There’s something about playing a character for seven years that makes it hard to separate the actor from the role — for Emily Bett Rickards, Felicity Smoak wasn’t just a breakthrough part but the role that defined her career on The CW’s Arrow from 2012 to 2019. But since stepping away from the Arrowverse, Rickards has quietly built a life and career on her own terms.
Born: July 24, 1991 · Age: 33 (as of 2025) · Height: 5 ft 4 in (163 cm) · Net Worth: Estimated $3 million · Known for: Felicity Smoak on Arrow
Quick snapshot
- Exact nature of social-media interactions with Aisha Tyler (TVLine)
- Specific future acting projects beyond 2025 (Digital Spy (TV and entertainment news))
- Net worth is an estimate; exact earnings not confirmed (TVLine)
- Announced departure from Arrow in March 2019 (Wikipedia)
- Independent film roles and voice work (Screen Dollars (celebrity finance site))
- Open to a limited Arrow revival (TVLine)
Seven key details paint a clear picture of who Emily Bett Rickards is, from her early life to her current status.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Emily Bett Rickards |
| Date of Birth | July 24, 1991 |
| Place of Birth | Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years Active | 2012–present |
| Known For | Felicity Smoak on Arrow |
Why did Emily Bett Rickards quit Arrow?
Rickards left the show after its seventh season, a decision she and the producers mutually agreed upon. According to TVLine (TV news outlet), producers Greg Berlanti and Beth Schwartz publicly supported her choice. The final episode featuring Felicity Smoak aired on January 28, 2020.
When did Emily Bett Rickards leave Arrow?
She announced her exit in March 2019, after season 7 wrapped. Wikipedia (the open encyclopedia) records that Rickards appeared as a one-episode guest before becoming a recurring character and then a series regular from season 2 onward.
Is Emily Bett Rickards still acting?
Yes. Since leaving Arrow, she has taken independent film roles such as The Last Thing He Wanted and We Are All Here. Screen Dollars (celebrity finance site) notes she also studied acting at Vancouver Film School and Alida Vocal Studio. In 2025, she told TVLine (TV news outlet) she would be open to a limited Arrow revival if it gave Felicity “her flowers.”
Rickards traded the security of a network series for creative independence. For an actress who spent seven years in one role, that shift means fewer guaranteed paydays but more control over her craft.
The implication: leaving the franchise allowed her to pursue projects on her own terms, a move that often comes with financial trade-offs.
Are Aisha Tyler and Emily Bett Rickards still together?
No public evidence supports a romantic relationship between the two. Rumors arose from social-media interactions, but TVLine (TV news outlet) reported that Aisha Tyler remains married to Jeff Tietjens (though separated). Rickards herself is engaged to a partner named Riley.
Is Emily Bett Rickards in a relationship?
Yes. She proposed to Riley in March 2025, posting on Instagram that it was her “favourite moment of 2025.” No other confirmed partners have been reported.
The Aisha Tyler rumor, while widespread on social media, distracts from a more grounded story: Rickards has found a private, stable relationship outside the Arrowverse spotlight.
What this means: fans can focus on her actual milestones rather than unverified speculation.
Is Emily Bett Rickards married?
Not yet. As of 2025, she is engaged to Riley. Earlier speculation about marriage to someone named “Emily Richards” stems from a name confusion.
What is Emily Bett Rickards’ ethnicity?
She is of Canadian nationality with English, Scottish, and German ancestry, according to Wikipedia (the open encyclopedia). Born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, she graduated early from high school.
How old was Emily Bett Rickards in Arrow?
When the series began in 2012, she was 21. By the final season (2019), she was 28.
How tall is Emily Bett Rickards?
Sources differ: the content plan lists 5 ft 4 in (163 cm), while Screen Dollars (celebrity finance site) reports 5 ft 5 in (165 cm) with medium confidence. Both heights appear in popular databases.
Where does Emily Bett Rickards live now?
She currently resides in Vancouver, Canada.
How much is Emily Bett Rickards worth?
Her net worth is estimated at $3 million as of 2025. Primary income came from her role on Arrow — Wikipedia (the open encyclopedia) notes she appeared in 142 episodes, and at peak she was reported to earn roughly $50,000 per episode. Additional earnings come from independent film roles and brand endorsements.
$3 million is modest for a lead on a hit network drama. For comparison, co-star Stephen Amell reportedly earned significantly more per episode. Rickards’ lower profile post-Arrow has limited her earning potential in Hollywood.
The pattern: her net worth reflects a deliberate choice to prioritise creative freedom over maximum income.
What’s confirmed and what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- Born July 24, 1991 in Vancouver, Canada (Wikipedia)
- Played Felicity Smoak on Arrow from 2012 to 2019 (Wikipedia)
- Engaged to Riley as of March 2025 (TVLine)
What’s unclear
- Exact details of social-media interactions with Aisha Tyler (TVLine)
- Future acting projects beyond 2025 (Digital Spy (TV and entertainment news))
- Exact height (reports vary between 5’4″ and 5’5″) (Screen Dollars)
- Net worth is an estimate; exact earnings not confirmed
What Rickards has said
“My favourite moment of 2025 was the afternoon in March when Oph and I asked Riley to marry us.”
— Emily Bett Rickards via Instagram, as quoted by TVLine (TV news outlet)
“Emily Bett Rickards (born July 24, 1991) is a Canadian actress.”
— Wikipedia (the open encyclopedia)
For fans still hoping for a return to the Arrowverse, the choice is clear: support Rickards’ independent projects, or risk missing her best work yet.
collider.com, cinemablend.com, imdb.com, denofgeek.com, gamespot.com, tvline.com
Frequently asked questions
What is Emily Bett Rickards’ most famous role?
She is best known for playing Felicity Smoak on The CW’s Arrow (2012–2019).
Did Emily Bett Rickards date Aisha Tyler?
No evidence confirms a romantic relationship; rumors stemmed from social-media interactions and remain speculative.
How old is Emily Bett Rickards?
She was born on July 24, 1991, making her 33 as of 2025.
What is Emily Bett Rickards’ net worth?
Her net worth is estimated at $3 million as of 2025, primarily from her role on Arrow.
How many episodes of Arrow did Emily Bett Rickards appear in?
She appeared in 142 episodes of Arrow during its run.
For more biographies of actors who left iconic roles, see our articles on Megan Boone and Freddie Highmore.
Victoria Hayes is Editor-in-Chief at Aussie Wire Hub, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.