Last updated on: March 23, 2026
In the ever-evolving landscape of young Hollywood, few actors have transitioned as gracefully — and authentically — as Sara Waisglass. At 27, the Canadian star has evolved from a wide-eyed child performer booking her first gigs at age six into one of Netflix’s most beloved and versatile young talents. Best known as the vibrant, fiercely loyal Maxine “Max” Baker in the global phenomenon Ginny & Georgia, Waisglass brings a rare blend of comedic timing, emotional depth, and off-screen ambition that sets her apart.
Whether she’s commanding a room as the energetic best friend on screen, dropping original songs on the Ginny & Georgia soundtrack, or quietly developing screenplays after graduating with a screenwriting degree, Sara embodies the modern multi-hyphenate: actress, writer, musician, and storyteller who views every rejection as fuel and every role as self-discovery.
With Ginny & Georgia Season 4 freshly wrapped (filming concluded in March 2026), her breakout Tubi rom-com How to Lose a Popularity Contest already delighting audiences since its January 2026 release, and a growing social following that now tops millions, Waisglass is proving she’s not just riding a wave — she’s shaping her own tide. This in-depth profile explores her journey, career milestones, personal insights, and bright future in a narrative that goes far beyond the usual celebrity checklist.
Sara Waisglass Age: As of today she is 36 years, 8 months, and 22 days old
Early Life
Born on July 3, 1998, in Toronto, Ontario, Sara Waisglass entered the world under the warm glow of a Cancer sun — a zodiac sign often associated with deep emotional intelligence and protective loyalty, traits that would later define her most iconic characters.
She attended Earl Haig Secondary School in Toronto, a hub for creative teens, where she thrived academically while juggling auditions. After high school, Sara made a deliberate pivot toward behind-the-camera storytelling. She spent four years at York University, graduating with a degree in screenwriting.
“It was when I went to school for writing that I started paying attention to story as a whole,” she reflected in a candid interview. “When I started out in acting I was focusing on my character alone. But understanding how each character foils another and how they all weave together to make a theme… that’s the real beauty of what we do.”
This educational foundation would later inform her nuanced performances and fuel her ambitions as a creator. She is proudly Jewish, a heritage that occasionally intersected with her early roles, and she enjoys playing piano — a quiet creative outlet alongside her more public passions for singing and guitar.
Family
Her parents, Jeff Waisglass and Tess (Tessa) Waisglass, provided an environment rich in encouragement and exposure to the arts from an early age.
Jeff, a dentist by profession, is also a passionate musician who plays guitar, infusing the household with melody and rhythm. Tess works as a commercial producer in the film and advertising industry, bringing home stories of sets, scripts, and creative collaboration. This blend of stable professionalism and artistic passion created a nurturing space where creativity was celebrated rather than sidelined.
Sara grew up alongside her older sister, Carly Waisglass, forming a close sibling bond that remains a constant in her life. Carly, who pursued singing in her earlier years and has since built a career as an associate lawyer (notably at a Toronto firm), often harmonized with Sara during family music sessions. Sara has spoken fondly of singing together, playing piano, and sharing creative moments—foundational experiences that shaped her love for performance and storytelling. In interviews, she credits these family harmonies as part of who she is at her core: “Singing with my family, harmonizing with my sister and playing piano are the foundations of who I am.”
The family’s Jewish heritage added cultural depth, with traditions and community ties that Sara has proudly referenced. Raised in Toronto’s vibrant creative scene, she attended Earl Haig Secondary School—a school known for its arts programs—where she balanced academics, friendships, and early auditions. Her mother’s industry connections helped open initial doors: at age six, Sara landed a modeling gig for Dove, and the director encouraged her to pursue acting seriously. Rather than pushing her into the spotlight prematurely, her parents ensured she maintained a grounded childhood, prioritizing education and normalcy.
This supportive dynamic fostered resilience and gratitude. Sara has described her family as her anchor amid the ups and downs of the industry: “I owe my family and friends a great debt. They keep me grounded and humble.” Even as fame grew with Ginny & Georgia, she kept personal details private, sharing only glimpses—like playful TikToks about sibling “hustles” or heartfelt mentions of missing Carly during her law school years. The Waisglass household exemplified balance: hard work, creativity, humor, and unwavering support, qualities that shine through in Sara’s grounded demeanor and multifaceted career.
