Melina Kanakaredes

Melina Kanakaredes has proven herself a force to be reckoned with as a multi‐talented actor, philanthropist, director and writer. Her work in television, film and on Broadway has earned her critical acclaim. For six years Kanakaredes starred on the CBS hit "CSI: New York," playing Stella Bonasera, a detective with a complicated past. She was also a writer on the show and the first episode she penned aired in 2009. In 2010 Kanakaredes played the Greek mythological icon Athena in Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief, directed by Chris Columbus. She was also seen starring opposite Robert De Niro in 15 Minutes. Other film credits include Rounders, Dangerous Beauty and The Long Kiss Goodnight.

Kanakaredes starred for five seasons as Dr. Sydney Hansen on NBC's critically acclaimed series "Providence." For her performance, she received the 2000 TV Guide Award for Favorite Actress in a Drama (as voted by more than one million viewers) and was nominated for the same award in 2001. While on the show Kanakaredes made her directing debut when she was six months pregnant. In 2003 she gave birth to her second child, took to the stage as Sally Bowles in the Broadway musical "Cabaret" and shot the indie film Into the Fire.

Kanakaredes graduated Magna Cum Laude from Point Park College in Pittsburgh with a B.F.A. in musical theater. While pursuing her degree she appeared in commercials, industrial films and on stage at the Pittsburgh Playhouse and Pittsburgh Public Theater. In 2002 the college awarded her an honorary doctorate degree. Upon graduation Kanakaredes moved to New York City and quickly started working professionally in Off Broadway plays and commercials. Within six months she had landed her first starring role, on the long‐running daytime drama "The Guiding Light." She received two Daytime Emmy Award nominations for her work on the soap.

Other television credits include a recurring role as Jimmy Smits' reporter girlfriend on "NYPD Blue." Kanakaredes also starred in the drama series "New York News" and "Leaving L.A." and guest‐starred on "The Practice" and "Oz."

Summit Entertainment