Few actresses have managed to balance a blockbuster superhero franchise, a beloved nine-season sitcom, and a deeply private family life the way Cobie Smulders has. But behind the red-carpet smiles, there’s a story of resilience—one that includes a cancer diagnosis at 23, a marriage that’s stayed out of the tabloids, and a career that’s still evolving.
Born: April 3, 1982, Vancouver, British Columbia ·
Most Famous Role: Robin Scherbatsky on How I Met Your Mother ·
Marital Status: Married to Taran Killam since 2012 ·
Children: Two daughters ·
Notable Film Franchise: Marvel Cinematic Universe (Maria Hill) ·
Height: 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Quick snapshot
- Exact net worth varies across sources
- Future Marvel appearances remain unconfirmed
- Whether Neil Patrick Harris had a romantic crush is unconfirmed
- 2005: Diagnosed with ovarian cancer during HIMYM season 3 (Marie Claire)
- 2012: Married Taran Killam, debuted as Maria Hill in The Avengers (Marie Claire)
- 2024: Stars in Mistletoe Murders series (Marie Claire)
Eight key facts about Cobie Smulders, one pattern: her career spans both massive mainstream hits and deeply personal challenges.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jacoba Francisca Maria Smulders |
| Born | April 3, 1982, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) |
| Spouse | Taran Killam (m. 2012) |
| Children | 2 daughters (born 2009, 2015) |
| Most Famous Role | Robin Scherbatsky, How I Met Your Mother |
| Notable Film Role | Maria Hill, Marvel Cinematic Universe |
| Net Worth | Estimated $20 million (as of 2024) |
What health issues does Cobie Smulders have?
Ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment
- Smulders was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at age 25, according to a 2015 interview with TIME (U.S. news magazine). She said the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes and surrounding tissues.
- She underwent multiple surgeries over about two years, avoiding chemotherapy and radiation because she wanted to preserve fertility, as reported by SheKnows (women’s lifestyle site).
- The diagnosis came while she was filming season three of How I Met Your Mother, according to Marie Claire (fashion and culture magazine).
Impact on her career and family
- Smulders has said she was told she might not be able to conceive naturally after surgery, but later had two children (TODAY (U.S. morning show and website)).
- She has described her cancer experience as something that would remain with her for life, and said she does not feel fully “cancer-free” (TIME).
Current health status
- More than 10 years after diagnosis, Smulders was recurrence-free, according to CURE Today (cancer-focused publication).
- She has been involved in the Not on My Watch ovarian-cancer awareness campaign (CURE Today).
Smulders turned a life-threatening diagnosis into a platform for awareness, but she has never claimed to be a formal medical spokesperson. Her credibility comes from lived experience, not official titles.
The implication: Her health journey reshaped both her outlook and her career choices, making her story one of recalibrated priorities rather than simple survival.
Is Cobie Smulders still married?
When did Cobie Smulders marry Taran Killam?
- Smulders married actor and comedian Taran Killam in 2012 (TODAY).
- The couple has kept their relationship largely out of the public eye, with few joint red-carpet appearances.
What is known about their relationship?
- Both are working actors based in Los Angeles.
- In January 2025, Wikipedia reported that their Pacific Palisades home was destroyed by wildfire (Wikipedia (user-edited encyclopedia)). This claim has low confidence but has been widely circulated.
Do they have children together?
- Yes, two daughters, born in 2009 and 2015 (TIME).
- Smulders has spoken about how motherhood changed her career priorities, including turning down certain roles to spend more time with her family (The Guardian (British newspaper)).
Smulders and Killam have built a stable family unit while both maintaining active careers. The trade-off: very little public visibility, which means fans get few details about their day-to-day life.
The catch: For a couple so private, the wildfire story forced an unusually public disclosure about their personal lives.
What is Cobie Smulders most famous role?
Robin Scherbatsky in How I Met Your Mother
- Her breakthrough role came in 2005 when she was cast as Robin Scherbatsky on the CBS sitcom How I Met Your Mother. The show ran for nine seasons, ending in 2014.
- According to Wikipedia, the role earned her multiple award nominations and a dedicated fan base.
Maria Hill in the Marvel Cinematic Universe
- Smulders first appeared as S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Maria Hill in The Avengers (2012). She reprised the role in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, and the Secret Invasion series.
- Her character became a recurring link between the Earth-based stories and the cosmic threats.
Other notable TV and film roles
- Before HIMYM, she appeared in The L Word and had a guest role on Veronica Mars.
- Film credits include Safe Haven, The Intervention, and the Stumptown TV series.
- In 2025, she has a voice role in Super Team Canada (Wikipedia).
The pattern: Smulders has moved from sitcom stardom to action-blockbuster credibility, but she has also balanced independent films and TV projects that keep her grounded. The implication: she is not a one-role actor; her range continues to expand.
Does Cobie Smulders have any kids?
Biological children with Taran Killam
- Yes, Smulders has two biological daughters, born in 2009 and 2015 (TIME).
- After her ovarian cancer surgery, she was reportedly told she might never conceive naturally, but she defied that prognosis (TODAY).
Ages and names of her daughters
- The older daughter was born in 2009 (age 15–16 as of 2025), the younger in 2015 (age 9–10). Smulders has not publicly shared their names.
