Who is Athena Karkanis? 6 things to know about the Canadian actress

If you’re making a list of successful Canadian actresses, your list won’t be complete without the likes of Athena Karkanis. The iconic actress has made leaps and bounds in the Canadian and American film industry. She gained a lot of attention after appearing in the hit horror film Saw IV in 2007. Athena performed the role of Detective Perez alongside other movie stars including Betsy Russell, Shawnee Smith and Tobin Bell. The commercially successful film received wide acclaim, which brought the actress to fame.

Who is Athena Karkanis?

Athena Karkanis is a brilliant Canadian voice actress best known for appearing in hit films such as The Frontier, Saw IV, and The Best Years. She began her acting career in 1996 and rose to stardom after her role in the AMC drama series Low Winter Sun. Interestingly, Athena did a great job as an actress and appeared in dozens of movies and TV series. Learn more about the Canadian actress in these facts below.

6 things to know about the Canadian actress

1. Athena Karkanis was born and raised in Canada

The prolific actress was born as Athena Irene Karkanis in 1981 in Alberta, Canada to Greek-Egyptian parents and also holds Canadian citizenship. Growing up, Athena spent her childhood in Toronto, where she completed her basic education. Athena’s interest in becoming an actress began when she was very young. She participated in various dramas and plays organized by her school.

2. Athena graduated in political science before her acting career.

Shortly after graduating from high school, Athena enrolled in McGill University located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. She was not interested in show business ab-initio but was instead seeking a bachelor’s degree in political science. Upon graduation, the actress intended to attend law school, which she later dropped out to pursue acting fully. Athena isn’t the only actress who never went to acting school, but does a lot of stunt work in the American film industry. Jennifer Lawrence, the highest paid actress, never attended drama school until she started her acting career. Athena Karkanis then graduated from Circle in the Square Theater School in New York.

3. She landed her first role in 1996

After giving up on her initial dream of a career in law, Athena ventured into the film industry. She got her first film role as a comedian in the 1996 animated series Stickin’ Around. Subsequently, she made her television debut in 2005, when she appeared in an episode of the Canadian crime series 1-800-missing. She also made her big screen appearance the same year, while appearing in the Larry Jacobs film The Big Dream of the Care Bears Movie. Her excellent performances brought the actress to the attention of top filmmakers.

Since the beginning of her career, the actress has made numerous appearances in television series, including Growing Up Creepie, The Best Years, Guns, The Frontier, Too Late to Say Goodbye, Degrassi: The Next Generation, The Lottery, expanse, the zoo, and its current television series Manifesto. Additionally, she has appeared in thriller films and her most notable films include Sacrifice, Spark, The Barrens, Survival of the Dead, and The Art of War II: Betrayal.

4. She appeared in several horror films

Athena Karkanis has proven to be a dynamic movie star and has appeared in different types of movies including horror movies. Her notable role could be seen in Saw IV where she portrayed the role of Agent Perez. She also played a Tomboy in another horror thriller Survival of the Dead alongside Kenneth Welsh and Kathleen Munroe. Her next major role is seen in the sci-fi musical horror film Repo! The Genetic Opera

5. Athena is probably single

Athena Karkanis has had incredible success in her acting career and won the hearts of her fans with her excellent acting prowess. While she’s doing what she does best, not much is known about her love life. Meanwhile, the actress likes to find a balance between her love life and her professional life. There has been speculation that she is currently dating a Canadian journalist; however, this is just a rumor and the actress has not confirmed it. Apparently, Athena is focused on the climax of her acting career.

Also Read: 7 Interesting Facts You Should Know About Vanessa Ray

6. She has marvelous measurements

The Canadian movie star is a gorgeous woman with an attractive personality. She has a great physique and is very tall. Athena stands at a height of 5 feet 7 inches, which is two inches above the average height of American women. She has marvelous measurements (chest-waist-hips size) of 33-24-33 inches. In addition, Athena weighs 57 kg; her hair is brown and her eyes are black.