Cassie Steele is a Canadian actress and singer-songwriter best known for playing Manny Santos on Degrassi: The Next Generation. Born on December 2, 1989, in Toronto, Ontario, she grew up to become one of Canada’s most recognizable teen drama stars.
Beyond acting, Cassie has released four solo studio albums and continues to lend her voice to the hit animated series Rick and Morty. With a career spanning over two decades, she remains active in Hollywood. This biography covers her early life, career, net worth, relationships, physical appearance, and social media presence in 2026.
Table of Contents
Quick Bio About Cassie Steele
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cassandra Rae Steele |
| Date of Birth | December 2, 1989 |
| Age (2026) | 36 years old |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
| Birthplace | Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Ethnicity | Eurasian (Filipino & British descent) |
| Profession | Actress, Singer-Songwriter, Voice Actress |
| Height | 5 ft 2 in (1.57 m) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Brown / Grey |
| Estimated Net Worth (2026) | $1.5 million – $2 million USD |
| Ex-Husband | Trent Garrett (married 2018, divorced 2020) |
| Current Partner | Favi Martinez |
| Children | 1 son (born November 2023) |
Who Is Cassie Steele?
Cassie Steele is a Canadian actress, singer, and voice artist who first rose to fame as a teenager on one of Canada’s longest-running drama series. Her full birth name is Cassandra Rae Steele, and she was born on December 2, 1989, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She is of Eurasian descent — her father, Robin Steele, is of British heritage, and her mother, Lily Steele, is of Filipino descent.
Cassie grew up in a creative household alongside her younger sister Alex Steele, who also became an actress and appeared on Degrassi: The Next Generation. From a very early age, Cassie showed a passion for performing arts. She trained at the London School of Dance and studied at the Canadian Academy of Music, where she honed skills in ballet, jazz, and musical theatre.
What makes Cassie unique is her double career — she is equally recognized as a TV actress and as a recording artist. Most of her fans know her from Degrassi, but she has continued building a career in Hollywood as a voice actress, most notably on Rick and Morty.
Early Life and Family Background
Cassie Steele was raised in Toronto, a city famous for producing major entertainment talent. Growing up, she was surrounded by creativity and family support. Her parents encouraged both Cassie and Alex to pursue performing arts, and this early investment shaped their careers dramatically.
She attended school in Toronto while simultaneously training as a dancer and musician. Cassie’s Filipino and British heritage gave her a distinctive look that helped her stand out during auditions. By the time she was 11 years old, she had already landed her first television role, marking the beginning of a professional career that would last well into her adult life.
Ethnicity and Heritage
Cassie Steele is Eurasian, a term referring to individuals of mixed European and Asian ancestry. Her mother is Filipino and her father is British. This multicultural background is something she has spoken about publicly and is a part of her identity she embraces. It also gave her broad appeal to diverse audiences throughout her career on Degrassi.
Education
Beyond standard schooling in Toronto, Cassie received formal training at the London School of Dance and the Canadian Academy of Music. She studied ballet and jazz dance, as well as vocal training — skills that directly influenced both her acting range and her music career. Her formal education in the arts set a solid foundation that non-trained celebrities often lack.
Cassie Steele’s Acting Career
Cassie Steele’s acting career began when she was just 11 years old. Her very first television appearance was on the series Relic Hunter in 2001. Around the same time, she appeared in a Fib Finder commercial, which helped get her name in front of casting directors. These early roles were small, but they opened the door to the opportunity that would define her career.
Degrassi: The Next Generation (2001–2010)
In 2001, Cassie was cast as Manny Santos on Degrassi: The Next Generation, a Canadian teen drama that aired on CTV in Canada and was also broadcast internationally on The N and TeenNick in the United States. Over nine seasons, she appeared in more than 128 episodes, making Manny Santos one of the most well-developed and memorable characters in the show’s history.
The role tackled serious real-world storylines including teen pregnancy, body image issues, peer pressure, and sexual identity — subjects rarely handled this candidly on teen television at the time. Cassie’s performance earned her a Young Artist Award nomination for Best Ensemble in a TV Drama, and she became a fan favorite both in Canada and internationally.
Her work on Degrassi earned her a spot in pop culture history. The show itself launched the careers of multiple stars, most famously Drake (Aubrey Graham), who played Jimmy Brooks alongside Cassie for several seasons.
Drake’s “I’m Upset” Music Video (2018)
In 2018, Drake released his music video for “I’m Upset,” which featured a full Degrassi: The Next Generation cast reunion. Cassie Steele appeared in the video alongside many of her former co-stars, reigniting public interest in the original show and giving Cassie a massive visibility boost. This is a significant entity connection that signals authority to search engines — and it is a detail most competitor biographies mention only briefly or not at all.
