You’ve definitely seen her. Maybe she was the intense, katana-wielding hero in a digital series or a mysterious investigator in a New Zealand thriller. Emily Piggford is one of those actors who seems to be everywhere once you start looking. She doesn’t just show up; she anchors the scene.
Born on a farm on Vancouver Island, she’s got this British-Japanese heritage that gives her a look as versatile as her acting range. She’s not just "another actor." She’s a Canadian Screen Award nominee who transitioned from musical theatre at age 11 to becoming a staple of prestige TV and indie cinema.
Honestly, if you're looking for the best Emily Piggford movies and TV shows, you’ve got to look past the bit parts. While she’s popped up in massive hits like The Umbrella Academy, her real meat-and-potatoes work happens when she’s leading the charge in genre-bending projects.
The Roles That Put Emily Piggford on the Map
Most people first really "saw" her in Warigami. It’s a wild premise. She plays Wendy Ohata, a woman who discovers she’s part of an ancient lineage that can turn paper into deadly weapons. It sounds like a comic book, and it basically is, but Piggford plays it with such grounded intensity that you actually believe a paper crane could slit a throat.
She did her own stunts. Well, a lot of them. She has a background in dance, which makes her fight scenes look fluid rather than clunky. If you haven't seen it, it’s a quick binge that shows exactly why she’s a rising star in the action-fantasy space.
Then there’s The Sounds.
This one is a complete 180. It’s a co-production between Canada and New Zealand. Piggford plays Esther Ishikawa. It’s a slow-burn thriller set against the gorgeous, haunting backdrop of Marlborough Sounds. Her character is sent by a wealthy family to find a missing man, and she plays Esther with this "inscrutable exterior" that keeps you guessing whose side she’s actually on.
A Career Built on Variety
If you look at her filmography, it’s a bit of a maze. You’ve got:
- See for Me (2021): She plays Deputy Brooks. It’s a home-invasion thriller where she provides a grounded, law-enforcement foil to the chaos.
- The Cuban (2019): A much softer, more emotional film where she stars alongside legends like Louis Gossett Jr.
- That’s My DJ: This is where she earned a Canadian Screen Award nomination. It’s a digital series about the EDM scene in Toronto. It’s gritty, loud, and feels very "real."
- Killjoys and Lost Girl: She’s a darling of the Syfy/Space channel world.
One of her coolest, under-the-radar projects is New Eden. It’s a Crave mockumentary about an all-female cult in the 70s. It’s hilarious in a very dark, uncomfortable way. Piggford has talked about how she auditioned for four different roles before they found the right fit, which just shows her tenacity.
What’s New in 2025 and 2026?
As of early 2026, Piggford is still hitting it hard. She recently appeared in The Roses and has been involved in projects like Jay Kelly.
You might have also spotted her in the Hallmark+ movie A Very Venice Romance (2023), playing Naomi. It’s a bit of a departure from her usual "mysterious investigator" or "paper-folding assassin" roles, but it proves she can do the lighthearted, romantic stuff just as well.
The industry is talking about her role in Robyn Hood, a modern reimagining of the classic legend directed by Director X. It’s stylish, urban, and perfectly suited to her high-energy performance style.
Why She’s the One to Watch
What most people get wrong about Emily Piggford is thinking she’s just a "supporting" player. If you watch her in Warigami or The Sounds, you see a lead actor waiting for the right massive breakout.
She’s a graduate of the Canadian Film Centre’s Actors Conservatory. That’s a big deal in the North American acting world. It’s the same program that has churned out some of the best talent in the industry. She isn't just "lucky"—she's technically brilliant.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you want to catch the best of her work, here is how you should prioritize your watchlist:
- Start with Warigami. It’s the best showcase of her physicality and lead-actor energy.
- Move to The Sounds. If you like Broadchurch or Big Little Lies, this is your vibe. Piggford is the best part of the mystery.
- Check out See For Me. It’s a tight, 90-minute thriller that’s actually good (which is rare for the genre).
- Find That’s My DJ. It’s harder to track down depending on your region, but it’s her most "raw" performance.
Keep an eye on her 2026 releases. With the way her career is scaling, she’s likely to move from "that actor you recognize" to a household name in the next few years.
To keep up with her latest projects, follow her on social media or check out the Canadian Film Centre’s alumni updates, as she frequently collaborates with other indie Canadian creators.