Katheryn Winnick

Blonde, athletic, and unforgettable, Katheryn Winnick starred as Lagertha on the cable drama series "Vikings" (History 2013- ). Having grown up a self-proclaimed tomboy who spent much of her youth training in the martial arts, she was a natural fit for the character, a fierce warrior and mother who defends her tribe by whatever means necessary. Born in Toronto, Winnick earned her first black belt at age 13, and got her start in show business as a martial arts instructor on movie sets. However, her early acting appearances seemed to hint that there would be less testosterone in her future. Recurring appearances on the Canadian sitcom "Student Bodies" (Fox 1997-99) led to small roles in hit romantic comedy films including "Two Weeks Notice" (2002) and "50 First Dates" (2004). But it was her subsequent television work on the cable hit "Vikings" that gave her the opportunity to do some serious heavy lifting.