences Foundation of British Columbia, recognize excellence in the province's film, television, and web-based media productions, serving as a key platform to highlight and promote the work of British Columbia-based talent within the Canadian entertainment industry.^[37] Sharon Taylor received her first Leo Award nomination in 2015 for Best Performance by a Female in a Short Drama for her role in Second Dates.^[38] In 2021, Taylor won the Leo Award for Best Performance or Host in a Music, Comedy, or Variety Program or Series for her work in the episode "Last Straws" of the comedy series Jann.^[39] This victory marked a significant milestone, elevating her profile in comedic roles and contributing to her expanded opportunities in both Canadian and international projects. Taylor earned another nomination in 2023 for Best Performance in a Music, Comedy, or Variety Program or Series for the Jann episode "Alone for the Holidays."^[40] In 2025, she was nominated for Best Supporting Performance by a Female in a Dramatic Series for her guest appearance in the episode "Happy Birthday" of Cross.^[41]

Other recognitions

Taylor attended the 2019 UBCP/ACTRA Awards in Vancouver, where she was photographed and recognized alongside fellow performers for her ongoing contributions to the local entertainment community.^[42] Beyond her Leo Award achievements, Taylor has garnered praise in industry publications for her remarkable versatility across genres, from intense action roles in series like Stargate: Atlantis and Altered Carbon to comedic turns in JANN and dramatic performances in When Time Got Louder. A 2024 Digital Journal profile highlighted her as a "chameleon" capable of seamlessly transitioning between lighthearted and dark narratives, underscoring her ability to embody diverse characters that resonate with audiences.^[3] Similarly, SF Weekly noted in early 2024 her dedication to roles spanning nearly two decades, emphasizing her skill in blending martial arts prowess with emotional depth to elevate projects in both Canadian and international productions.^[43] Taylor's work has also earned fan appreciation, with online communities and viewer feedback frequently commending her dynamic presence in science fiction and thriller genres, contributing to her growing recognition as a multifaceted talent up to 2025.^[6]