Person biography:
Phoebe Tonkin was born in Sydney, Australia. She began taking dance courses in classical ballet, hip hop, contemporary dance, and tap dance at the age of four. At 12, she started attending courses at the Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP) at the Wharf Theatre. Tonkin attended Loreto Kirribilli and later graduated from the Queenwood School for Girls.
Tonkin's early career began with her role as Cleo Sertori on the Australian children's television series H2O: Just Add Water. She improved her swimming abilities during the pre-production of the series and it premiered on 7 July 2006 on Network Ten. The series went on to be aired to a worldwide audience of more than 250 million.
Tonkin has also appeared on fellow Australian television shows Packed to the Rafters and Home and Away. In 2010, she made her film debut in the Australian action ensemble film Tomorrow, When the War Began. In 2011, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue an international acting career.
Tonkin was cast as Faye Chamberlain on The CW supernatural drama series The Secret Circle, which premiered on 15 September 2011. The series follows a group of young witches who are a part of a secret coven. Tonkin received critical acclaim for her performance and was featured on Variety's list of "new faces to watch" and named one of 2011's breakout TV stars by E! Online.
Tonkin has also appeared in the 3D horror film Bait 3D and joined the cast of The CW television series, The Vampire Diaries, in the recurring role of Hayley. She joined her co-star from H2O: Just Add Water, Claire Holt, who portrays Rebekah Mikaelson on the show.
In 2013, The CW confirmed that a spin-off series to The Vampire Diaries was in the works, titled The Originals. Tonkin would "be heavily featured in the prospective pilot" of the series. Tonkin has had a main role in all the seasons.
Tonkin has also appeared in a number of advertisements and has a modeling career, including shoots for Girlfriend, Teen Vogue, ELLE Australia, Miss Vogue Australia, Vogue Australia, Dolly and Free People. She has also appeared in Miles Fisher's music video "Don't Let Go". In 2012, Tonkin opened a website about health with friend Teresa Palmer called YourZenLife.
