Few actors possess the captivating presence and memorable performances that compel audiences to return time and again. Cara Gee is undoubtedly one of these talents. While her role as Camina Drummer in ‘The Expanse’ (2015) brought her to wider recognition for many, her compelling performances across stage and screen have marked her as an actress of significant depth and impact. From her early theater work to her breakout television and film roles, Cara Gee has consistently delivered performances that are both powerful and nuanced, cementing her status as a rising star.
Born in Calgary, Alberta, Cara Gee is a proud Ojibwe woman, a heritage that deeply informs her work and advocacy. In an industry where Indigenous representation has historically been lacking, Gee’s breakthrough is particularly significant. She stands as a powerful voice and visible presence, demonstrating the immense talent within First Nations communities and advocating for greater inclusivity in film and television. Her journey is not just a personal success story, but also a vital step forward for representation in media.
Image: Cara Gee at the 39th Annual American Indian Film Festival in 2014. This photo showcases Gee’s early recognition and connection to her Indigenous heritage within the film industry.
Cara Gee honed her craft in the vibrant Toronto theatre scene, quickly establishing a reputation for powerful and versatile performances. Her notable stage credits include Margaret Atwood’s ‘The Penelopiad’, a feminist reimagining of ‘The Odyssey’ from Penelope’s perspective, showcasing Gee’s ability to tackle complex female characters. She also starred in Daniel MacIvor’s ‘Arigato, Tokyo’, a play exploring themes of love and cultural exchange, and ‘The Rez Sisters’ by Cree playwright Tomson Highway, which blends humor and spirituality to depict life on a First Nations reserve. These roles highlight Cara Gee’s range and commitment to both contemporary and Indigenous storytelling.
Her television breakthrough arrived with the role of Alicia Pratta in the Canadian procedural drama ‘King’ (2011-2012), followed by an appearance in ‘Republic of Doyle’ (2010-2014). These early TV roles paved the way for her transition to film and international recognition. In 2013, Cara Gee starred as Lena in ‘Empire of Dirt’, an independent film directed by Peter Stebbings. This performance proved to be a turning point, earning her a nomination for Best Actress at the 2nd Canadian Screen Awards. ‘Empire of Dirt’ tells the poignant story of a single First Nations mother navigating the complexities of intergenerational trauma and family bonds.
The film’s exploration of First Nations identity resonated deeply with Cara Gee. In an interview with Toronto Now, she emphasized the importance of representing her heritage, stating, “I wish my granny [an activist and defender of First Nations rights] were here so she could see this… Part of the struggle of being First Nations is that so much has been taken from us.” She highlighted the devastating impact of cultural suppression, recalling her grandmother’s generation being discouraged from speaking their native Ojibway language.
Image: A still from ‘Empire of Dirt’ (2013), featuring Cara Gee as Lena. This image represents Gee’s powerful performance in a film that addresses important themes of First Nations identity and intergenerational trauma.
In 2014, Cara Gee took on a lead role as Tamar in the web series ‘Inhuman Condition’. This role showcased her versatility as she portrayed a young woman grappling with a supernatural affliction and its devastating consequences. ‘Inhuman Condition’, created by R.K. Lackie, gained popularity on YouTube’s KindaTV channel, further expanding Cara Gee’s audience and demonstrating her appeal across different media formats.
However, it was in 2017 that Cara Gee’s career truly ascended to new heights with her portrayal of Camina Drummer in ‘The Expanse’. Developed for television by Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby, based on the acclaimed novels by James S.A. Corey, ‘The Expanse’ offered Cara Gee a role that would become iconic. Initially a recurring character, Camina Drummer, a Belter and trusted figure at Tycho Station, evolved into a central and beloved character. By season 4, Drummer had become recognized as one of science fiction’s most compelling female leads, largely due to Cara Gee’s exceptional performance. Her portrayal is marked by a captivating emotional depth and strength, making Drummer a fan favorite.
Image: Cara Gee as Camina Drummer in ‘The Expanse’. This iconic portrayal showcases Gee’s ability to embody a strong, complex, and emotionally resonant science fiction character.
Camina Drummer’s journey from a Belter worker to captain of Medina Station and later leading her own polyamorous crew on the scavenger ship Dewalt, is a testament to both the character’s rich development and Cara Gee’s acting prowess. While not the first Indigenous lead in science fiction, Cara Gee’s Drummer is arguably one of the most impactful, bringing her Indigenous perspective and understanding of marginalized experiences to the role.
