Rowan began modeling in college to earn some extra cash, and became involved in acting while working in commercials. At 20, Rowan left the University of Western Ontario before she attained her degree in English Literature, instead joining the cast of the Canadian series “Mount Royal.” Though Rowan has discussed what a tough decision it was to leave university, the young actress found the opportunity to shoot the show in Paris, France too irresistible. Rowan went on to further her education studying acting at the British American Drama Academy in London and, upon returning to North America, relocating to New York to study at the city’s famed Neighborhood Playhouse.
After relocating to Los Angeles, Rowan had bit parts on both the hit TV series “Dallas” (1991) and the blockbuster Steven Spielberg film “Hook” (1991). Though finding success in America, Rowan continued to work in Canada as well, guesting on series such as “The Outer Limits” (1995) and “The DaVinci Inquest” (1998) and, most notably, in the Canadian telepic “Adrift” (1994) for which she received a Best Actress Gemini award from the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television. Through this time, Rowan seamlessly worked in both TV and film, starring opposite Samuel L. Jackson as a tough teacher in “187” (1997) and with fellow Canucks Matthew Perry and Neve Campbell in “Three to Tango” (1999). In 2002, Rowan had a recurring role on the critically acclaimed “Boomtown,” playing the cuckolded wife of Neal McDonough’s detective. She filmed her final episode in 2003, just before starting on “The O.C.” (Fox. 2003- ), playing Kristen Cohen, the dutifull mother of Seth (Adam Brody) and wife of Sandy (Peter Gallagher).