Her career began in front of the camera at age six. A child actor in Toronto commercials, she learned the business early. Her mother, a commercial producer, offered a unique view behind the scenes.
This early start built a foundation for nearly two decades of work. She moved from children’s television to more complex roles. Her journey reflects a steady growth in skill and presence.
Beyond performing, she developed a passion for writing. She studied screenwriting at York University, earning a degree. This education informs her approach to character and story.
Her creative interests extend to music and poetry. She plays piano and writes, showing depth beyond her on-screen persona. This blend of artistry defines her unique path.
The role of Maxine in Netflix’s Ginny & Georgia marked a major turning point. The series became one of the platform’s most-watched shows. It showcased her ability to command a leading role.
Sara Waisglass values craft and resilience in a challenging industry. Her story is one of gratitude and steady, purposeful work. It is a journey from local commercials to global streaming success.
Early Life and Beginnings in Entertainment
Her journey into acting started not by choice but through her mother’s work in the advertising industry. Growing up in Toronto with her parents and sister, she found herself in front of a camera at six years old.
Toronto Roots, Family, and Cultural Background
Her mother, a commercial producer, volunteered her for a Dove campaign. The director spotted something special in the young performer. This moment planted the seed for a future career.
Her Jewish heritage and early piano lessons shaped her artistic sensibility. These cultural influences gave her work depth beyond typical child acting roles.
Education, Screenwriting, and Early Acting Experiences
After Earl Haig Secondary School, she spent four years at York University. She earned a screenwriting degree that transformed her approach to storytelling.
This education taught her to see narratives as complete wholes. She learned how all elements weave together to create theme and meaning.
Her first paid job was a KFC commercial. She balanced school with auditions, building a solid foundation. Mentor Deb Fisher later advised her to write authentically, creating work she truly believed in.
Sara Waisglass: From Child Actress to TV and Film Star
The year 2007 marked a pivotal shift for the young performer, moving from commercials to her first scripted television role.
This period launched a steady climb through various genres and formats.
Early Television Debut and Memorable Commercials
Her professional debut came as eight-year-old Jane on The Jane Show. This first part paved the way for more consistent work.
She soon landed her inaugural film part in the 2008 thriller Afterwards. Sharing the screen with established stars was a significant early experience.
A major break arrived with the children’s sitcom Overruled!. Appearing in 29 episodes as Jordy Cooper built her recognition.
Transition from Degrassi to Major Film Roles
In 2013, she began playing Frankie Hollingsworth on Degrassi: The Next Generation. This role became a signature character for four years.
Her work on the popular series earned a Young Entertainer Award nomination in 2015. This recognition validated her growing skills.
Concurrently, she took on film projects like Life with Robert Pattinson and Mary Goes Round. The latter premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Guest spots on shows like Suits and The Good Doctor demonstrated her range. Each new project showed a performer mastering complex material.
| Year | Project | Role | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | The Jane Show | Jane | Television Debut |
| 2008 | Afterwards | Young Cee | Film Debut |
| 2009-2010 | Overruled! | Jordy Cooper | Series Regular |
| 2013-2017 | Degrassi Series | Frankie Hollingsworth | Signature Role |
In-Depth Look at Key Projects and Notable Performances
Audition persistence paid off when writers crafted a role specifically for her talents. This dedication shaped a career marked by significant growth across television formats.
Signature Roles in Degrassi, Overruled!, and October Faction
After trying out for nearly every female part, the Degrassi team created Frankie Hollingsworth for her. She played this character across multiple seasons of the series.
Her four-year run spanned Degrassi: The Next Generation and Degrassi: Next Class. She portrayed the younger sister and twin in the Hollingsworth family dynamic.
In October Faction, she expanded into supernatural drama as Madison St. Claire. This eight-episode arc demonstrated her range beyond teen-focused shows.
Breakout Performance in Ginny & Georgia and Career Milestones
The Netflix series Ginny & Georgia became her career-defining role. As Maxine Baker, she portrayed confidence she didn’t initially recognize in herself.
She considered it an honor to represent an ASL family alongside co-star Felix Mallard. The series achieved staggering viewership numbers across its first two seasons.
With 967.2 million hours watched, Ginny & Georgia became Netflix’s most-watched title. The renewal for additional seasons confirms its lasting impact.
This role transformed her self-perception as a performer. It revealed capabilities for bravery and command that continue to define her work.
Final Reflections on Impact and Future Endeavors
Even with global recognition from a hit Netflix series, the actress experienced a full year without work. This reality reshaped her understanding of the industry’s unpredictable nature.
She maintains balance through intensive fitness routines and dedicated writing practice. Her screenwriting background allows her to appreciate film as collaborative magic rather than individual performance.
Sara views acting as characters emerging from within herself, revealing new personal dimensions. She remains cautious about social media, fearing it might limit casting directors’ perception of her range.
Her advice to aspiring actors emphasizes gratitude through rejection. She believes perseverance receives its reward, with each role offering unique richness over the years.
