Aliyah O’Brien has become a familiar face to television audiences with her role as Detective Christine Rollins on Take Two. Starring alongside Rachel Bilson and Eddie Cibrian, O’Brien brings depth and strength to the ABC summer drama that has quickly become a fan favorite. But her journey to acting success has been anything but ordinary.
The Canadian actress did not always plan to pursue acting. In high school, she enjoyed musical theater but drifted into the fitness world after graduation. A chance invitation from a friend to attend an acting class changed her path. O’Brien recalls that moment as a turning point when she realized performing could be more than a hobby. Encouraged by a director who saw her potential, she decided to move to a larger city to study acting. From there, she pushed ahead without a backup plan, determined to see how far she could go.
Her persistence soon paid off. While still working in restaurants to support herself, O’Brien booked her first commercial job. The opportunity took her to Argentina, where her younger sister happened to be living at the time. For O’Brien, it felt like a sign that she was moving in the right direction. That first role was followed by commercials, television spots, and steady work that built the foundation for her career. She credits her agent, whom she signed with early on, for guiding her through those first auditions.
O’Brien’s roles since then have allowed her to explore many sides of herself. She is well remembered for her portrayal of Holly Stewart in Rookie Blue, a character she describes as soulful, open, and caring. Playing Holly gave her the chance to show a softer yet resilient side of strength. In Take Two, her character Detective Rollins reflects another layer of independence and determination. While O’Brien considers herself more of a free spirit than Rollins, she sees parts of her own personality in the detective’s compassion and loyalty.
When preparing for a role, O’Brien takes an instinctual approach. Sometimes she builds a detailed backstory for her character, imagining their family, struggles, and life before the script. Other times, she works physically, exploring how the character might move, walk, or hold themselves. She believes in using her body to connect with the lines so her performance flows naturally. For her, the process is about creating a foundation and then trusting her instincts once the camera rolls.
Beyond her screen work, O’Brien describes herself as deeply spiritual. She believes life has a natural flow and that her path in acting is part of that. The unexpected alignment of her first acting job in Argentina with her sister’s presence there still gives her goosebumps. For her, those moments reaffirm the decision to follow her passion despite the uncertainties of the entertainment industry.
O’Brien is also committed to advocacy, especially for women. She embraces roles that highlight strong female characters and values opportunities that allow her to tell meaningful stories. For her, playing a character like Rollins is not only about entertainment but also about showing resilience and care in a relatable way.
As Take Two continues, O’Brien hints that viewers will see more of Detective Rollins’s personal story unfold. While she cannot reveal details, she encourages fans to keep watching for episodes that dive deeper into the character’s background.
For O’Brien, acting is more than a career; it is a calling that combines creativity, discipline, and faith. Her journey from fitness trainer to television star is a testament to her dedication and belief in following one’s true path. With her mix of talent, spirit, and drive, Aliyah O’Brien is set to continue inspiring audiences both on and off the screen.
