Editorial: Emily Bett Rickards on Queen of the Ring
- Vingt Sept
- 7 hours ago
- 9 min read
In the heart of Hollywood, where timeless glamour meets modern allure, we had the privilege of sitting down with the multi-talented Emily Bett Rickards at the iconic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. Known for her unforgettable role as Felicity Smoak in Arrow and her captivating performance in Queen of the Ring, Emily has established herself as one of the most versatile and dynamic actresses of her generation.
From her breakthrough in television to her expanding ventures in film, wellness, and creative entrepreneurship, Emily embodies a unique balance of passion, authenticity, and ambition. As she continues to take on ground-breaking roles and build an inspiring legacy both on and off the screen, we chatted with Emily about her career, her new ventures, and her personal journey.
In this candid conversation, Emily shares her thoughts on everything from her intense preparation for her role as Mildred Burke in Queen of the Ring to her recent wellness business, Paradise Matcha. Here’s a glimpse into the life of an actress who is redefining what it means to be a modern-day creative force.
How did your upbringing shape your approach to acting and creativity? Are there any personal experiences from your early life that you feel still influence the choices you make both personally and professionally?
Growing up, my household was pretty traditional—both of my parents were in medicine, and most of my extended family followed similar paths. Creativity was definitely there, but it kind of stayed just below the surface for all of us. I was always the kid who dabbled in musical theatre, played pretend for hours, and would spend time creating little scenes with my stuffed animals. But honestly, I had no idea where to channel all that energy until I hit my teen years.
Looking back, I can see how much more free and creative my family has become over time— we're writers, painters, and creative thinkers now, which is pretty amazing to see. But the biggest creative influence in my life has always been my grandmother. She was a jokester, a singer, and a storyteller, and I swear she could make anything into a riddle. And then there’s my uncle, who was an incredible designer. They’ve both passed now, but they’re still such a huge part of how I approach life and creativity every day.
How did you prepare to portray Mildred Burke, such an intense character, both physically and emotionally?
Portraying Mildred wouldn't have been possible without the incredible team around me who coached me every step of the way.
When it came to preparing physically, we had a limited amount of time to build the muscle needed to do her justice! My trainer, Thomas Taylor, and my nutritionist/trainer, Dr. Diego Botezlli, really helped me sculpt Mildred’s body. It was all about counting macros, high- protein meals, no cardio, and lifting heavy weights (lots of chicken breast too!). Getting her physique right wasn’t just for the visual aspect—it helped me connect with her on a deeper level. It gave me a sense of her strength, her posture, and how she carried herself in a world constantly telling her she couldn’t do what she wanted.
To dive into her character, I immediately devoured the book Sex, Muscles, and Diamonds by Jeff Lean (the one the script is based on), spent hours getting lost in old photos of her online (a priceless treasure trove of inspiration), and with the help of my acting coaches, Andrew McIlroy and Matthew Anderson, I was able to uncover different layers of her soul.
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As for the wrestling aspect, I left that to the experts at OVW—Al Snow and Doug Basham. My stunt coordinators, Heath Hensley, Jett Jansen, and Kelly Phalen, as well as my fellow wrestlers Kamille Brickhouse and Toni Storm, who were absolutely crucial in helping me get the moves down.
Having recently played historical figures and strong, real-life women, do you feel any sense of responsibility in portraying these women authentically? How do you approach these roles?
Absolutely. It’s such a privilege to portray someone who has actually walked (or is still walking) this earth. I feel a deep responsibility to honour these women and tell their stories authentically. Research is key, but the real magic is letting all that research transform in your body to an emotional experience—when it does that, it allows me to bring the character, the woman, the person to life.
Your portrayal of Felicity Smoak in Arrow became iconic. Looking back, is there a particular moment on set or in your character’s journey that still stands out to you?
Oh, Felicity. She really is such an important part of my journey. The moment that stands out to me is when she’s in her car with Oliver bleeding in the backseat. It’s a huge turning point for her—she puts all the pieces together (no spoilers, of course!) and makes a decision that there’s no coming back from. That moment was so powerful for me, and I’ll always remember how it shifted her path.
You’ve worked in both TV and film and also lent your voice to projects. Is there a particular medium you find most fulfilling, or do you feel like each one offers something unique?
I feel that every experience is valuable in its own way. Theatre will always have a special place in my heart since it was my first love. There’s something about the stage that feels so immediate and raw. But films, too, have a similar sense of storytelling. The way the arc unfolds feels just as fulfilling to me in its own unique way. Each medium offers something special.
In addition to your acting career, you launched Paradise Matcha, which reflects your commitment to wellness. Was there a specific turning point in your life that led you to focus on health and wellness in such an entrepreneurial way?
There were a few pivotal moments along the way starting in my teens, when I faced a couple of challenges that pushed me in this direction. I had a back injury that led me to yoga and around the same time, I became allergic to certain foods, which totally changed how I could eat. Back in the early 2000s, there weren't a lot of options for people with my food allergies, so I had to get creative— shopping in different stores and cooking at home. Over the years, what started as a necessity turned into a passion. And as new challenges pop up in life, I always believe there’s a way to tackle them with healthier habits, whether it’s through nutrition, mental health, or exercise.
