Monday March 12, 2001

Melina Kanakaredes

Melina Kanakaredes makes the jump from the little screen to the silver screen in the new thriller "15 Minutes." A story based on how the media can be used to turn criminals into quasi-celebrities.

Melina's hot on the case, starring as an aggressive television reporter chasing down a double murder story. Her love interest in the flick is Robert Deniro, who plays a media savvy detective. Melina admits she was excited and nervous for a shot to team with a movie icon like Deniro. "He and John Herzfeld said 'you got the part'. I didn't know who to kiss first ... Bob or John. I just kissed them both. It was great."

Her "day job" on the hit TV show "Providence" based in L.A., had her working 15-hour days during the week and jetting off to NY for filming on the weekend … all for 36 straight days.

And when her real life finally slowed down, Melina quickly took advantage and got pregnant. "I hadn't seen my husband for awhile. So we got together right after the movie and boy did we have a surprise. It was a wonderful present."

Here's some EXTRA info on Melina. This daughter of Greek immigrants was born in Akron, Ohio, but speaks fluent Greek.