You know that feeling when you're watching a show and a character just clicks? Not because they're perfect, but because they’re kind of a mess in the exact same way you are? That’s the Emily Hampshire effect. Most people know her as Stevie Budd, the sardonic, flannel-wearing heartbeat of Schitt’s Creek. But if you think that deadpan desk-leaning is the extent of her range, honestly, you’re missing out on some of the wildest performances in modern TV.
From playing a reimagined version of Brad Pitt's most famous "crazy" role to surviving supernatural oil rigs, Hampshire has built a career on being the weirdest person in the room—and somehow making that the most relatable thing on screen.
The Breakthroughs: Beyond the Rosebud Motel
Let’s get the big one out of the way. Emily Hampshire movies and tv shows lists always start with Schitt's Creek, and for good reason. Stevie Budd wasn't just a sidekick; she was the "straight man" (in the comedic sense) who eventually found her own voice through a community theatre production of Cabaret. That scene where she sings "Maybe This Time"? Pure goosebumps. It proved she could carry the emotional weight of a series without losing that trademark dry wit.
But before she was checking the Rose family into rooms 6 and 7, she was already a staple of the Canadian indie scene.
The Syfy Transformation
If you really want to see what she can do, you have to watch 12 Monkeys. She played Jennifer Goines. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because the character was originally Jeffrey Goines, played by Brad Pitt in the 1995 film. Taking over a role that earned someone an Oscar nomination is a massive swing. Hampshire didn't just play it; she owned it.
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She turned Jennifer into a "Primary"—someone who sees all of time at once. It’s a performance that’s frantic, heartbreaking, and deeply funny. One minute she’s leading a post-apocalyptic girl gang called the Daughters, and the next she’s performing a 1920s cabaret number in France to send a message through time. It’s the kind of high-wire act that few actors can pull off without it feeling like a caricature.
A Career Built on "Odd" Choices
Hampshire has this vibe that casting directors apparently didn't always "get." She’s mentioned in interviews that people used to tell her she wasn't funny. Which is wild, considering she basically redefined "deadpan" for a generation.
Take a look at her film work. It’s not your typical Hollywood blockbuster fare.
- Cosmopolis (2012): She worked with David Cronenberg. That’s basically the ultimate "I’m a serious actor" badge of honor in Canada.
- My Awkward Sexual Adventure (2012): She played Julia Bowe, a stripper who teaches a guy how to be better in bed. It sounds like a generic rom-com, but she won a Canadian Comedy Award for it because she brought so much actual humanity to a role that could have been a total trope.
- Snow Cake (2006): Starring alongside Alan Rickman and Sigourney Weaver, she played Vivienne Freeman. It’s a quiet, heavy movie, and she held her own against two of the greatest actors to ever do it.
What’s Happening Now: 2025 and 2026 Projects
Right now, she’s leaning hard into the "genre" space. If you haven't checked out The Rig on Amazon, do it. She plays Rose Mason, a scientist stuck on an oil rig in the North Sea where a mysterious fog brings some seriously bad news. It’s a far cry from the Rosebud Motel. It’s cold, corporate, and tense.
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As we head into 2026, things are getting even more interesting.
The Mary Hartman Reboot
There’s been a lot of buzz about her reimagining the 1970s cult classic Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman. This is a massive deal. She’s not just starring; she’s writing and executive producing. The original was a biting satire of soap operas and consumer culture. Hampshire’s version is reportedly tackling the modern obsession with "going viral" and the mental health toll of being "verified." It’s a role that feels tailor-made for her ability to play someone who is slowly unraveling while trying to keep it together for the cameras.
Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice
Scheduled for a world premiere at SXSW in March 2026, this 20th Century Studios action-comedy is probably her biggest mainstream push in a while. It’s got time travel, gangsters, and a massive cast including Vince Vaughn and James Marsden. Seeing her bring her indie sensibilities to a big Hulu/Disney+ action flick is going to be a highlight of the year.
Why Most People Get Her Career Wrong
The common misconception is that Emily Hampshire is "the girl from Schitt’s Creek." In reality, she’s a seasoned character actor who spent twenty years in the trenches of Canadian TV before the rest of the world caught up.
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She’s also a prolific voice actor. Ever see Ruby Gloom? She voiced Misery. Braceface? She was Alyson. She’s been in your living room for decades, even if you didn't recognize her face.
She’s a member of the LGBTQ+ community and has been very vocal about wanting to normalize queer and non-binary characters in her development projects. When she’s producing, she’s not just looking for "diversity hires"—she’s looking for ways to make these identities just another part of the story, not the whole plot.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you want the full "Emily Hampshire experience," don't just re-watch the same three episodes of Schitt's Creek. Here is how to actually dive into her filmography:
- Start with 12 Monkeys: Watch at least through Season 2. That’s where her character, Jennifer Goines, really becomes the soul of the show.
- Find the Indies: Look for Good Neighbours or The Trotsky. They show her ability to handle dark comedy and political satire way before she was a household name.
- The New Stuff: Catch The Rig on Prime Video and keep an eye out for the Mary Hartman premiere.
- Read her Graphic Novel: She actually wrote a book called Amelia Aierwood: Basic Witch. It’s a fun way to see her creative voice outside of acting.
She isn't interested in being the "it girl." She’s interested in being the weird girl. And honestly? That’s why her career has more staying power than most. She’s not afraid to be unlikable, messy, or "too much." That's exactly why we keep watching.