Emma M. Chukker was born in San Diego, California to a mother who worked as a professional singer. Emma began her acting career at a young age. In high school while she studied drama, she took parts in plays at the local La Jolla Playhouse and the Old Globe Theatre. She additionally traveled to The American School in Switzerland (TASIS) in London, England, to study drama the summer before her senior year. Her talent for acting was recognized by her fellow thespians, who awarded her the distinguished Excellence in Theatre Arts award at her high school.

After graduating from the La Jolla Country Day School, she attended San Francisco State University to study psychology, but left half-way through her freshman year. Her passion for acting continued to drive her, moving her to Los Angeles at 19.