Karina Lombard

Biography

Karina Lombard (born January 21, 1969, in Tahiti, French Polynesia) is a versatile actress, screenwriter, and director known for her captivating performances in both film and television. Her unique background and multilingual abilities have contributed to a diverse career spanning several decades.

Early Life and International Upbringing:

Born the youngest of five children, Karina Lombard's early life was marked by extensive international travel and education. After her parents separated when she was one year old, she moved with her father and siblings to Barcelona, Spain, where Spanish became her first language. She was educated in various boarding schools across Europe, including in Switzerland and Peru, and became fluent in English, Spanish, Italian, French, and German. At the age of 18, Lombard relocated to New York City to pursue modeling and acting.

Career Beginnings and Breakthrough Roles:

Lombard's career began with modeling, appearing in magazines such as Elle and Vogue. Her acting journey started with the Canadian miniseries "L'île" (The Island). She made her American film debut with a small role in Oliver Stone's The Doors (1991).

Her breakthrough came in 1993 with the lead role of Antoinette Cosway in Wide Sargasso Sea, a film adaptation of Jean Rhys's novel. This was quickly followed by supporting roles in major Hollywood productions like The Firm (1993), opposite Tom Cruise, and Legends of the Fall (1994), where she played Isabel Two, Brad Pitt's character's wife. She also performed all her own stunts in Kull the Conqueror (1997).

Transition to Television and Continued Work:

In the 2000s, Lombard transitioned to a more prominent presence in television. She is widely recognized for her role as Marina Ferrer in the first season of Showtime's series The L Word (2004-2009). She also had recurring roles in other popular shows such as The 4400 (2005-2006), Rescue Me (2009), CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2007), CSI: NY (2011), and NCIS (2012). In 2016, she portrayed Shawnee chief Nonhelema in an episode of the NBC series Timeless.

Beyond acting, Lombard has also showcased her talents as a musician and writer. She has released music, including the single "Little by Little" in 1988, and contributed to music for Cirque du Soleil. She has also worked as a screenwriter and director.

Karina Lombard's career highlights her adaptability and consistent presence in both film and television, demonstrating a wide range of talent in the entertainment industry. She currently resides in Venice, California.