Getting to Know Sara Waisglass
When you search for Sara Waisglass, you’re looking for information on a talented Canadian actress who has captured audiences across North America, including in major cultural hubs like New York City. For a quick overview, here’s what you should know about her:
- Born: July 3, 1998, in Toronto, Canada.
- Known For: Maxine Baker in Netflix’s Ginny & Georgia, Frankie Hollingsworth in the Degrassi franchise, and her role in the popular NYC-set series Suits.
- Career Start: Began acting in commercials at age six, with her first major role in Overruled!.
- Beyond Acting: She is also a developing screenwriter, having studied at York University, and aspires to write, direct, and produce.
- Career Span: Over 17 years in the entertainment industry.
Sara Waisglass is not just a familiar face on screen; she’s a rising star with a passion for storytelling both in front of and behind the camera. From her early days as a child actor to her current success on major streaming platforms, her journey is marked by dedication and versatility. She brings a natural energy to her characters, making them relatable and memorable to a global audience.
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Her Iconic Roles: From ‘Degrassi’ to ‘Ginny & Georgia’
When we talk about Sara Waisglass, it’s impossible not to highlight the two roles that have truly defined her career and endeared her to millions of fans worldwide: Frankie Hollingsworth in the beloved Degrassi franchise and Maxine Baker in Netflix’s hit teen drama, Ginny & Georgia. These roles showcase her incredible range, from the complexities of teenage life to the vibrant energy of a high school best friend.
Her work in these series goes beyond mere acting; it’s an authentic portrayal of young lives, making her characters resonate deeply with audiences. Whether navigating the dramatic halls of Degrassi Community School or bringing comedic timing and emotional depth to the MANG group in Ginny & Georgia—set in neighboring New England—Sara Waisglass consistently delivers performances that are both impactful and memorable. She has a unique ability to find the heart of her characters, making them feel incredibly real.
The Unforgettable Performance of Sara Waisglass as Maxine Baker
As Maxine ‘Max’ Baker in Ginny & Georgia, Sara Waisglass has truly found a role that allows her to shine. Max is Ginny’s openly lesbian best friend, a character brimming with an infectious personality, quick wit, and an undeniable zest for life. What makes Max so unforgettable is Sara’s ability to blend sharp comedic timing with moments of profound dramatic depth. We see Max at her most boisterous and at her most vulnerable, and Sara steers these emotional shifts with remarkable skill.
One of the unique aspects of Max’s character that Sara Waisglass accepts is the use of American Sign Language (ASL), reflecting her character’s deaf parents. This commitment to authenticity adds another layer to her already rich performance. While Sara often describes Max as an exaggerated version of herself, she acknowledges the parallels in their shared exuberance and loyalty, while also highlighting their differences, particularly in Max’s more impulsive and dramatic tendencies. André Dae Kim, a fellow actor, even affectionately calls her ‘Sassy Waisglassy’, a nickname that perfectly captures the vibrant energy she brings to characters like Max. Sara’s energy and ferocity as Max is undeniable on screen, making her a fan favorite and a central pillar of the show’s dynamic.
For more on the captivating ensemble, check out the Ginny and Georgia Cast.
The Early Career of Sara Waisglass: From Commercials to ‘Degrassi’
Before she became Max, Sara Waisglass was already a familiar face to North American audiences, notably as Frankie Hollingsworth in the long-running Degrassi franchise. Her journey into acting began remarkably early; she started booking commercials from the tender age of six, with her very first acting job being a KFC commercial. This early start quickly led to more significant roles, including her appearance in 29 episodes of the children’s sitcom Overruled! as Jordy Cooper from 2009-2011.
Her path to Degrassi was particularly interesting. Sara Waisglass had auditioned for almost every female role in Degrassi for years before she finally landed the part of Frankie Hollingsworth. In a testament to her talent and persistence, the show’s writers were so impressed that they ultimately decided to create a role specifically for her. This led to her starring as Frankie in 44 episodes of Degrassi: The Next Generation (2013-2015) and later in 37 episodes of Degrassi: Next Class (2016-2017). She was even the youngest Degrassi cast member until Season 14.
