An actress who previously couldn't even land a commercial in her hometown of Chicago, Emily Bergl won a starring role in "The Rage: Carrie 2" (1999) by sending an audition videotape to MGM. The striking newcomer generated a good deal of interest around the horror sequel, with her piercing eyes, dark curly hair and luminous pale skin featured prominently in film advertisements. Making her feature debut, she portrayed Rachel, a tormented teenager with telekinetic powers. While the thriller did poorly with critics, Bergl received favorable notice for her performance as the fed up teen outsider
Cast as an understudy in Lincoln Center's production of "Ah, Wilderness!" shortly after completing training at Eugene O'Neill Center's National Theatre Institute
1998
Starred opposite Neil Patrick Harris in the Old Globe (San Diego) production of "Romeo and Juliet"
