Rachel Nichols is an American actress and model who has made a name for herself in the entertainment industry. She was born on January 8, 1980, in Augusta, Maine. Her parents, Jim and Alison Nichols, were a schoolteacher and a homemaker, respectively. 

She grew up in a small town and attended Cony High School, where she excelled in academics and athletics. After graduating, she enrolled at Columbia University in New York City, where she studied economics and psychology. During her college years, she was discovered by a modeling agent and began working as a model to support her education.

Her modeling career took off quickly, and she worked with major brands like Abercrombie & Fitch, Guess, and L'Oréal. However, she soon realized her passion for acting and decided to pursue it as a career. She made her acting debut with a small role in the romantic drama "Autumn in New York" in 2000.

Her first major role came in the comedy "Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd" in 2003. Rachel gained wider recognition for her role as Rachel Gibson in the television series "Alias" and for her performance in the horror film "The Amityville Horror." She continued to build her career with roles in films like "P2," "Star Trek," "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra," and "Conan the Barbarian." She also starred in the science fiction television series "Continuum," which earned her critical acclaim.

In her personal life, Rachel Nichols has been married twice. She was first married to film producer Scott Stuber in 2008, but the marriage ended in divorce the following year. In 2014, she married Michael Kershaw, a real estate developer, and the couple has been happily together since.

Her lifestyle reflects her dedication to her craft and her appreciation for a balanced life. Despite her success in Hollywood, she has remained grounded and focused on her goals. Over the years, she has received several nominations and awards for her performances, including recognition from the Saturn Awards and the MTV Movie Awards.