The Sarnia Journal has partnered with local photographer Art Connolly to feature his captivating “Humans of Sarnia” series as he delves into the lives and experiences of everyday people in Sarnia.
When you first see or meet Eden Broda, the first thing you sense is her beauty and energy. She is one of those people who stands out—someone whose presence is felt even before she speaks. Many may recognize her as a theatrical and film actor. She has appeared in the CBC comedy series Workin’ Moms, as well as Season 3 of The Handmaid’s Tale. Hallmark fans will know her as Molly in Mistletoe and Molly, where she played the leading role. Eden has also played the role of Mrs. Wormwood in Matilda and has done voice-over work in Blue's Clues & You! where she was the banjo-playing bunny called Bunny-Jo.
Though her career has carried her far beyond Sarnia, her story begins here. Broda was born in the city and is now based in Calgary, but her roots are firmly grounded in a household alive with art and imagination. Her father, Ron Broda, is a celebrated children’s book illustrator. Her mother, Joanne Webb, is the owner of Keys to Reading, focusing on helping dyslexic and struggling readers. Joanne is currently working on a phonemic awareness children's book that will be using some of Eden's illustrations.
Creativity wasn’t optional in the Broda household—it was the air they breathed. Eden also grew up alongside two siblings, an older sister and a younger brother, who, like her, found their way into the creative arts.
“My siblings and I were homeschooled for the majority of our childhood,” Eden explains. “We grew up very much in that environment.” Yet, she did spend time in traditional school settings. She fondly recalls her kindergarten days and shares with a laugh one of her early report cards: “For Eden, the world is a stage and everyone else is just supporting cast.” Looking at her path, that teacher may have captured her essence in a single sentence.
Her school years, however, weren’t always easy. Eden attended St. Christopher High School, where she faced bullying. But instead of dimming her light, the experience sharpened her sense of identity. “I could see how my personality or confidence from an early age might have been intimidating,” she reflects. “But I always had this strong sense that I like who I am—and it’s not my fault. This is a ‘them’ thing. That period helped me develop not just a tougher skin, but also an awareness of different kinds of people. Later, when I faced rejection in the acting world, it just rolled off my back.”
After high school, Eden pursued her passion more formally. She attended the University of Windsor, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Acting. Her training didn’t stop there—she immersed herself in improv, sketch comedy, comedic writing, and stand-up at Toronto’s RealSpace Theatre. She also studied at the Stratford Shakespeare School, a program known for its conservatory-style training in classical Shakespeare. This combination of formal education and practical training shaped her into a versatile performer.
While she has worked across theatre, film, and television, Eden’s heart belongs to the stage. “Theatre is my favourite,” she says without hesitation. “It’s so hard to get into, but once you’re in, it’s about the process from start to finish. It’s a marathon. I love the personal process, the growth, and especially the live connection. Nothing compares to it.”
Despite her passion, the industry comes with challenges. Eden points out that Canadian entertainment tends to play it safe: “Canada sticks with what works. They don’t deviate much—it’s the same scripts and stories.”
During the pandemic, she admits she became frustrated with the landscape of Canadian film and theatre and how "gate-keepy" and exclusive it had become. "Less about talent and more about how many boxes you tick. For about six months to a year, I was bitter about it. But eventually, I realized maybe I needed a new perspective.”
That realization pushed her to create her own work. She began writing a play for her friends and also started working on a novel. “I found that same creative excitement in seeing my own ideas come to life. It scratched the itch in a different way.”
Her life, however, is not limited to acting. Eden describes herself as someone who “wears many hats.” She works as a professional nanny—something that feels natural to her. “I love kids. I’m a big kid myself. Whether it’s being a camp counselor, a nanny, or even working as a mermaid entertainer, being around children gives me the chance to play.” Both being a nanny and aquatic works leaves her the flexibility to pursue her acting and creative passions.
In addition, she hosts speed dating events in the evenings, which she says keeps her socially connected. And she is actively working toward becoming a certified personal trainer. “I’m really into health and wellness. As a kid, I was in and out of the hospital. I was sick a lot. But for the past eight years, fitness has been a constant in my life. I thought, If I enjoy this so much, why not help others too?”
Eden also reflects warmly on Sarnia’s creative opportunities. “There’s a strong artistic community here, especially for kids. When I was younger, there were so many ensemble shows where kids could just get in there and try it out. I feel like there were more opportunities for me as a child than in high school, which is why I started looking into Shakespeare intensives and other avenues.”
Her ambitions have taken her to the doorstep of some of the world’s most prestigious schools. She auditioned for The Juilliard School, the Oxford School of Drama, and The Royal Conservatory School in the U.K., reaching the final round each time. “Oxford picked eight students, and the Conservatory picked twelve—I was ninth and thirteenth,” she laughs. “If I ever wrote a biography, I’d probably call it Almost.” Even so, her dream of studying and working in the U.K. remains alive.
When asked about fame, Eden is clear: “I don’t want to be famous by any stretch. If I was ever known for theatre, that would be amazing. But really, I just want to do projects that excite me, with great directors and collaborators. I thrive when there’s a group of people brainstorming together, feeding off each other’s ideas.”
Her answer to what acting does for her offers a window into her soul: “I’m an actor until the day I die, whether I’m on stage, on screen, or just in life. The training and the journey have given me so much beyond acting. It’s taught me people skills, how to think on my feet, confidence, and the ability to create chemistry with even the most unlikely people. That, to me, is more than enough.”
Throughout her life and career, Eden has carried with her not just the technical skills of an actor, but the resilience, awareness, and creative fire that were born in Sarnia and shaped by her journey. She is one of those rare people who stands out—not only for her talent but for her authenticity, warmth, and spirit, proving that artistry is not about fame or recognition, but about passion, growth, and connection.
Humans of Sarnia founder Art Connolly is a man fuelled by curiosity and a passion for connecting with people in Sarnia. Inspired by the renowned “Humans of New York” series, with a camera in hand, he captures the very essence of the individuals he encounters, preserving their stories through his lens. Follow his series on Instagram and Facebook.
