Pay it Forward

May 2009

Melina Kanakaredes

Actress
CSI:NY

The popular CSI television series has been credited with generating a surge in applicants, particularly women, into forensic science positions. As a star on the CSI: NY series, Melina takes joy from receiving letters from young girls who have been inspired by her character. "I think it's important when you're blessed and given these opportunities in life that you pay it forward," she says.

Coming from a Greek American background, Melina's heritage has played an integral part in her success as an actress. She's drawn strength from two bold figures--her grandmother, who before moving to America was the first in her village to say 'no' to a prearranged marriage and also hid a family of Greek Jews in her basement during WWII, and her mother who pursued an education in a culture where women were encouraged to say at home. Through them, Melina learned to look at life as a series of opportunities. "I'm the youngest of three girls and the youngest of seven cousins, all female. We were all given one common thing--the opportunity to dream a little bit."

In raising her own daughters, Zoe and Karina, Melina hopes to instill the same courage. "I want them to be fearless of what they can learn and accomplish. I think that's the greatest gift you can give as a parent. And, how we live our own lives is the best example."

Providing family balance is a task a lot of actresses have trouble with given the time commitment to their projects. Melina admits, "My life is in a constant state of organized chaos. It's a constant juggle of what's important." But, with the support of her husband, who has a career of his own, they make it work. The choice to work in television as opposed to movies has allowed her more flexibility. "I get to do what I love for a living, and yet I can run across town and go to a class or a ballet lesson, or bring my kids to set, and we have dinner together whether we're downtown or at the studio. It works for us. It creates that much loved feeling of knowing that you're secure and that there's a reason your parents want you here."

The research Melina does for her CSI role allows her to explore a subject she became interested in early on. "I had a teacher in 7th grade. He was really an odd egg. We ate chocolate covered grasshoppers, we dissected a frog, and did weird science projects. He pulled me aside and said, 'You are a really good student. I want you to do a science fair project.' I said I don't know if I'm interested, and he said, 'It's not an option. You have to do it.' I did my project based upon which shampoo cleans dirty oily hair best. I won the science fair that year! All of a sudden, science became something that was accessible."

Melina encourages her own daughters to consider career paths like those of the characters she plays. "I get the easy part--I just get to pretend," she says. I'm hoping that my daughters will choose to be the real heroes." Her youngest talks already of being a doctor "with an ice cream shop, so you can get a shot and have ice cream."

"You change the world by educating women," says Melina. "I do believe that there is a sort of inner strength that a woman has--you don't even realize what you're capable of until it hits you. We have to fulfill that inner voice and let it be heard. Then, move forward, and do work that changes things."

If you'd like to ask Melina a question, send it to Helene [at] womenworking [dot] com, and we'll see if we can get you an answer.

back to Daring Archives