Speaking of wellness, how do you find a balance between the pressures of your career and maintaining your mental and physical health? Do you have any self-care routines that help keep you grounded?
I think the real pressure comes from wanting to stay true to myself through all of it—making sure I’m giving my body and spirit what they need amidst the whirlwind of excitement. The pace of the industry doesn’t always leave room for that, and patience definitely gets tested a lot!
As for self-care, I’ve got a whole toolbox of routines! Where do you want to start?! Meditation, nature walks, matcha, or even dancing in the kitchen—I’ve tried it all. I think the key is being flexible. If something’s working, great. If it’s not that day, it’s okay to try something else. But I’ve learned there’s a difference between resisting what’s working and truly needing a change.
Nature seems to be a huge part of your life. Is there a particular trail or place that holds sentimental value to you, and why is it so special?
I’m from BC Canada - our landscape here is wet, dramatic and green. It’s my favourite place in the world.
You have a strong connection with your dog, Ophelia. Does she inspire or influence your work in any way, or does she serve as a great escape from the fast-paced world of Hollywood?
She is my soulmate. It’s a privilege to get to pour love into someone so freely. She teaches me something new every day but always ALWAYS the best gift is her presence.
From playing Felicity Smoak to the iconic roles in Queen of the Ring and Calamity Jane, your range is impressive. What genre or type of character are you most drawn to, and what would be a dream role for you in the future?
Even thinking of the three you mentioned - all of them were an adventure, a challenge and all came to me as a surprise. I think I’m always lying in wait (bursting at the seams) to meet the next character, but I don’t necessarily know or dream of them beforehand. They’re a mystery and someone I’ll be sure to learn a great deal from.
As someone who has been part of several hit TV shows and films, what do you think has been the key to your enduring success in the industry?
Definitely carving out space for wellness as we spoke of, but also… I really do love the collaborative process of creating these stories. Letting yourself be immersed in what you love- without resistance- that is fuel in itself.
With all the different creative outlets you engage in—acting, writing, entrepreneurship—how do you stay organised and make sure each passion gets the attention it deserves?
Great question! Haha, my coach Andrew McIlroy taught me early on that inspiration is everywhere— you just have to be open to it. So, as long as I stay open, I feel like my passions are always being fed. But, of course, sometimes when I start feeling that itch or discomfort, it’s usually because my creativity hasn’t been getting the time it needs. Being aware of those signs is super important, and then it’s just about carving out the space to let creativity flow.
You’ve spent a lot of time between Los Angeles, New York, and Vancouver. How have each of these cities shaped you as an artist, and do you have a favourite city to work or live in?
Vancouver really feeds my spirit with its nature and the grounding energy of family. New York, on the other hand, fuels my love for art—whether it’s theatre, improv, or just the energy of the streets. LA is where the magic happens when a new project starts to take shape. It’s where things get off the ground—this is where the business side meets the creative side, the “atelier” part of it all.
But honestly, creativity is everywhere. It’s all about how we tap into it and make the most of what’s around us.
You’ve been very open about your love for physical activity, whether running or trekking. What’s the most challenging physical feat you’ve accomplished, and how does it feel to push your limits in both your professional and personal life?
Queen of the Ring and building Mildred’s body was truly its own feat. Really incredible to transform the body into something/someone different. I have a group of pals that entertain my annual need to go camp for a week straight without cell phone service, carrying everything you need on your back - this just feels worth it. I find my concept of time alters and the memories you make during these challenges last a lifetime.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received from someone in the industry, and how has it influenced your career or personal journey?
Trust yourself. It’s everything.
You’ve had quite a successful career in the entertainment industry. Looking back, what’s one lesson you’ve learned that you wish you had known when you first started out?
That saying “yes” isn’t always necessary (unless it’s improv!) and having your own authentic opinion has value. Coming to set with ideas for my character, the scene, the story is one of my favourite parts of my job. Now they’re not always good ideas but they are an offering and that is what collaboration is all about!
Being a multi-talented individual, how do you balance the desire to be involved in multiple projects with the need for downtime and personal time? Do you ever feel the pressure to be constantly productive, and how do you manage that?
Of course, I feel that way! But as I’ve gotten older it’s gotten easier to recognise how special the little things, like petting your dog or hugging your loved ones are. You can make a second infinite if you’re really taking it in. Sometimes productivity is a trap and over production dries up that creative well. Creativity needs space, air, it needs respect. So, when productivity starts to just look like a list I’m checking off, that's when I know it’s time to just go outside and watch the waves for a while.
How do you stay inspired when the creative well feels a little dry? Are there specific practices, people, or places that help reignite your passion?
Coming home and recharging with my pup, my family and the ocean are really where I go if home is an option. Traveling to a country where I don’t speak the language is also priceless.
Queen of the Ring is out now
Photographer Elizabeth Weinberg
Fashion Tiffani Rae at 3Plus Management
Fashion Assistant Shae Cheurfa
Hair Terri Walker
MUA Monique Mazer
Producer Arabella Itani
Editor Jheanelle Feanny
Location & Special Thanks The Hollywood Roosevelt
