Holland Roden shot to Hollywood stardom with her role in the hit TV series “Teen Wolf.” She played Lydia, the popular, brainy high schooler, so convincingly that fans found it hard to believe she was well over 25 during filming. But “Teen Wolf” was far from her first rodeo. This redhead beauty had already showcased her acting chops in popular shows like “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” and “Lost.” Read on for more about her journey.
Holland Roden’s Journey
Born Holland Marie Roden on October 7, 1986, in Dallas, she grew up with parents who were both medical professionals and hoped she’d follow in their footsteps. However, even as a child, little Holland made it clear she had other plans. At just six years old, she developed a fascination with the British Royal Family, particularly Princess Diana. Holland was captivated by Diana’s grace and femininity. She’d spend evenings dressed in her best outfits, meticulously mimicking the Princess of Wales’s manners, expressions, and gestures. Seeing their daughter’s undeniable talent, her loving parents had no choice but to enroll her in a children’s acting studio. By her teenage years, Holland Roden was a natural on stage, taking on diverse roles and excelling in every one.
Beyond the acting studio, Holland Roden also attended the prestigious private school, The Hockaday School. There, she excelled academically, especially in science, becoming one of the brightest students. Her passion for acting temporarily took a backseat. So, when it was time to choose a college, Holland decided to pursue medicine. She enrolled at the University of California, Los Angeles, intending to become a cardiovascular surgeon. But after three years of study, the budding actress increasingly found herself questioning her true calling. And it definitely wasn’t medicine. To avoid completely abandoning her studies, Holland Roden simply changed her major. She earned a degree in sociology, with her thesis focusing on the social status of women and their role in power.
Holland Roden’s Personal Life
Holland Roden’s striking looks often led to speculation about her romantic life. Rumors swirled that she was dating Tyler Hoechlin, her “Teen Wolf” co-star. However, Hoechlin dispelled those rumors in an interview, stating their relationship was strictly platonic. Later, fans began noticing Holland alongside Colton Haynes, another “Teen Wolf” alum. But those talks ceased after Haynes publicly came out as gay. The actress herself keeps her personal life fiercely private, rarely sharing details. It wasn’t until 2014 that she confirmed she was in a romantic relationship with Max Carver, with numerous shared photos online serving as proof.
Holland Roden’s Acting Career
Holland Roden’s acting debut was in the series “12 Miles of Bad Road,” an HBO production that, unfortunately, was never aired. This role might have brought her early fame.
Audiences first saw the redheaded actress in 2008 in “Lost,” where she played Emily Locke. Her immediate display of talent led to a flurry of subsequent roles. Between 2008 and 2011 alone, her filmography grew significantly to include:
- “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”
- “Lost”
- “Cold Case”
- “Community”
- “Criminal Minds”
In 2011, Holland Roden landed her first major role after successfully auditioning for the teen drama “Teen Wolf.”