Emma Kate Lahana, born on June 27, 1984, may be best remembered for her fierce role as Kira Ford in Power Rangers Dino Thunder, but it’s her personal life that has quietly fueled some off-screen buzz.
Her love story with her ex-husband, Antony Starr, the scene-stealing actor from The Boys, kicked off in the early 2000s when the two crossed paths on the set of Shortland Street. Unlike many Hollywood romances, theirs blossomed far away from the spotlight.
For a while, they managed to keep their romance under wraps, even as they eventually tied the knot. But true to their low-key style, their marriage—and even its end—remained relatively hush-hush. By September 16, 2016, the couple had quietly divorced, with barely a ripple in the public eye.
But don’t think for a second that Emma’s love life ended there. She’s since found her happily ever after with Peter Hammarstedt, a passionate marine conservationist who’s more about saving the seas than making headlines. Just like her previous relationships, this one has flown mostly under the radar.
Emma and Peter Have a Child
The two have embraced a new chapter in their lives—becoming parents! On July 26, 2024, Emma shared the big news with a heart-melting photo of her tiny newborn’s hand wrapped around her finger. And if you’ve been following her, you know she’s been bubbling with excitement since April, when she first announced her pregnancy.
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Emma and Peter have been going strong for years now, with their relationship really catching the public’s eye in July 2019. That’s when Emma proudly posted photos from the Sea of Shadows premiere—not just for the glam factor, but to show some serious support for her partner Peter and his work.
Now, let’s talk about Peter for a second. He’s not just any guy—he’s a full-on ocean-saving superhero. As Director of Campaigns for Sea Shepherd and Chairman of Sea Shepherd Australia, he has been battling for the oceans for over two decades. From captaining the Bob Barker vessel to leading high-stakes missions to protect marine life, the guy’s dedication is real. Emma couldn’t help but gush about him in March 2021, calling him her “real-life superhero” for his tireless work saving marine lives.
But behind all the joy, Emma’s also dealt with her share of hard times. She’s opened up about having to step away from one of her biggest passions due to the toxic, predatory behavior in the industry.
She Quit Singing Because Of Sexual Harassment
Walking away from her music career was one of the most difficult decisions she had to make. After enduring harassment in the industry, she made the courageous choice to walk away and refuse to stay silent. Rather than let the experience define her, Emma became an advocate for survivors of sexual assault, dedicating her energy to working with Planned Parenthood.
Her personal struggle found its way into her acting as well. When she took on the role of Brigid O’Reilly in Cloak & Dagger, it became a powerful outlet for her frustration. Playing a sexual assault survivor gave her a chance to express her own emotions, and viewers could feel the raw emotion in her performance.
Though her music career ended, she transformed that pain into purpose by taking on meaningful roles and causes.
She Has A Diverse Heritage
Lahana’s background is like a cultural mashup that keeps things interesting. Her mom, Lesley Rainbow, hails from New Zealand, while her dad brings some South African flair into the mix. But wait, it gets even cooler—she’s got a bit of everything in her family tree, with Greek, Jewish, South African, English, New Zealand, and Samoan roots all coming together.
With a heritage that’s all over the map, it’s no surprise Emma’s got a different outlook on life. Whether it’s in her acting or the way she approaches the world, those mixed roots definitely give her a vibe that’s all her own!