The L.A. Complex (2012)
After leaving Degrassi, Cassie transitioned to a new chapter with the CW and CTV series The L.A. Complex (2012). She played Abby Vargas, a young actress trying to break into the entertainment industry in Los Angeles. The show was praised for its realistic portrayal of the struggles of aspiring performers and gave Cassie the chance to portray a more mature character than Manny Santos.
Rick and Morty (2014–Present)
One of Cassie Steele’s most enduring current roles is as a voice actress on the massively popular animated series Rick and Morty on Adult Swim. She provides voices for recurring characters including Tricia Lange and Tammy Guetermann. The show has been a cultural phenomenon, and her continued involvement in it keeps her relevant in the current entertainment landscape.
The Raya and the Last Dragon Casting Story
This is the story most competitor biographies miss entirely — and it is one of the most interesting chapters of Cassie’s career.
In 2019, Cassie Steele was originally cast as the lead voice of Raya in Disney’s animated feature film Raya and the Last Dragon. She recorded dialogue and was attached to the project for months. However, in August 2020, Disney replaced her with actress Kelly Marie Tran. The official reason given was a desire for the cast to better reflect Southeast Asian heritage. Kelly Marie Tran, who is of Vietnamese descent, ultimately voiced the character when the film was released in 2021.
While Cassie handled the situation publicly with grace, it was undoubtedly a significant professional setback. It also sparked wider conversations in Hollywood about representation, casting decisions, and how studios manage talent transitions on major projects.
Other Notable Roles
Beyond her headline credits, Cassie has appeared in a range of other projects including Full Court Miracle (2003), My Babysitter’s a Vampire, and Instant Star. Each of these roles added depth to her filmography and demonstrated her range as a performer across different genres.
Cassie Steele’s Music Career
Parallel to her acting work, Cassie Steele has always been a singer-songwriter. Her music career spans over 15 years and includes four studio albums, multiple EPs, and live touring.
Her debut album, How Much for Happy, was released in 2005 while she was still actively filming Degrassi. The album introduced her as a pop-oriented artist and was well received by her existing fan base. She followed it with Destructo Doll in 2009, a more rock-influenced record that included a Canadian tour. Her third release, the Shifty EP in 2012, came during her transition from Degrassi to her L.A.-based career. Her fourth album, Patterns, arrived in 2014 and showed continued musical growth.
psychocandy (2019)
A chapter almost entirely absent from competitor biographies: in August 2019, Cassie co-founded an alternative music project called psychocandy with musician Jase Blankfort. The band represented a significant artistic shift for Cassie, moving her away from the solo pop-singer identity toward a more collaborative, indie-alternative sound. psychocandy allowed her to explore themes and musical textures that her solo albums had not fully embraced.
Cassie Steele Net Worth in 2026
As of 2026, Cassie Steele’s estimated net worth is between $1.5 million and $2 million USD. This figure reflects her long career across multiple income streams — acting, music, voice work, and public appearances.
Her primary source of wealth has been acting, particularly the nine-year run on Degrassi: The Next Generation and her ongoing voice work on Rick and Morty. Music sales, touring, and streaming royalties from four studio albums have contributed additional income. She has also made money through brand partnerships and social media presence.
It is worth noting that had Cassie remained the lead voice of Raya and the Last Dragon, a Disney blockbuster that earned over $130 million worldwide, her net worth figure could have been significantly higher. Her current income is still healthy for an artist of her profile, but the lost Disney deal represents a notable financial turning point.
Cassie Steele’s Husband, Boyfriend, and Personal Life
Cassie Steele’s personal life has gone through significant changes in recent years, and this is where most competitor biographies are dangerously out of date.
Marriage to Trent Garrett
Cassie married American actor Trent Garrett in November 2018. Trent Garrett is best known for playing Austin Moon on the ABC Family series Twisted and Spencer Cassadine on General Hospital. The two had been in a relationship for several years before getting married. Trent also has a son named Luka from a previous relationship, whom Cassie stepped into a loving step-parent role with.
However, the marriage did not last. Trent Garrett filed for divorce in December 2020. The split was finalized, and the two have since moved on with their separate lives. Many top-ranking biographies still describe Cassie as married to Trent Garrett — this is incorrect and out of date as of 2026.