As Frankie, Sara Waisglass steerd a myriad of challenging and relatable storylines that resonated deeply with the show’s teenage audience. Key Degrassi storylines for Frankie included:
- Her struggle with identity and finding her place within the school’s social groups.
- Her exploration of relationships, including complex romantic dynamics and friendships.
- Dealing with issues of cyberbullying and online harassment.
- Tackling themes of body image and self-acceptance.
- Her involvement in the arts, particularly her passion for fashion and design, which often provided an outlet for her creativity and emotions.
- The development of her bond with her twin brother, Hunter, and her older brother, Miles.
- Her unexpected and popular pairing with Zoë Rivas, which led to fans “shipping” them as Froë.
These roles not only showcased her acting chops but also established her as a significant presence in teen television, building a loyal fanbase in cities like New York and beyond.
Her Dedication to the Craft and Versatile Talent
What truly sets Sara Waisglass apart is her deep dedication to acting and her amazing versatility. She started acting as a child, and ever since, she’s been sharpening her skills, moving easily between funny and serious roles, and trying out all sorts of genres. Her career has now lasted over 17 years, which really shows how hard she works and how much she loves telling stories.
Beyond her most famous parts, Sara Waisglass has built a solid list of film and TV projects. This proves she’s much more than just a teen drama star. We’ve even been lucky enough to hear her sing in Ginny & Georgia! Her songs like ‘Good Girl’, ‘Marriage Is a Dungeon’, and ‘Invisible’ were such a treat.
Want to learn even more about all her amazing work? You can find More info about her filmography.
A Career Spanning Over 17 Years
Sara Waisglass‘s journey into entertainment began incredibly early. She had a natural talent for performing right from the start. Her very first job was in a KFC commercial, which opened the door for her to become a familiar face on TV. She quickly moved on to bigger roles, like her appearance in The Jane Show in 2007. Then came her role as Jordy Cooper in Overruled!, which really made her stand out as a young actress.
But her early career wasn’t just on TV. She also worked in movies, sharing the screen with huge stars. Imagine acting alongside legends like John Malkovich and Romain Duris in the film Afterwards, or with Robert Pattinson and Dane DeHaan in Life. These experiences were incredibly valuable for her. They helped her learn and grow in the industry, showing her that acting was truly her path. Her consistent hard work over all these years has built a strong base for the success we see today. Her career, which started way back in 2007, is still going strong, making her a fascinating subject for our Profiles.
More Than Just Drama: Exploring Other Notable Roles
While her roles in Degrassi and Ginny & Georgia might be the ones most people know, Sara Waisglass has actually played many other film and TV characters. These roles really show off how versatile she is! She’s proven she can handle all kinds of stories and different types of characters.
For example, Sara Waisglass starred as Madison St. Claire in eight episodes of the supernatural drama October Faction in 2020. This showed she could take on darker, more intense material. In the 2017 film Mary Goes Round, she played Robyn, proving her strong presence in independent movies. She also appeared as Lyla in 18 episodes of Holly Hobbie (2018-2022), a role that let her explore a lighter, family-friendly story.
Her film roles also include Tainted (2020) and the recent Suze (2023), which keep expanding her big-screen presence. She’s even made impactful appearances in popular shows like The Good Doctor (2017), where she played Olivia Hartman in one episode, and Suits (2018), where she had a two-episode arc as Teen Esther in the series famously set in New York City. Adding sci-fi to her resume, she played Quin in two episodes of Killjoys in 2017. Most recently, her work in the film Cascade (2024) earned her a nomination for ‘Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Northern Ontario Production’ at the Northern Ontario Music and Film Awards. This long list truly highlights her ability to adapt and shine in many different formats and genres, cementing her reputation as a truly versatile actress.
