Rose McIver

Frances Rose McIver, born on October 10, 1988, in New Zealand, has established herself as a versatile actress with a diverse range of roles across television and film. She gained prominence for her portrayal of Olivia "Liv" Moore in The CW's acclaimed supernatural comedy-drama series "iZombie" from 2015 to 2019. Prior to this breakthrough role, McIver began her acting journey with guest appearances in popular New Zealand-based series such as "Xena: Warrior Princess," "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys," and "Legend of the Seeker."


In addition to her television work, McIver made her mark on the big screen with notable performances in various films. She showcased her talent in the period drama "The Piano" (1993) early in her career. McIver's filmography includes roles in diverse genres, ranging from the drama "The Lovely Bones" (2009) to the horror comedy "Predicament" (2010), the sports drama "Blinder" (2013), the romance drama "Petals on the Wind" (2014), and the musical drama "Daffodils" (2019).


Beyond her work in television and film, McIver has demonstrated her versatility by taking on recurring roles in acclaimed series such as the Showtime period drama "Masters of Sex" (2013–2014) and the ABC fantasy adventure drama "Once Upon a Time" (2013–2017). Currently, she captivates audiences in the CBS supernatural sitcom "Ghosts" (2021–present).
With her talent and dedication to her craft, Frances Rose McIver continues to leave a lasting impression on audiences worldwide, earning acclaim for her performances across various mediums of entertainment.


Frances Rose McIver hails from Auckland, where she was born and raised in the picturesque suburb of Titirangi. Her upbringing was enriched by her father, John George Whitfield "Mac" McIver, a photographer, and her mother, Ann "Annie" (née Coney), an artist, both of whom still reside in the family home where McIver spent her formative years. She shares her childhood memories with her older brother, Paul McIver, who pursued a career as a musician and actor before.


During her early years, McIver's interests extended beyond acting, as she dedicated herself to ballet and jazz dance until the age of thirteen. Academically, she excelled at Avondale College, where she served as a prefect in her final year before graduating in 2006. Following high school, McIver embarked on higher education at the University of Auckland, where she pursued studies in Psychology and Linguistics, although she did not complete her degree.
Between auditions and acting gigs, McIver supported herself through various jobs, including babysitting and part-time work importing bananas with Fair Trade. She even lent her voice to their "All Good Bananas" promotion, embodying the conscience of the listener in their advertising campaign.
McIver's diverse experiences and dedication to her craft reflect her multifaceted talents and commitment to both her artistic pursuits and her community.


Frances Rose McIver's journey into the world of entertainment began at an incredibly young age. By the age of two, she was already making appearances in commercials, foreshadowing her future in the spotlight. At just three years old, McIver landed her first significant role as an angel in the acclaimed film "The Piano," showcasing her early talent and potential.
Throughout her career, McIver has made significant contributions to New Zealand television, starring in a variety of genres ranging from fantasy-based series like "Maddigan's Quest" to dramas such as "Rude Awakenings." Her versatility is evident in her roles in television films like the Hercules series and "Maiden Voyage," as well as in Disney Channel movies like "Eddie's Million Dollar Cook-Off" (2003) and its sequel "Johnny Kapahala: Back on Board" (2007).


One of her notable television roles came in the action-packed series "Power Rangers RPM," where she portrayed Summer Landsdown / Ranger Yellow for 32 episodes from March to December 2009. Additionally, McIver showcased her comedic chops in the series "Super City," playing the character Candice, a cheerleader.
In 2011, McIver took on the challenging role of Nerissa Love in the television film "Tangiwai," which depicted the tragic Tangiwai rail disaster of 1953. Her portrayal of Nerissa Love, the fiancée of New Zealand cricketer Bob Blair and a victim of the disaster, demonstrated her ability to tackle emotionally demanding roles with depth and sensitivity.


Continuing to expand her repertoire, McIver appeared in various television projects, including MTV's pilot "Cassandra French's Finishing School for Boys," Showtime's "Masters of Sex," and a multi-episode arc as Tinker Bell in "Once Upon a Time." She also took on the role of adult Cathy Dollanganger in the Lifetime television film "Petals on the Wind," showcasing her range as an actress.
However, McIver's breakout role came in 2015 when she landed the lead role in The CW's hit series "iZombie," portraying Olivia "Liv" Moore. Her portrayal of the intelligent and witty zombie medical examiner captivated audiences, earning her widespread acclaim and establishing her as a prominent figure in television. The series concluded in 2019 after five successful seasons, leaving a lasting impact on viewers worldwide.


Frances Rose McIver's career continued to flourish with notable roles in both film and television. In Peter Jackson's adaptation of "The Lovely Bones," released in December 2009, McIver portrayed Lindsey Salmon, the younger sister of the film's main character. Her performance in this emotionally charged drama further solidified her reputation as a versatile and talented actress.


Following "The Lovely Bones," McIver appeared in "Predicament," a film based on Ronald Hugh Morrieson's novel, released in New Zealand and Australia in August 2010. She then ventured to Los Angeles for undisclosed projects, signaling her commitment to expanding her acting horizons beyond New Zealand.


In the indie film "Light Years," McIver starred opposite Chris Lowell, showcasing her ability to excel in diverse cinematic genres. Additionally, she joined the cast of "Blinder," a sports drama centered around Australian rules football, which began filming in February 2012. Her willingness to take on challenging and varied roles underscored her dedication to her craft.
In 2018, McIver was cast in the musical feature "Daffodils," further demonstrating her range as an actress. Filmed in various locations across New Zealand, including Wellington, Waikato, and Wairarapa, the movie showcased McIver's talent in a unique storytelling format.


Transitioning back to television, McIver starred in the Netflix romantic comedy "A Christmas Prince," filmed in Romania and released in November 2017. Her portrayal of Amber Moore resonated with audiences, leading to her reprisal of the role in two sequels: "A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding" (2018) and "A Christmas Prince: The Royal Baby" (2019).
In October 2021, McIver took on a new challenge by starring in the CBS sitcom "Ghosts" as Samantha "Sam" Arondekar, a prominent role that further showcased her comedic talents. With each new project, McIver continues to captivate audiences with her versatility and dedication to her craft, solidifying her status as a rising star in the entertainment industry.

References

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