Melina Kanakaredes

The illustrious Melina Eleni Kanakaredes was born of Greek descent to Connie and Harry Kanakaredes in Akron, Ohio. From a young age, her love of musical theatre fuelled her passion for performing, and at the age of eight, she made her acting debut in a local community theatre production of "Tom Sawyer". She later attended Ohio State University and Point Park College in Pittsburgh, appearing in commercials, industrial films and stage productions at the Pittsburgh Playhouse and Pittsburgh Public Theatre. It was here she gained the attention of the world, and upon graduation, moved to New York City to pursue her dreams. Her hard work and dedication has been rewarded with a recurring role as Jimmy Smits' reporter-girlfriend, and she continues to inspire generations.