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Melina KanakaredesAmerican actress
Date of Birth: 23.04.1976
Country:  USA |
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Biography of Melina Kanakaredes
Melina Eleni Kanakaredes, born on April 23, 1967, is an American actress and Emmy-nominated performer. She is widely known for her lead roles in two popular American television series - Detective Stella Bonasera in 'C.S.I.: NY' ('CSI: New York') and Dr. Sydney Hansen in the series 'Providence'.
Early Career
Kanakaredes began her television career with the longest-running soap opera at that time, 'Guiding Light,' where she portrayed Eleni Andros Spaulding Cooper from 1991 to 1995. Her portrayal of Eleni earned her two Emmy nominations. While she had less well-known roles in series such as 'NYPD Blue,' 'Northern Exposure,' 'Due South,' 'OZ,' and 'The Ben Stiller Show,' Kanakaredes gained significant recognition for her performances in 'Providence' and 'CSI: NY.'
Notable Roles
Kanakaredes is best known for her portrayal of Dr. Sydney Hansen, a role she played for five seasons from 1999 to 2002. She also gained widespread fame for her role as Detective Stella Bonasera in 'CSI: NY,' which she portrayed from 2004 until the end of the series. Additionally, she appeared in the Hallmark film adaptation of Anne Tyler's novella 'Saint Maybe.'
Film Roles
In addition to her television career, Kanakaredes has had notable film roles, including her portrayal of Trin in 'The Long Kiss Goodnight' and Robert De Niro's character's girlfriend, Nicolette Karas, in '15 Minutes.' She was also considered for the lead role in 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding,' but had to decline due to her pregnancy.
Personal Life
Kanakaredes was born in Akron, Ohio, into a Greek-American family. Due to her heritage, she is fluent in Greek. Her two maternal uncles own a bakery in Akron, and her sister became a lawyer. Kanakaredes graduated from an Akron high school and briefly attended The Ohio State University before transferring to Point Park College in Pittsburgh. In 1989, she graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Theater Arts. Following her graduation, Kanakaredes began her theater career in New York City.
On September 6, 1992, Kanakaredes married Peter Constantinides. Together, they have two daughters - Zoe (born in 2000) and Karina Eleni (born in 2003). Alongside her husband, who is a former restaurant consultant, Kanakaredes co-owns the restaurant 'Tria Greek Kuzina' in Powell, Ohio.
