Emilie Ullerup, a beloved Danish actress, overcame a life-altering health scare before becoming a Hallmark star, captivating audiences with her roles in films like Don’t Forget I Love You and Chesapeake Shores. Born on October 27, 1984, in Copenhagen, Denmark, Ullerup faced a benign but aggressive spinal tumor in 2008, requiring major surgery. This challenge shaped her resilience, leading to a thriving career and personal life. Now 40 years old, with an estimated net worth of $1 million, she’s married to Kyle Cassie and a mother of two, inspiring fans with her strength and talent.
Early Life and Background: Age, Height, and Roots
Born to a diplomatic family, Emilie Ullerup, now 40 years old, grew up in Copenhagen, Denmark, with stints in Vietnam and Sweden due to her father’s role as a Danish ambassador. Standing at 5 feet 5 inches and maintaining a healthy weight of approximately 125 lbs, Ullerup’s global upbringing enriched her perspective, fluency in Danish, English, and Vietnamese, and passion for acting. After graduating high school in 2003, she moved to Vancouver, Canada, to attend the Vancouver Film School, graduating in 2005. This bold move marked the start of her journey to stardom.
Her multicultural background gave her a unique edge in the acting world. For instance, her ability to speak multiple languages allowed her to connect authentically with diverse roles, from sci-fi to romantic dramas. This adaptability, combined with her dedication, set her apart early on.
Health Scare: A Tumor That Tested Resilience
In 2007, at age 23, Ullerup began experiencing persistent lower back pain while filming Battlestar Galactica. Initially dismissing it to focus on her budding career, she sought an MRI after 18 months, revealing a benign but aggressive tumor wrapped around her spinal nerves. In 2009, she underwent a complex surgery to remove the tumor, her tailbone, and part of her sacrum. The recovery took five months, a period she described as filled with “frustration and fear” but ultimately transformative.
This health scare reshaped Ullerup’s outlook. In a 2023 interview, she shared, “Facing that uncertainty taught me resilience is built in the darkest moments.” Her experience mirrors that of many who face unexpected health challenges, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and mental fortitude. Data from the American Cancer Society notes that benign spinal tumors, while rare, affect about 1 in 100,000 people annually, underscoring the rarity and severity of her condition.
Career Breakthrough: From Sci-Fi to Hallmark Royalty
Post-recovery, Ullerup’s career soared. She debuted in 2006 as Julia Brynn in Battlestar Galactica and gained recognition as Ashley Magnus in Sanctuary (2008-2011). Her transition to Hallmark in 2012 with The Music Teacher marked a pivotal shift. She’s since starred in 12 Hallmark films, including Nature of Love and Retreat to You (2023), and played Bree O’Brien in Chesapeake Shores for six seasons. Her salary per Hallmark movie is estimated at $30,000-$50,000, contributing to her net worth of $1 million.
Ullerup’s versatility shines in roles like Taylor in Don’t Forget I Love You, where she portrayed a woman overcoming personal fears. Her real-life resilience informs her performances, making her characters relatable. Fans on X praise her authenticity, with one noting, “Emilie’s ability to convey vulnerability and strength is unmatched.” Her 2024 role as Ruby Franke in Lifetime’s Mormon Mom Gone Wrong further showcases her range.
Personal Life: Married, Children, and Balance
Emilie Ullerup is married to Canadian actor and director Kyle Cassie since August 2018, after meeting in 2007. The couple, who share a low-key yet loving relationship, welcomed their first child, Wilde Mørkøv Ullerup Cassie, in January 2020, and their second, Coco Mørkøv Ullerup Cassie, in October 2022. Ullerup’s openness about postpartum challenges resonates with many. She told Parade, “Postpartum hormones are no joke. Sharing these struggles helps new moms feel less alone.”
Balancing motherhood and a demanding career isn’t easy. Ullerup credits her husband’s support and her Vancouver lifestyle for keeping her grounded. At height 5’5” and with a focus on wellness post-surgery, she maintains a healthy weight through yoga and outdoor activities, often sharing glimpses on Instagram.
Emilie Ullerup’s Biography: Key Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Emilie Ullerup-Petersen |
| Date of Birth | October 27, 1984 |
| Age | 40 years (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Copenhagen, Denmark |
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches |
| Weight | Approximately 125 lbs |
| Nationality | Danish |
| Education | Vancouver Film School (2005) |
| Occupation | Actress, Producer |
| Notable Roles | Bree O’Brien (Chesapeake Shores), Ashley Magnus (Sanctuary) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1 million |
| Salary | $30,000-$50,000 per Hallmark movie |
| Marital Status | Married to Kyle Cassie (since August 2018) |
| Children | Wilde Mørkøv Ullerup Cassie (2020), Coco Mørkøv Ullerup Cassie (2022) |
| Languages | Danish, English, Vietnamese |
| Health Scare | Benign spinal tumor (diagnosed 2008, surgically removed 2009) |
| Awards | Leo Award for Best Supporting Performance (Arctic Air, 2012, 2013) |
| Social Media | Instagram, X |
Unique Insights: Resilience in Storytelling
Ullerup’s health scare has profoundly influenced her choice of roles. She gravitates toward characters who overcome adversity, reflecting her own journey. In Retreat to You, her character Abby learns to let go of past hurts, a theme Ullerup connects with personally. She told MediaVillage, “I like stories where people come through something hard. It’s important to show that resilience on screen.”
Her experience also informs her advocacy for health awareness. In a 2024 podcast, she urged fans to prioritize medical check-ups, citing her own delay in seeking help as a lesson. This perspective adds depth to her public persona, making her a role model beyond entertainment.
Current Projects and Future Outlook
As of 2025, Ullerup continues to shine with Hallmark, with rumors of a new holiday movie in development. Her net worth grows steadily, fueled by consistent roles and endorsements. While not currently dating (being happily married), her on-screen chemistry with co-stars like Peter Mooney keeps fans buzzing. Her Wikipedia page details her extensive filmography, and her IMDb profile highlights recent projects like Catch of the Day.
Ullerup’s journey from a health crisis to Hallmark stardom is a testament to perseverance. Her story resonates with audiences, proving that challenges can forge unbreakable strength. As she continues to inspire, her legacy as a talented actress and resilient woman only grows stronger.
