Italia Ricci
A Canadian-American actress who navigated from supernatural villainy to the high-stakes corridors of political power on television.
Born 1986 (age 40)·Canadian-American actress·Birthday: October 29·Millennials
Biography
Italia Ricci built her career on portraying women of sharp intelligence and formidable resolve. After early roles in series like 'The Secret Life of the American Teenager', she broke out as April Carver, a young journalist facing a cancer diagnosis in the dramedy 'Chasing Life', a role that required balancing levity with profound emotional weight. She then deftly switched gears to the DC Universe, playing the metahuman villain Silver Banshee on 'Supergirl'. Her most politically charged role came as Emily Rhodes, the fiercely loyal and strategically brilliant White House Chief of Staff in 'Designated Survivor', where she held her own in a world of crisis and conspiracy. Through these varied parts, Ricci has consistently delivered performances marked by a grounded authenticity.
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.
Italia was born in 1986, 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 Italia Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Italia's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
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
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Starred as the lead, April Carver, in the ABC Family drama series 'Chasing Life' for its entire two-season run.
- Played a recurring role as the villainous Silver Banshee in the first season of The CW's 'Supergirl'.
- Portrayed White House Chief of Staff Emily Rhodes across all three seasons of the political thriller 'Designated Survivor'.
- Appeared in a main role in the YouTube Red original series 'Ryan Hansen Solves Crimes on Television*'.
Did You Know?
She is married to actor Robbie Amell, her co-star from the film 'The DUFF'.
She is a dual citizen of Canada and the United States.
She was a competitive figure skater for over a decade before pursuing acting.
She voiced the character of Judy in the animated 'Total Drama' series.
“Playing April taught me that strength isn't about being loud; it's about getting back up.”