Cara Gee herself has drawn parallels between the Belters’ struggles for resources in ‘The Expanse’ and the real-world challenges faced by First Nations communities. Referencing comments made at New York Comic Con in 2019 about the show’s historical inspirations, Gee noted, “I think that’s why having such a diverse cast is such a huge asset to the story because we all bring our unique points of view to this story. I’m an indigenous woman and so, for me, of course I look at Belter issues from that perspective, and I think that’s part of what makes this story special.” She connected the Belters’ fight for clean air and water to the ongoing lack of access to clean water in many First Nations reserves across North America, adding a powerful layer of contemporary relevance to the science fiction narrative. The opening of the Ring Gate in season 3, allowing human expansion, also carries echoes of European colonization, further amplifying the significance of Cara Gee’s presence and perspective within the show.
Image: Cara Gee as Camina Drummer in a pivotal scene from ‘The Expanse’. This image represents the character’s strength and resilience, qualities that have resonated with audiences and critics alike.
Another groundbreaking aspect of Drummer’s character is her leadership of a polyamorous family. This representation, particularly prominent in season 5, offered a rare and respectful portrayal of polyamory in mainstream television. Cara Gee expressed her enthusiasm for this storyline, telling Screen Rant, “I was so excited that we got to represent this polyamorous Belter family. I think that respectful representation of polyamory is nowhere to be seen in the television landscape, and I’m so proud that we did that.” She also highlighted the positive response from queer fans who connected with Drummer’s journey and relationships.
Image: The polyamorous family in ‘The Expanse’, featuring Cara Gee as Camina Drummer. This image highlights the show’s progressive representation of diverse family structures and relationships, with Drummer at its center.
As Drummer faces increasingly difficult choices and sacrifices in later seasons of ‘The Expanse’, Cara Gee’s performance reaches even greater emotional depths. Her portrayal of Drummer’s strength, vulnerability, and unwavering loyalty resonated deeply with viewers. The character’s journey is a rollercoaster of intense emotions, and Gee navigates these complexities with remarkable skill.
Cara Gee’s performance as Camina Drummer is a tour de force. Her ability to convey raw emotion and fierce determination makes Drummer an unforgettable character. Viewers are drawn into Drummer’s world, experiencing her pain, resilience, and unwavering commitment to her crew and her values. This role has solidified Cara Gee’s reputation as an actress capable of delivering powerful, boundary-breaking performances.
Despite her success in film and television, Cara Gee has remained connected to her theatrical roots. In 2019, she returned to the stage to play May in Sam Shepard’s ‘Fool for Love’ at the Soulpepper Theatre Company. This role allowed her to explore a different kind of intensity, delving into the tumultuous and often violent dynamics of a complex relationship. In an interview with Muskrat Magazine, Cara Gee discussed the play’s exploration of toxic masculinity and the cycle of violence, highlighting her commitment to roles that are both artistically challenging and socially relevant.
Image: Cara Gee in ‘Fool for Love’ (2019) at Soulpepper Theatre Company. This image represents Gee’s continued dedication to theatre and her willingness to explore complex and challenging roles across different mediums.
In film, Cara Gee also starred in ‘Red Rover’ (2018), a romantic comedy where she played Phoebe opposite Kristian Bruun. Her performance in this independent film earned her a Rising Star Award at the Whistler Film Festival, further acknowledging her growing presence and talent in the film industry. She also appeared in ‘The Call of the Wild’ (2020) alongside Harrison Ford and Omar Sy. While the film itself received mixed reviews, Cara Gee’s presence in a major studio production alongside established stars signaled another step forward in her career.
Looking ahead, Cara Gee’s star continues to rise. She is set to star in ‘Levels’, an upcoming sci-fi thriller directed by Adam Stern. Stern praised Cara Gee’s work in ‘The Expanse’, noting her “elegance and ferocity” as perfect for the role in ‘Levels’. As ‘The Expanse’ concludes its run, the future is bright for Cara Gee. Her talent, dedication, and commitment to representation position her as a significant force in the entertainment industry, and audiences eagerly anticipate her future projects and the continued impact of her work. Cara Gee is not just a rising star; she is a vital voice and a powerful presence, shaping the landscape of contemporary acting.
