| Katie
Griffin doesn't like ultimatums. On her first day of Ryerson University,
at 18 years old, she was offered a role in a film called, "Up to Now,"
starring Christine Lahti. Ryerson told Katie that she could either stay
in school or shoot the film. Katie made a life-altering decision that day,
and hasn't looked back once. These days, Katie has a lot to be excited about
with her acting career taking off and her first CD, Kiss Me Chaos released on May 13th, 2003.
Katie's
artistic influences are wide and varied. Musically, Katie grew up listening
to artists like Sarah McLachlan, Madonna and The Tragically Hip. Now,
a confessed 'alternative music junkie', she finds herself inspired by
bands like Hole, Foofighters, No Doubt, Madonna and Radiohead. "I
love to sing. Singing has always been my true passion, and as soon as
I realized I wasn't going to get a record deal singing in the shower,
I decided to take matters in to my own hands and take up the guitar. I
took lessons for 6 months, and when I became pretty confident with it,
I started writing". Katie just finished recording her first CD Kiss
Me Chaos, co-produced by Michael Kulas (formally of JAMES). "I was
so fortunate to have someone as talented as Michael get on board. He transformed
these little acoustic songs I had written, into a full pop/rock CD. I'm
so excited about this new journey."
Her
acting career has been keeping her busy when she wasn't working on finishing
her CD. Katie just finished shooting her second episode of Doc, starring
Billy Ray Cyrus, as the flirtatious Diane Lang, a drug rep for the hospital.
She's still anxiously awaiting the release of the feature film, Swindle
where she stars opposite Tom Sizemore and Dave Foley, in a story about
a bank heist that goes wrong. Protection, another feature film that Katie
recently starred in, as Stephen Baldwin's wife, was released at Roger's
Video in April 2002. She is also currently starring in a brand new Nelvana
cartoon called Traffix, where she plays 'Oona' the know-it-all alien.
Katie can also be heard as Ruby, in the animated series, Max and Ruby
which is currently on YTV. Another exciting project that Katie is working
on is the hit animation series, Braceface, with Alicia Silverstone. Braceface
has been rated the #1 cartoon of all time on the FOX Family network in
the U.S. and was nominated for an Emmy in 2002. Katie also had a decent
cameo on America's Prince the movie of the week about the John F. Kennedy
Jr. story. On top of these recent successes, Katie has also done extensive
work in television, both voice and onscreen. She has appeared in episodes
of series such as Earth Final Conflict, Traders, Total Recall, and The
Associates. She is also widely known for her voice work as Sailor Mars
in the popular animated series, Sailor Moon.
When
Katie was 8 years old, she played the role of The Artful Dodger in a school
play. Her mother was the director and encouraged her to try her hand at
acting. While some of the kids at school thought Katie won the role because
of nepotism, her mother seemed to know before she did that this is what
Katie was meant to do. "I was in heaven! I knew every song in that
show by heart, and I even threw in a 'Cockney' accent. Looking back, for
an eight year old, that was pretty huge." As Katie grew up, it wasn't
theatre as much as film that continued to inspire her love of acting.
"I wish I could romanticize and say my inspiration came from some
great theatre production, but my true obsession came from watching movie
after movie." Her other major influence continued to be her mom.
"I love to watch women that are able to balance both power and heart.
My Mom has been a huge influence on me. I'm inspired by all women with
great presence.'"
When
asked what is Katie's biggest accomplishment so far, she considers the
question for a moment. "I guess the fact that I'm a girl from Scarborough,
who started out with no connections in the entertainment business at all,
and making a pretty decent living at what is probably one of the most
competitive fields to break into. And a few years ago, I studied at the
American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles, which was a great learning
experience. I've also had the opportunity to work opposite some wonderful
performers, such as Nicole Kidman and Glenn Close. I feel really lucky,
but at the same time, I work REALLY hard at what I do." Katie's hard
working, high energy and positive attitude have won her accolades from
experienced directors, co-stars and casting agents alike. Director, John
Flynn (Protection) says, "She's an extraordinarily gifted, and unique
talent, ready for much bigger and greater challenges in the future."
Although Katie's career is extremely important to her, one other area
of her life remains more important to her than success - her family. In
addition to her mother's guidance, her father has been a major hero in
her life. "He's my rock. He's an Air Traffic Controller at Pearson
International and a pilot in his spare time. When I can afford it, I'm
going to buy him a plane." Katie also has a younger sister with whom
she is very close. "Becky's my best friend in the world. I am in
awe of her constantly."
Although
Katie has such a busy schedule, she likes to unwind with some secret pleasures.
She stays in shape by running four times a week, relaxes mentally by playing
her guitar, plays hockey twice a week on a women's league, and watches
the Toronto Maple Leafs and Chicago Blackhawks whenever she gets a moment.
In the future, Katie would like to be in a position where she continues
to have options. "I want to get married and have kids. I want the
ultimate fairytale." In the meantime, she is sticking to her beliefs
that everything happens for a reason. "I don't take anything for
granted. I just try to stay true to myself and focus on doing the best
job I can." Contact
info:
Edna Talent Agency, Toronto, Paul Hemrend - Agent, 416.413.7800
rock-it promotions, Toronto, Debra Goldblatt - Publicist, 416.489.0055
Last
update - March 2003
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