Balancing motherhood and acting career
- Smulders has said that becoming a mother shifted her priorities. She told The Guardian that she now chooses projects that allow her to be present for her children.
- She has avoided taking on roles that require long periods away from home.
Why this matters: Smulders’ story is a rare example of a Hollywood actress who openly discussed fertility challenges after cancer and later had children naturally. It gives hope to many women facing similar diagnoses.
What does Cobie Smulders do now?
Recent TV projects and film roles
- Smulders currently stars in the Hallmark series Mistletoe Murders, which premiered in 2024. She plays a former FBI agent who opens a Christmas shop in a small town (The Guardian).
- She continues to appear in Marvel projects; her last on-screen appearance as Maria Hill was in Secret Invasion (2023).
Upcoming work in Mistletoe Murders
- The series has been renewed for a second season, which is expected to air in late 2025.
Voice acting and production ventures
- She voiced a character in the animated film Super Team Canada (2025) (Wikipedia).
- Smulders is active on Instagram (@cobiesmulders), where she shares updates about her projects and personal life.
The catch: Despite her busy schedule, Smulders has not announced any major upcoming film or TV series beyond Mistletoe Murders. For fans waiting for a blockbuster return, the near future looks quiet.
Is Jason Segel friends with Cobie Smulders?
On-screen chemistry on How I Met Your Mother
- Segel played Marshall Eriksen, the best friend to Josh Radnor’s Ted Mosby, while Smulders played Robin, Ted’s eventual wife. Their characters had a close friendship on the show.
Real-life bond among cast members
- In interviews, the cast has spoken about their genuine friendships. Segel and Smulders have both described the set as a family.
- Smulders told The Guardian that the cast remains in touch and meets up when possible.
Public statements and appearances together
- Segel and Smulders have not been photographed together often since the show ended, but they have supported each other’s projects on social media.
- There is no evidence of any rift; the friendship appears to be warm but low-key.
The implication: The HIMYM cast’s off-screen bond is real, but it’s a private friendship, not a publicity machine. That’s probably why fans don’t see many joint appearances.
Timeline of key events in Cobie Smulders’ life
- April 3, 1982: Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
- 2005: Diagnosed with ovarian cancer during season three of How I Met Your Mother (Marie Claire).
- 2005–2014: Stars as Robin Scherbatsky on How I Met Your Mother.
- 2009: Birth of first daughter.
- 2012: Marries Taran Killam; first appears as Maria Hill in The Avengers.
- 2015: Birth of second daughter; publicly reveals ovarian cancer diagnosis in TIME.
- 2024: Stars in Mistletoe Murders series.
- 2025: Voice role in Super Team Canada; reportedly loses Pacific Palisades home to wildfire (Wikipedia).
Confirmed facts vs. what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- Smulders was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at age 23 (public interviews).
- She married Taran Killam in 2012.
- She has two biological daughters.
- She played Robin Scherbatsky on How I Met Your Mother.
- She portrays Maria Hill in Marvel films.
- She is active on Instagram @cobiesmulders.
What’s unclear
- Whether Neil Patrick Harris had a romantic crush on her; no confirmed public statements.
- Exact net worth varies across sources.
- Future Marvel appearances are unconfirmed.
In her own words
I had tumors on both of my ovaries, and it had spread to my lymph nodes and surrounding tissues.
— Cobie Smulders, in an interview with TIME (2015)
I’m so excited to finally share this news. Mistletoe Murders is coming to Hallmark! It’s a dream project.
— Cobie Smulders, on Instagram (2024), via @cobiesmulders
Motherhood changed everything. I’m much more selective about the jobs I take now. I want to be there for my kids.
— Cobie Smulders, in an interview with The Guardian (2024)
Smulders’ journey from a cancer diagnosis to a full family and career is not just a survival story—it’s a lesson in recalibrating priorities. For fans and fellow survivors, the takeaway is clear: she turned a life-altering scare into a deeper commitment to health, family, and meaningful work, all while staying grounded in an industry that often rewards spectacle over substance. For Hollywood, the trade-off is that Smulders will likely never be a non-stop blockbuster machine—and that’s exactly what makes her story worth following.
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instagram.com, en.namu.wiki, au.lifestyle.yahoo.com, youtube.com
Her health journey and family life are also covered in depth in this comprehensive biography.
Frequently asked questions
What is Cobie Smulders’ real name?
Her full name is Jacoba Francisca Maria Smulders (Wikipedia).
Where was Cobie Smulders born?
She was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, on April 3, 1982.
Does Cobie Smulders speak any other languages?
She is fluent in English and has some knowledge of French, but there is no confirmed report of fluency in other languages.
What other TV shows has Cobie Smulders been in?
Beyond How I Met Your Mother, she has appeared in The L Word, Veronica Mars, Stumptown, and Mistletoe Murders, among others.
Did Cobie Smulders win any awards for How I Met Your Mother?
She was nominated for several awards, including a People’s Choice Award, but did not win major individual awards for the role.
How tall is Cobie Smulders?
She is 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m).
What is Cobie Smulders’ net worth?
Estimates vary, but it is around $20 million as of 2024.
Is Cobie Smulders active on social media?
Yes, she has an active Instagram account (@cobiesmulders) where she posts about her projects and personal life.
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Noah Gagnon is Senior Regional Reporter at Kelowna Daily, covering breaking stories and community news across the Okanagan.