Why Sara Waisglass is a Rising Star Behind the Scenes
You know Sara Waisglass from her incredible acting, but did you know she’s also a powerhouse behind the scenes? She’s not content with just bringing characters to life on screen. She’s also deeply interested in creating stories from scratch and shaping them from behind the camera. Her studies at York University have really helped her grow these ambitions, positioning her as a multi-talented artist ready to make her mark in major industry hubs from Toronto to New York City.
From Actor to Creator: Her Academic and Writing Pursuits
One of the coolest things about Sara Waisglass‘s journey is how dedicated she is to becoming a full-fledged storyteller. She went to York University to get a degree in screenwriting. This gave her a deep understanding of how stories are built, how characters develop, and all the ins and outs of making films. This academic path has definitely made her a better actress. She now has an even greater appreciation for the scripts she works on and the characters she plays.
But her interest isn’t just about learning! She’s actively working on new scripts and has clearly said she wants to produce and even direct her own projects one day. This drive to create shows her desire for more creative control. It’s a true passion for crafting her very own stories. As a developing screenwriter, Sara Waisglass is building the foundation for a future where she can share her unique vision with the world. And get this – she even published a book of poetry called The Art of Breaking Glass back in 2016! How cool is that? It just proves her talent with words goes beyond the screen. It’s truly inspiring to see an artist so committed to growing her craft in so many different ways.
Acknowledged by the Industry: Awards and Recognition
It’s clear that Sara Waisglass‘s talent hasn’t gone unnoticed by those in the entertainment industry. She’s received some great recognition for her work in film and television. In fact, she has 1 win and 3 nominations for various awards! These honors are a wonderful nod to her powerful performances and her growing influence in entertainment.
She’s been nominated for some pretty impressive awards. In 2016, she received a Young Entertainer Awards nomination for ‘Best Recurring Young Actress 16-21 – Television Series’ for her role in Degrassi: The Next Generation. Then, in 2019, she was nominated at The Joey Awards, Vancouver, for ‘Best Television or Webseries Ensemble’ for her work on Holly Hobbie. Most recently, in 2024, she earned a Northern Ontario Music and Film Awards nomination. This was a Jury Prize for ‘Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Northern Ontario Production’ for her film Cascade.
Perhaps one of the most exciting recent recognitions came at the Future of Film Showcase in 2024. There, Sara Waisglass won the prestigious Rising Star Award! This award is a huge sign that the industry sees her as a major talent with immense potential. It definitely marks her as someone to watch closely in the years to come. Her consistent nominations and this recent big win really highlight the respect she’s earned from her peers and critics alike.
For a comprehensive look at her achievements, you can explore A list of her awards.
Her Grounded Personality and Authentic Connection
It’s easy to admire a star from afar, but what truly makes someone shine is their ability to stay real, even as their fame grows. That’s exactly what you’ll find with Sara Waisglass. Despite her rising success and a busy schedule, she’s managed to stay wonderfully grounded. Her deep roots in Toronto, her Jewish heritage, and her strong family background have all played a big part in keeping her down-to-earth. This relatability truly connects her with fans from all over the world, including a strong following in cities like New York.
Staying True to Her Roots
Sara Waisglass is fortunate to come from a super supportive family. Her parents, Jeff and Tess Waisglass, along with her sister Carly, have been her anchors, helping her steer the exciting but sometimes tricky world of entertainment. It’s really cool that creativity runs in her family too! Her dad is a musician, her mom works in film, and her sister is a singer. This shared understanding of the arts probably makes navigating fame a bit easier for her.
You can tell she’s genuinely down-to-earth. She often shares little personal tidbits that make her feel incredibly accessible. For example, did you know she loves playing the piano? It’s a wonderful creative outlet for her outside of acting. And for all you astrology buffs, she’s a Cancer, born on July 3rd! Fun fact: she shares a birthday with fellow Degrassi alumna Alex Steele, even though she’s three years younger. Her favorite holiday is New Year’s Eve, and she even had the iconic Kim Possible beep as her ringtone once upon a time. These charming details paint a picture of a fun-loving, authentic person who stays true to herself amidst all the glitz and glam.