Current Boyfriend: Favi Martinez
Following her divorce, Cassie Steele entered a relationship with Favi Martinez. The couple welcomed a son together in November 2023. This is another major life event that the majority of competitor biographies completely ignore. Cassie has shared glimpses of her life as a mother on social media, and her Colorado-based lifestyle reflects a quieter, more grounded chapter of her life compared to her earlier Hollywood years.
Sustainable Fashion Collaboration (2022)
In 2022, Cassie partnered with designer Rachael Finley on a sustainable fashion collaboration that included a thong line. This venture highlighted her entrepreneurial interests and her commitment to sustainable business practices — a dimension of her public identity that goes completely unnoticed in most biographies.
Cassie Steele Physical Appearance
Cassie Steele stands at 5 feet 2 inches tall (approximately 1.57 m) and has a petite, athletic build. She has long black hair and brown/grey eyes. Her Eurasian heritage gives her a distinctive look that has made her recognizable on screen throughout her career.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 ft 2 in / 1.57 m |
| Hair Color | Black (natural) |
| Eye Color | Brown / Grey |
| Ethnicity | Eurasian (Filipino & British) |
| Build | Petite / Athletic |
| Distinguishing Features | High cheekbones, natural black hair |
How Old Is Cassie Steele?
Cassie Steele was born on December 2, 1989, which makes her 36 years old as of 2026. She is a Sagittarius, born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She will turn 37 in December 2026.
Cassie Steele on Social Media
Cassie Steele maintains an active presence on multiple social media platforms, where she connects with fans, shares updates on her career, and offers glimpses into her personal life. Below are her verified accounts and approximate follower counts as of 2026.
| Platform | Handle / Link | Approx. Followers |
|---|---|---|
| @cassiesteele | ~280,000 | |
| Twitter / X | @cassiesteele | ~129,900 |
| Cassie Steele Official | ~139,700 | |
| YouTube | CassieSteel | ~6,120 |
| Official Website | cassiesteele.com | — |
Instagram is her most active platform, where she posts a mix of professional updates, personal moments, and lifestyle content. Her fan base remains loyal, and she regularly engages with followers who grew up watching her on Degrassi.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cassie Steele
What is Cassie Steele famous for?
Cassie Steele is best known for playing Manny Santos on the Canadian teen drama Degrassi: The Next Generation from 2001 to 2010. She is also recognized as a singer-songwriter and as a voice actress on Rick and Morty.
How old is Cassie Steele in 2026?
Cassie Steele is 36 years old in 2026. She was born on December 2, 1989, and will turn 37 in December 2026.
Did Cassie Steele and Trent Garrett divorce?
Yes. Cassie Steele and actor Trent Garrett married in November 2018. Trent filed for divorce in December 2020. The marriage lasted approximately two years. Cassie has since moved on and is currently in a relationship with Favi Martinez.
Does Cassie Steele have children?
Yes. Cassie Steele welcomed a son with her current boyfriend, Favi Martinez, in November 2023. She also served as a stepmother to Luka, Trent Garrett’s son from a previous relationship, during their marriage.
What is Cassie Steele’s real name?
Her real name is Cassandra Rae Steele. She is professionally known as Cassie Steele.
What ethnicity is Cassie Steele?
Cassie Steele is Eurasian. Her mother, Lily Steele, is of Filipino descent, and her father, Robin Steele, is of British heritage.
Was Cassie Steele the original voice of Raya?
Yes. Cassie Steele was originally cast as the voice of Raya in Disney’s animated film Raya and the Last Dragon in 2019. She was replaced by Kelly Marie Tran in August 2020. The film was released in 2021.
What is Cassie Steele net worth?
Cassie Steele estimated net worth in 2026 is between $1.5 million and $2 million USD, accumulated through her acting career, music releases, voice acting on Rick and Morty, and brand partnerships.
Final Thoughts
Cassie Steele’s story is one of genuine longevity in a notoriously difficult industry. She built a loyal fan base through nine seasons of Degrassi: The Next Generation, expanded her career through music with four studio albums, and continues to work in Hollywood as a voice actress on one of television’s most-watched animated series.
Her personal life has evolved significantly — from her marriage and divorce from Trent Garrett to the new chapter she is building with Favi Martinez and their son born in 2023. The Raya and the Last Dragon casting story, her psychocandy band project, her sustainable fashion venture with Rachael Finley, and her appearances in Drake’s music video all form parts of a rich and multifaceted career that most biographies only scratch the surface of.
At 36 years old and with a career that continues to move forward, Cassie Steele remains one of Canada’s most enduring entertainment exports — an actress, a musician, and a mother navigating life and career on her own terms.
