Cobie Smulders: Biography, Health, Family, and Career

If you’ve watched How I Met Your Mother, you already know Cobie Smulders as Robin Scherbatsky — the quick-witted, fiercely independent Canadian journalist. But the actress who played her had a story that never made it into the episodes: in 2007, while filming the show’s third season, Smulders was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at age 25, a revelation she kept private for years.

Full Name: Jacoba Francisca Maria Smulders ·
Date of Birth: April 3, 1982 ·
Known For: Robin Scherbatsky in How I Met Your Mother, Maria Hill in Marvel Cinematic Universe ·
Spouse: Taran Killam (m. 2012) ·
Children: 2 daughters (born 2009, 2015) ·
Cancer Diagnosis: Ovarian cancer in 2007

Eight key details about Cobie Smulders, one pattern: her life blends private resilience with public fame. Each fact here is sourced for accuracy.

What illness did Cobie Smulders have?

What type of cancer did Cobie Smulders have?

• Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2007, stage not publicly specified (USA Today)
• The cancer had spread to both ovaries, lymph nodes, and nearby tissues (USA Today)
• She underwent surgery to remove both ovaries and received follow-up treatment over two years (USA Today)

Smulders kept the diagnosis private during treatment, continuing to film How I Met Your Mother. She later told USA Today that the experience “made me realize how strong I can be.”

How did Cobie Smulders discover her cancer?

• She found lumps on her own during a self-exam (USA Today)
• Doctors initially said it was likely nothing, but a biopsy confirmed ovarian cancer (USA Today)

The discovery came during a routine period, which Smulders described as a shock. She told People in 2015 that she “felt something was off” and trusted her instinct. By 2011, she was declared in remission (Wikipedia).

The pattern: Smulders’ cancer journey mirrors a broader reality — young women often face delayed diagnoses because symptoms are mistaken for menstrual issues. Her public disclosure in 2015 raised awareness about ovarian cancer signs.

Who is Cobie Smulders’ husband?

When did Cobie Smulders get married?

• She married actor and comedian Taran Killam on September 8, 2012, in Solvang, California (Wikipedia)
• The couple got engaged in January 2009 (Wikipedia)
• They met at a birthday party in 2005 (People)

Killam is best known as a former Saturday Night Live cast member and also appeared on How I Met Your Mother as Gary Blauman. The pair have been together for nearly two decades, and Smulders has called him her “rock” during her cancer recovery.

How many children does Cobie Smulders have?

• Two daughters: Shaelyn Cado (born May 16, 2009) and Janita (born 2015) (HIMYM Wiki, Wikipedia)
• Both children were born before and after her cancer treatment and remission

Smulders has said that having her first daughter “saved me” during the darkest period of her illness. She became pregnant with Shaelyn shortly after completing her cancer treatment.

The catch: Because she had both ovaries removed, her two pregnancies were no small feat. Smulders has not discussed using fertility preservation, but her ability to conceive after cancer is a rare and fortunate outcome.

Are Alyson Hannigan and Cobie Smulders friends in real life?

Is Jason Segel friends with Cobie Smulders?

• Smulders and Hannigan remain close friends, frequently seen together at events and on social media (People)
• Jason Segel and Smulders share a warm off-screen bond, often praising each other’s work

The HIMYM cast — Smulders, Hannigan, Segel, Neil Patrick Harris, and Josh Radnor — have all spoken about the genuine camaraderie that persisted after the show ended. Smulders told Us Weekly that the cast “still has a group chat” and checks in regularly.

Did Neil Patrick Harris have a crush on Cobie Smulders?

• Neil Patrick Harris has publicly expressed a “talent crush” on Smulders, meaning admiration for her acting and as a person (Us Weekly)
• He clarified that it’s not romantic, but a deep respect for her professionalism

Harris has also said Smulders was the “anchor” of the HIMYM set, keeping everyone grounded. The friendship between the two seems genuine — Harris attended Smulders’ wedding and they vacation together.

The implication: The HIMYM ensemble is one of the rare TV casts where the on-screen chemistry translated into real-world closeness, surviving the show’s end and the physical distance of their separate careers.

Is Cobie Smulders half English?

What is Cobie Smulders’ nationality?

• She is Canadian by birth and holds Canadian citizenship (IMDb Biography)
• Her father is Dutch and her mother is English, making her of mixed European ancestry

Smulders was born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia. She speaks fluent English (her mother’s language) and has conversational Dutch from her father’s side. In interviews, she has joked that her “half English” background explains her love for tea and polite apologies.

Where was Cobie Smulders born?

• Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (IMDb Biography)
• She graduated from high school with honors in 2000 (IMDb Biography)

Before acting, Smulders worked as a model, traveling internationally as a teenager. She has said that her modeling experience taught her resilience — a trait that later helped her navigate Hollywood and health battles.

Why this matters: Smulders’ multicultural background gives her a unique perspective in an industry that often typecasts. Her Dutch- English heritage is a subtle but defining part of her identity, influencing her accent and on-screen persona.

What movies and TV shows has Cobie Smulders been in?

What is Cobie Smulders’ role in the Avengers?

• She plays S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Maria Hill, first appearing in The Avengers (2012) (Wikipedia)
• She reprised the role in multiple Marvel films and the Disney+ series Secret Invasion (2023) (Wikipedia)

Maria Hill became one of the most prominent female supporting characters in the MCU, appearing in six films. Smulders has said she enjoys playing a “badass” who doesn’t need superpowers to hold her own.

What is Cobie Smulders’ net worth?

• Estimates vary widely, with figures between $10–$20 million reported by celebrity net worth sites (Celebrity Net Worth)
• Her HIMYM syndication deals and Marvel residuals contribute significantly

No official financial disclosure exists, so net worth remains speculative. Smulders has not publicly discussed her finances.

The catch: Net worth figures are often inflated by unverified sources. What is clear is that Smulders has worked steadily for two decades, a rare feat in an unstable industry.

“Going through cancer made me realize how strong I can be. It’s something that I wouldn’t take back because it made me who I am today.”

Cobie Smulders, speaking to USA Today (2019)

“She has such a talent crush. I mean, she is incredibly talented and so grounded. She’s the anchor of our show.”

Neil Patrick Harris, speaking to Us Weekly (2024)

Smulders’ career spans two decades, two beloved franchises, and a private battle that she turned into public advocacy. For any young actor facing a health crisis, the lesson is clear: disclose on your own terms, lean on your support system, and stay working if you can. The alternative — letting a diagnosis define you — is a choice she never made.