Career Beginnings: Child Star to Teen Television Staple (2007–2017)
Sara’s professional debut came remarkably early. In 2007, at age nine, she appeared as eight-year-old Jane in an episode of the Canadian series The Jane Show. The following year, she made her feature-film debut in the psychological thriller Afterwards (2008), sharing the screen with heavyweights John Malkovich and Evangeline Lilly — an intimidating but formative experience for any young actor.
Her first major recurring role arrived in 2009–2011 with the children’s sitcom Overruled!, where she played the spirited Jordy Cooper across nearly 30 episodes. This era also included fun commercial work (a memorable KFC spot) and smaller TV movies like Holiday Joy (2016).
The true turning point came in 2013 when she joined the iconic Canadian teen drama Degrassi: The Next Generation as Frankie Hollingsworth — the younger sister of Miles and twin to Hunter. She carried the character through Seasons 13–14 of the original series and into Degrassi: Next Class (2016–2017), becoming one of the youngest main cast members. Frankie’s storylines tackled bullying, identity, and family dynamics with the signature Degrassi honesty that resonated with generations of viewers.
In 2015 she earned a Young Entertainer Award nomination for Best Recurring Young Actress. That same year she appeared in the biographical drama Life alongside Robert Pattinson and Ben Kingsley.
By 2017, Sara was ready for more mature material. She delivered a standout performance as Robyn, the half-sister in the acclaimed indie drama Mary Goes Round, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. Additional credits that year and shortly after included guest spots on Killjoys, The Good Doctor, Suits, recurring work on Holly Hobbie (2018–2022), and roles in October Faction (2020), Tainted (2020), Cascade (2022), and Suze (2023). Each project built her range, moving her from bubbly teen roles toward more layered, dramatic territory.
These early years taught her resilience. As she later shared: “Rejection sucks. But the rejections make the good times so much better… Most people work their asses off every single day… But what we get to experience is this whole slew of different roles and jobs that are going to make our lives so rich. You have to be so grateful in the moments when it’s painful.”
The Ginny & Georgia Era: Global Breakthrough and Emotional Depth (2021–Present)
Everything changed in 2021 when Sara booked Maxine Baker in Netflix’s Ginny & Georgia. What began as a fun, quirky best-friend role exploded into a cultural touchstone. Max — the loud, loyal, fashion-forward member of the MANG squad — quickly became a fan favorite for her unfiltered energy, queerness, and unwavering support of Ginny (Antonia Gentry).
The show’s massive success is undeniable: after Season 2, it became Netflix’s most-watched title in early 2023 with nearly a billion hours viewed across Seasons 1 and 2. Renewed back-to-back for Seasons 3 and 4 in 2023, the series continues to dominate conversations around teen mental health, family trauma, addiction, and representation.
Season 3 (released June 2025) gave Max her most substantial arc yet, including a deeply personal, Max-centric episode that let audiences inside her mind. Sara has spoken movingly about the experience: “Getting to look inside Max’s brain… it did not disappoint. It shows a really wonderful side of Max.” She channeled real-life connections to themes of being “the light” for friends while battling her own pressures — her brother Marcus’s struggles, the weight of keeping everyone happy, and emerging feelings of depression and loneliness.
“I never thought I was going to be someone brave or someone who could command a room,” Sara admitted. “But when I booked Max on Ginny and Georgia, it was a wake-up call that it was something I am capable of and could actually love.”
Her performance has drawn praise for authenticity. Max’s infectious energy has even bled into Sara’s real life: “If I’m going into a room with people I don’t know… some part of me channels her. Her confidence comes out. That’s the thing I love most about her — her energy. It’s a very infectious and loving thing.”
Beyond acting, Sara contributed musically. She performed “Invisible (Max & Bracia’s Duet)” and “Good Girl (Max’s Song)” for the official soundtracks of Seasons 2 and 3, adding another dimension to the character and showcasing her vocal talent.
As of March 2026, Season 4 filming has officially wrapped. The upcoming season will delve deeper into Max’s mental health journey alongside new cast members and major plot developments for the Baker twins and the Miller family. Sara returns as a series regular, continuing to anchor one of Netflix’s most successful young-adult dramas.
Expanding Her Range: Recent Projects, Screenwriting, and the Rom-Com Pivot
Post-Ginny & Georgia success, Sara wasted no time proving her versatility. In early 2026 she starred as Ellie Pearse in the Tubi original rom-com How to Lose a Popularity Contest (released January 16, 2026), opposite Chase Hudson. Directed by Stephen S. Campanelli, the film follows an overachieving perfectionist who teams up with a charming slacker to sabotage a rival in the student election — only for real sparks to fly.
