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Melina Eleni Kanakaredes was born in Akron, Ohio, to Connie , and is a sports fan of the Cleveland Indians and Chicago Bulls. She lives with her family in Los Angeles.
Daughter Zoe born 23 May 2000, weighing 7 lbs, 12 oz.
Competed in Synchronized Swimming while at Ohio State, famous for its college Synchronized Swimming program.
Her husband, Peter, is a chef and restaurateur.
Graduated From Point Park College In Pittsburgh.
Graduated magna cum laude with a BFA in theatre from Point Park College in Pittsburgh. Family owns and runs a candy factory in Akron.
Speaks fluent Greek.
Was considered for the lead for My Big Fat Greek Wedding , but was pregnant at the time.
January 25, 2003: welcomed second daughter, Karina Eleni, born in Los Angeles.
Spokeswoman for Maybelline New York
Graduated from Firestone High School in Akron, Ohio.
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.
Is currently one of the stars on "CSI: NY" , which was introduced in the "CSI: Miami" cross-over episode "MIA/NYC Nonstop." "Miami" star David Caruso was a popular cast member of "NYPD Blue" , a series in which Melina made numerous guest appearances.
While most of the "CSI: NY" cast is from New York, Kanakaredes is one of three exceptions. The others are Gary Sinise (who was born in Illinois) and Anna Belknap (who was born in Maine).
She competed as "Miss Columbus" in The 1986 Miss Ohio Pageant (Miss America).
At the 1986 Miss Ohio Pageant, she won a talent award in a three-way tie, and was eventually named first runner up to Miss Ohio 1986.
Cousin to Alexandra Marinos.
Announced July 12, 2010 that she will not be reprising her role as "Detective Stella Bonasera" on the TV series, "CSI: NY" , for the seventh season.
(July 2003) Starring as Sally Bowles in "Cabaret" on Broadway in Studio 54.
Attended high school with Angie Everhart.
Met her husband when they were both students at Ohio State University.
Ultimately, my greatest achievement is maintaining my career while sustaining a happy marriage and kids. .