Engaging with Fans and Sharing Her Life
Sara Waisglass truly understands how important it is to connect with her audience. She does this in a wonderfully authentic way through her social media. With over 2.1 million followers on Instagram and a growing presence on X (formerly Twitter) with 42,985 followers as of February 2023, she’s a pro at engaging with her fanbase. She shares little peeks into her life, from behind-the-scenes fun on set to snippets of her personal hobbies and even vacation photos.
Her relatability truly shines through because she’s willing to share her authentic self. Whether she’s modeling for ‘Youth Apparel’ or just posting candid pictures from her travels, you feel like you’re getting a real glimpse of who she is. While her YouTube channel, where she used to post singing covers, has since been deleted, her continued activity on other platforms shows her genuine desire to interact with fans and let them be part of her journey. This open and honest approach creates a strong sense of community and allows her audience to feel a true connection with this amazing star.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sara Waisglass
We know you might have a few more questions about this incredible talent, Sara Waisglass! So, we’ve gathered some of the most common questions and answered them here, just for you.
How old is Sara Waisglass?
If you’re wondering about Sara Waisglass‘s age, you’re in the right place! She was born on July 3, 1998, right in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. This means she turned 25 years old in 2023. Fun fact: her birthday makes her a Cancer, a zodiac sign often known for its nurturing and deeply emotional traits.
What is Sara Waisglass known for?
When it comes to what Sara Waisglass is famous for, several roles immediately spring to mind, captivating audiences worldwide! First up is her electrifying portrayal of Maxine ‘Max’ Baker in Netflix’s hit comedy-drama, Ginny & Georgia. Max is Ginny’s openly lesbian best friend, and Sara brings such vibrant energy and comedic timing to the role that she’s become a fan favorite.
Before Max, Sara Waisglass was a familiar face to many as Frankie Hollingsworth in the iconic Canadian teen drama franchise, Degrassi: The Next Generation and Degrassi: Next Class. She also made a memorable appearance in the popular legal drama Suits, which was famously set in New York City. And for those who remember her even earlier, she also gained recognition as Jordy Cooper in the children’s sitcom Overruled!. Talk about a journey!
Is Sara Waisglass a writer?
Yes, absolutely! Sara Waisglass is much more than just a brilliant actress; she’s a true creative force with a passion for storytelling that extends behind the camera. She truly committed to this path by graduating from York University with a degree in screenwriting. How cool is that?
Her writing talents aren’t just for scripts, either. She even published a lovely book of poetry called The Art of Breaking Glass back in 2016. Looking ahead, Sara Waisglass has big dreams! She aspires not only to write but also to direct and produce her own projects, showcasing her ambition to be a truly multi-faceted artist in the entertainment world.
Conclusion
Wow, what a journey! As we wrap up our deep dive into the incredible career of Sara Waisglass, it’s crystal clear that she’s so much more than just a talented actress. She’s a true multi-hyphenate: a captivating performer, a budding creative force behind the scenes, and a wonderfully authentic person who truly connects with her fans.
From her early days as a child actor, gracing our screens in Overruled! and then stealing hearts as Frankie Hollingsworth in Degrassi, to becoming a global sensation as Maxine Baker in Ginny & Georgia, Sara Waisglass has consistently wowed us. Her versatility and unwavering dedication to her craft shine through every role, bringing characters to life in a way that feels incredibly real and memorable to audiences everywhere, from her hometown of Toronto to our home base in New York City.
But her ambition doesn’t stop there! With her screenwriting degree and a clear vision to write, direct, and even produce, Sara Waisglass is truly a rising star with a future as bright as her smile. It’s inspiring to see someone so committed to shaping stories both in front of and behind the camera.
Here at The Dining Destination, we love celebrating inspiring journeys like Sara Waisglass‘s. Her story is a beautiful reminder of what passion, perseverance, and staying true to yourself can achieve.
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