Biography
Who is Melina Kanakaredes?
Early life and education
Melina Kanakaredes was born in Akron, Ohio. She is the youngest of three daughters. Her parents are Connie and Harry Kanakaredes. Her mother owned a candy company, and her father worked as an insurance salesman. As a second-generation Greek-American, she grew up speaking Greek fluently.
Her family had deep roots in the confectionery business. Her maternal uncles operated a chocolate store called Temo's Candy Company in Akron. This shop was originally established by her grandfather, Christ Temo, and it remained in business until 2020.
Career in television
Melina Kanakaredes began her television career on the daytime soap opera Guiding Light. She originated the character Eleni Andros and played the role from 1991 to 1995. Her performance earned her two Daytime Emmy Award nominations. She was nominated for Outstanding Younger Actress in 1994 and Outstanding Supporting Actress in 1995.
Her most prominent television work came in the late 1990s and 2000s. She starred as Dr. Sydney Hansen on the series Providence for five seasons between 1999 and 2002. Following that, she took on the role of Detective Stella Bonasera on the CBS crime drama CSI: NY. She appeared on that show for six seasons before leaving in 2010.
Film and stage work
In the film industry, she appeared in The Long Kiss Goodnight as the character Trin. She also acted in 15 Minutes alongside Robert De Niro. Melina was considered for the lead role in My Big Fat Greek Wedding, but she declined the part due to her first pregnancy. Later, she played the Greek goddess Athena in Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief. She also starred in the 2013 drama film Snitch with Dwayne Johnson.
Her work in the theater continued after her university graduation. She performed as Sally Bowles in the 1998 revival of Cabaret. She also appeared in the 2015 production titled My Child: Mothers of War.
Personal life
Melina Kanakaredes married Peter Constantinides on September 6, 1992. The couple held a Greek Orthodox ceremony. Her husband is a chef, realtor, and former restaurant consultant. The couple has two daughters named Zoe, born in 2000, and Karina Eleni, born in 2003.
The family previously owned a restaurant in Powell, Ohio, called Tria Greek Kuzina. The establishment has since closed. Melina and her husband have maintained their private life, including the births of their children, which were not written into her storylines on the show Providence.
Birthday and age
Melina Kanakaredes was born on April 23, 1967, which makes Melina 59 years old today. That birthday falls under the Taurus sign. Melina shares the date with 59 other famous people.
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