Claire Holt
An Australian actress who evolved from a teen mermaid into a beloved and formidable immortal vampire, captivating a generation of supernatural drama fans.
Born 1988 (age 38)·Australian actress·Birthday: June 11·Millennials
Biography
Claire Holt traded the sun-drenched shores of Brisbane for the moody, supernatural allure of American television, carving out a niche as a fan-favorite in the process. Her breakout role as the mermaid Emma Gilbert on the hit Australian series 'H2O: Just Add Water' launched her career, embedding her in the minds of young audiences worldwide. Sensing a larger stage, Holt moved to Los Angeles, taking on guest spots before landing the role that would define her: Rebekah Mikaelson. Introduced in 'The Vampire Diaries' and later a central figure in its spin-off 'The Originals,' Rebekah was a thousand-year-old vampire original, by turns vengeful, vulnerable, and fiercely loyal. Holt brought a compelling humanity to the immortal, making her one of the most complex characters in the franchise's universe. This role showcased her range beyond teen fare, allowing her to navigate centuries of emotional baggage with wit and depth. While she has since taken on film roles and starred in the thriller series 'The Messengers,' her legacy is permanently entwined with the passionate fandom of the CW's supernatural sagas.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Claire was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Claire Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Claire's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Portrayed the iconic vampire Rebekah Mikaelson across three television series: 'The Vampire Diaries,' 'The Originals,' and 'Legacies.'
- Starred as Emma Gilbert in the internationally popular Australian children's series 'H2O: Just Add Water.'
- Played the lead role of Sophie in the 2019 thriller film 'The Divorce Party.'
- Had a recurring role in the first two seasons of the hit teen drama 'Pretty Little Liars.'
Did You Know?
She is a certified scuba diver, a skill she learned for her role in 'H2O: Just Add Water.'
She holds dual citizenship in Australia and the United States.
She and her 'Originals' co-star, Phoebe Tonkin, are close friends who both starred in 'H2O: Just Add Water.'
She is an advocate for mental health awareness and has spoken openly about her own experiences with anxiety.
“I don't want to be pigeonholed; I fought to play more than just the vampire.”
