One of CBS’s longest-running sitcoms, How I Met Your Mother quickly became popular due to its non-contemporary structure, humor, and incorporation of dramatic elements. The frame narrative included the lead character Ted recounting to his children the past events that led to him meeting their mother.
While the actors from the show were commended for their comedic timing and great acting chops, one in particular managed to steal several hearts. Actress Cobie Smulders played one of the main characters, Robin Scherbatsky, a news reporter and part of the ‘gang’ in the hit show. However, HIMYM fans may not know that the actress was once a part of the glamorous world of modelling, before show biz.
Cobie Smulders before HIMYM
Not many fans are aware of Cobie Smulders‘ life before her breakout role in How I Met Your Mother. The actress was already a part of the industry but via a different route, modeling. She began her career working as a model in her late teens, traveling all around the world for her shows.
But the glitzy world of models did not excite the actress. Rather, she felt it was uncomfortable. The former model did not enjoy getting her pictures taken and felt the industry was too demanding. Being quite shy in nature, she felt alone while travelling in different cities for her gigs.
I did it for about two years and then I realized how much I didn’t like it.
In an interview with CBS Sunday Morning, Smulders revealed she was painfully underconfident. Perhaps that was part of the reason modelling didn’t agree with her but it did help her in some ways. The actress revealed it gave her the confidence to ‘walk into rooms’ for later auditions in Los Angeles.
On being asked by the interviewer, Anthony Mason, if she thought she was a good model, she shockingly refused. She said,
I think that to be a good model you have to actually enjoy having your pictures taken and I never really did.
Though Smulders credits her modeling days for her newfound confidence, especially in front of the camera, the actress still does not like her ‘pictures being taken’.
Cobie Smulders’ social work with Oceana
After gaining ample fame and exposure through her role in How I Met Your Mother, the actress took a step back to work with her passion project. Smulders has been involved with a non-profit organisation called Oceana, advocating for marine life protection. She participated in multiple campaigns to raise awareness about issues like ocean pollution, overfishing, etc.
But I do it because I know that through that maybe I’ll get that little Indie film and I’ll be a big enough name so they’ll take a chance on me and I will be able to play that role I’ve always wanted.
They say that things that you fear will someday come back to haunt you, and perhaps that’s true for Smulders. Since joining the campaigns, the actress has restarted her modeling career, this time for a purpose. Though not thrilled, she hopes this will allow her to play that one role she has been waiting for.
I still don’t consider myself very interesting, I still don’t really enjoy having my picture taken
The actress has appeared in various shows and movies since after her role on the show, but has a reserved personality. She has been patiently waiting for a serious, critical role that might give her the challenge she has been searching for.
Watch all seasons of How I Met Your Mother on Netflix.
