Honestly, if you’ve spent any time on Netflix in the last few years, you probably know Sarah McVie’s face, even if you can’t quite place the name at first. She’s that burst of chaotic, well-meaning energy. Most people recognize her as Val Szalinsky, the quirky "Mommy and Me" leader from Workin' Moms who somehow manages to be both the cringiest and most lovable person in the room. But looking at the full list of Sarah McVie movies and TV shows, there is so much more to her career than just tracksuits and parenting advice.
She isn’t just a "sitcom mom" type. Far from it.
McVie actually spent years honing her craft in the high-stakes world of classical theater before she ever stepped in front of a sitcom camera. We're talking five seasons at the Stratford Festival. That’s the big leagues. She was playing Cordelia in King Lear opposite the legendary Christopher Plummer. You don't get those roles by accident. It requires a level of discipline and vocal range that most TV actors frankly don't have. It's funny because her voice—which is naturally quite low—was actually what got her started in acting as a kid, often being cast in male roles because she sounded more mature than the boys in her class.
The Workin' Moms Phenomenon and Val’s Evolution
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Workin' Moms. When the show started, Val was basically a side character meant to provide some comic relief during the parenting class scenes. But something happened. McVie’s chemistry with the cast—and specifically her long-time friendship with writer Rebecca Kohler—turned Val into a scene-stealer.
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The character became a series regular because fans couldn't get enough of her bizarre "Val-isms." It’s rare to see a character who is so relentlessly optimistic yet clearly struggling with her own boundaries. Sarah has mentioned in interviews that Val was partly inspired by her own mother—a natural organizer with the best intentions who occasionally says things that make everyone else raise an eyebrow. By the time the show wrapped its seventh season in 2023, Val had become the emotional glue of the group.
If you're looking for where to see her best work, start here:
- Workin' Moms (2017–2023): As Val Szalinsky. This is her most iconic role to date.
- The Handmaid’s Tale (2019): She plays Lena, a Swiss diplomat. It’s a complete 180 from Val—serious, calculated, and sharp.
- Detention Adventure (2020): She plays Miss Dumont. It’s a great example of her range in younger-skewing media.
- American Gods (2021): A guest spot as Agatha in season 3.
Beyond the Comedy: Drama and Voice Work
It’s easy to pigeonhole her as a comedic actress, but if you look at Sarah McVie movies and TV shows like The Handmaid's Tale, you see a different person. In the episode "Under His Eye," she plays a diplomat involved in the high-stakes negotiations over Baby Nichole. There is no trace of Val’s goofiness there. She’s cold, professional, and intimidating.
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She has also done a ton of voice work that you’ve probably heard without realizing it. She voiced multiple characters in The Secret Life of Benjamin Bear. She’s also been a staple in Canadian TV movies like The Perfect Teacher and Guilty at 17. These aren't usually high-brow cinema, but they show her versatility in the "thriller" genre that dominates cable TV.
What’s Next for Sarah McVie?
The industry is changing. Sarah has been vocal about the "look" required for TV in the early 2000s and how she was told her weight or height wasn't right for the screen. Thankfully, those barriers are breaking down. Since Workin' Moms ended, she’s moved into more directing and coaching. She even directed a church Christmas pageant recently, proving she’s just as happy behind the scenes as she is in front of the lens.
She’s also been working on a writing project based on her childhood experiences visiting a prison where her father worked as a warden. That’s a heavy, fascinating pivot from the world of Kate and Anne.
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Why You Should Keep Watching
If you’ve only seen her on Netflix, you’re missing the depth of a woman who has been a drama lecturer at Carleton University and a Shakespearean lead. She’s a "pro’s pro."
Actionable next steps for fans:
- Watch the Swiss Diplomat arc in The Handmaid’s Tale (Season 3) to see her dramatic range.
- Check out Detention Adventure on HBO Max if you want a lighter, family-friendly performance.
- Follow her coaching work if you're an aspiring actor; she frequently shares insights via platforms like WeAudition.