Biography

Melina Kanakaredes

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Overview

Born
April 23 · Akron, Ohio, USA
Birth name
Melina Eleni Kanakaredes
Height
5′ 7″ (1.70 m)

Mini bio

Melina Kanakaredes is an Emmy-nominated actor, writer, director, and philanthropist. She's best known for her starring role as Stella Bonasera in CSI: New York. Prior to that, she starred as Dr. Sydney Hansen in NBC's Providence. Most recently, Melina starred as Dr. Lane Hunter in Fox's The Resident. Melina's roots are in theatre, and throughout her career she's continued to work on stage, both in Los Angeles and New York City. One of her favorites; starring on Broadway as Sally Bowles in Cabaret. Film credits include Snitch, Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief, and 15 Minutes. Melina is also a successful writer, and has multiple projects in development, including an autobiographical comedy about growing up in a candy factory, produced by Sony. Away from the set, Melina enjoys celebrating her Greek heritage with friends and family, and travels to Greece as often as possible. She's also dedicated to working with many charitable organizations: LACHSA Foundation, Americans for the Arts, Jhpiego, and Xprize to name a few.
- IMDb mini biography by: R&CPMK 2022
Melina Kanakaredes is an Emmy-nominated actor, writer, director, and philanthropist. She's best known for her starring role as Stella Bonasera in CSI: New York. Prior to that, she starred as Dr. Sydney Hansen in NBC's Providence. Most recently, Melina has joined the final season of Showtime's Billions as Governor Nancy Dunlop. Melina's roots are in theatre, and throughout her career she's continued to work on stage, both in Los Angeles and New York City. One of her favorites; starring on Broadway as Sally Bowles in Cabaret. Film credits include Snitch, Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief, and 15 Minutes. Melina is also a successful writer, and has multiple projects in development, including an autobiographical comedy about growing up in a candy factory, produced by Sony. Away from the set, Melina enjoys celebrating her Greek heritage with friends and family, and travels to Greece as often as possible. She's also dedicated to working with many charitable organizations: LACHSA Foundation, Americans for the Arts, Jhpiego, and Xprize to name a few.
- IMDb mini biography by: R&CPMK 2023

Family

Spouse
Children

Self-verified on IMDbPro

Gender / Gender identity
Female
Pronouns
she/her
Nationality / Religious or Ethnic identity
American, Greek

Trivia

Speaks fluent Greek.
Graduated magna cum laude with a BFA in theatre from Point Park College in Pittsburgh. Family owns and runs a candy factory in Akron.
Her husband, Peter, is a real estate developer and a Chef/Restauranteur (Graduate of the Culinary institute of America).
Her first TV commercial was for Semicid contraceptive. Her agent (whom she still uses as a result of this) worked an "embarrassment clause" into her contract for the commercial, which has become standard for her ever since.
Was considered for the lead for My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002), but was pregnant at the time.