Sara has been candid about her motivations: she wanted to show audiences (and casting directors) that she is far more than “the quirky best friend.” Interviews from the premiere circuit (including Us Weekly and red-carpet appearances in New York) highlight her excitement at tackling classic rom-com tropes while infusing them with heart and humor. The role allowed her to lean into comedy, physicality, and romantic chemistry in a lighter, high-school setting — a refreshing contrast to the heavier themes of Ginny & Georgia.
Her screenwriting passion continues to grow. Mentored by Ginny & Georgia writers (including Deb Fisher), Sara applies the advice: “Write what you would write if nobody was watching.” She’s developing multiple projects, including a musical comedy with friends, and has expressed interest in eventually writing, starring in, and possibly directing her own work — citing creators like Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Benito Skinner as inspiration.
“I’ve worked on a couple films that were written and directed by the same people,” she noted, “and when it’s the same person, it’s just very clear… I love that.”
Personal Life, Values, and the Private Star in the Spotlight
Sara remains refreshingly grounded and private about her personal life despite her rising fame. She is currently in a relationship with Givan Pradhan, a low-profile partner who stays out of the public eye; the couple has shared subtle moments on social media since at least 2024. Earlier, she was linked to high-school acquaintance and law student Jeremy Kellen (around 2019), but keeps romantic details minimal — a deliberate choice that allows her to focus on craft.
She lives in Toronto when not filming, values family time, and maintains hobbies like swimming, singing, guitar, and piano. Fitness is a constant: “I work out a ton.” During slower periods she writes poetry and scripts to stay creative.
Fame’s social-media side has its challenges. With Instagram (@sarawais) boasting millions of followers, TikTok (@sara.wais) buzzing with millions of likes, and X (@swaisglass) active, Sara has spoken honestly about the pressure: “My social presence has blown up recently and that terrifies me… I’ve had to delete Instagram off my phone… I want to be able to do all those things [diverse roles]. So I actually think building your brand is a bad thing.”
Her philosophy remains gratitude-centered: “You have to be grateful every day… Don’t give up. People I know who have given it their all are rewarded.”
Net Worth & Earnings
As of 2026, Sara Waisglass’s estimated net worth stands at approximately $3 million, according to outlets like The Tab, Legit.ng, and The Things. This figure reflects her steady rise from child acting roles through Degrassi to her breakout as Max Baker on Netflix’s Ginny & Georgia, where she reportedly earns $20,000–$35,000 per episode, plus residuals from the show’s billions of viewing hours. Additional income streams include her 2026 rom-com lead in How to Lose a Popularity Contest, soundtrack contributions, brand partnerships (e.g., Aritzia, Abercrombie collabs via Instagram), and her growing multi-hyphenate pursuits in screenwriting and music. Like many young stars, Sara maintains a low-key approach to finances, focusing more on creative fulfillment than public displays of wealth.
Impact, Legacy, and What’s Next
Sara Waisglass represents a new generation of actors who refuse to be boxed in. From Degrassi’s groundbreaking teen stories to Ginny & Georgia’s frank exploration of mental health and chosen family, she has helped normalize complex portrayals of young women. Her work champions representation — Max’s queerness and emotional journey have resonated with LGBTQ+ fans and anyone who has ever felt the pressure to be “the happy one.”
Awards recognition so far includes nominations, but her real legacy is the quiet influence she wields: mentoring younger actors, advocating for authentic storytelling, and proving that child stars can evolve into thoughtful creators.
Looking ahead, with Ginny & Georgia Season 4 poised for a late-2026 or 2027 release and more scripts in development, Sara is eyeing bigger creative control. Whether it’s directing, producing a musical comedy, or starring in prestige projects, one thing is clear — she’s just getting started.
As she beautifully puts it: “I love all art forms, but there’s something really magical about film… When you have an end product and you know everyone on that set was giving it their all, that’s when you get incredible stuff. And I really like being part of that.”
Fun Facts & Quick Stats
- Height: 5′ 5″ (165 cm)
- Zodiac: Cancer
- Favorite Degrassi memory: Season 6 (for the emotional payoff that “broke her heart”)
- Social: Instagram 3M+, TikTok millions of likes
- Talents beyond acting: Screenwriter, singer-songwriter, pianist
- Pet philosophy: “Stay in it and be grateful”
Sara Waisglass isn’t chasing stardom — she’s building a career that reflects her values: curiosity, resilience, collaboration, and heart. In an industry that often demands conformity, she chooses depth, versatility, and joy. The best is yet to come.
