Emeraude Toubia Biography

Nickname

Em

Height

5' 4½" (1.64 m)

Mini Biography

Mexican-Lebanese actress Emeraude Toubia, whose first name means "a stone the color of beauty and love", is one of the most-watched up and coming talents in the industry today. Raised in Brownsville, Texas, Toubia is currently starring in the hit Freeform series "Shadowhunters". After her first season on the Teen Choice winning show, Emeraude was nominated for a Teen Choice Award for "Choice Sci-Fi TV Actress". "Shadowhunters" just wrapped airing its second season and has been renewed for a third.

"Shadowhunters" is based on the bestselling young adult fantasy series, The Mortal Instruments, written by Cassandra Clare. Toubia plays 'Isabelle Lightwood,' a Shadowhunter-human-angel hybrid who hunts down demons - a drop dead gorgeous trained fighter in heels.

Prior to making the permanent move to Los Angeles, Toubia was raised in a diverse household that immersed her in the best of both Mexican and American cultures. At the age of five, she started to professionally train in classical ballet, flamenco, lyrical, and belly dance. At only fifteen years old, Toubia's love for the stage led her to compete in a series of pageants.

As a result of her multiple wins and success in pageants she went on to star in many commercials. Additional credits for Toubia include hosting for a national-cable network and starring in both youth and primetime telenovelas for various Latin American markets.

When she is not working, Emeraude has a huge place in her heart for charity and regularly volunteers for a handful of non-profit organizations including: Toys for Tots, Make-a-Wish Foundation, and leads the "Queen for a Day" program at her hometown's children's hospital.

Trivia

Is of Mexican and Lebanese descent.

She was born to a Mexican mother and Lebanese father. She was raised in Brownsville, Texas, USA.

For her role on 11-11 En mi cuadra nada cuadra (2013), she was coached by Oscar nominee Adriana Barraza.

Was offered a role on a Televisa telenovela, but decided to pursue a career in Hollywood instead.

Booked the role of Isabelle Lightwood on Shadowhunters (2016) after three months of auditioning in Los Angeles.

She has competed in beauty pageants and was crowned Miss South Texas, Miss Rio Grande Valley America, and Miss Teen Brownsville.

She has said her dream role is to play a Disney princess, naming Princess Jasmine from Aladdin as one she would most like to play.

She is a trained dancer who has experience in classical ballet, flamenco, belly dance, and lyrical dance.

Quotes

I feel now with all these reality shows on TV, girls are confused about what is the right role model. There are a lot of girls fighting on TV, and girls probably wonder, "Am I supposed to be mean with my friends at school or be a bully?" I was bullied in middle school, so I think we need more girls on TV to be positive role models -- and I'm so happy that's happening.

[on deciding to move to Los Angeles] I was doing telenovelas in Miami and Mexico, and everyone's dream when you're an actor is to be in Hollywood. I left everything in Miami and came to LA with one bag following my dream.

I feel very proud of where I came from. I feel very proud of my family, so I own it. I try to be the best version of me that I can be, whether it's acting or on a personal level.