Gina Holden is busier than ever shooting challenging and exciting roles all over the world. Most recently, the talented actor accepted an offer to work alongside Faye Dunaway and Daphne Zuinga in ‘Something To Be Thankful For,’ a heartwarming story of family and friendship. The film is a movie of the week premiering on the Hallmark Channel in November 2010.
She was also recently cast in the hit ABC fantasy ‘Legend Of The Seeker,’ based on the popular book series by Terry Goodkind. As an elegant and strong-willed widow, Gina’s character sacrifices her life to protect her young son and her body is possessed by Kalan Amnell's sister Lucinda, one of the last remaining confessors. Shot on location in New Zealand, the role was an incredible experience for the actor, demanding stunt skill and a deep emotional range.
In another impressive television credit, Gina was enlisted to play high-powered radio executive Trina Campbell on the CW family drama ‘Life Unexpected.’ The sexy and sophisticated exec turns the radio station upside down by forcing the cast to reevaluate where they are in life and what they want to do. The role was a departure from some of the sci-fi and dramatic characters Gina had been playing, and she was thrilled and honored to be cast. ‘Life Unexpected’ has been picked up for another season, and we will see her character recur in the future.
Her other recent television appearances include a lead role as controlling mother Shea Allen on ‘Harper’s Island,’ the popular CBS horror-drama set off the coast of Seattle. In an unprecedented move for network television, the show’s cast was unaware of where the script was going and who would die next. She also guest starred in the CBS police drama ‘Flashpoint’ alongside a talented cast led by Hugh Dillon. As Rachel Simpson, she plays a devoted mom and recovered drug addict who lives at the rehab facility in the country where her parents left her fifteen years ago.
Gina’s impressive film portfolio continues to expand as well. She recently filmed a supporting lead part in ‘Saw VII,’ the next franchise in the hugely successful horror series. The role launches Gina to new heights in the gore genre. Still in production, the film set for release in October 2010. Previously, she starred in ‘Message Deleted’, is a suspenseful thriller that found her opposite Matthew Lillard playing aspiring screenwriter Millie Councel. Gina also starred in ‘Screamers 2’, a sci-fi thriller based on an acclaimed Philip Dick story. As the beautiful, strong Lieutenant Victoria Bronte, Gina leads a group of humans sent to investigate mysterious happenings on another planet.
Gina’s acting versatility was previously displayed in the well-casted hit CW series, ‘Smallville’. As Patricia Swann, Gina played the daughter of Virgil Swann, played by Christopher Reeves.. Gina says it was “an honor and a privilege” to be cast in a role connected to the man who’s name is synonymous with Superman on screen.
In addition to memorable roles in big features and television series such as ‘Final Destination 3’, ‘Alien vs. Predator 2’ and ‘Supernatural’, Gina played Coreen Fennel in twenty-one episodes of ‘Blood Ties’, the popular vampire series that aired for two seasons on Lifetime.
Off-screen, Gina is pursuing multiple projects on the production side of her craft. Early in 2009, she executive produced ‘Bangmaster General,’ a surreal skateboarding web series created by award-winning director Corey Adams. This summer, she will pursue another creative vision by producing and art directing a photo shoot for her website and publicity materials. As always, Gina is up for new challenges, both on-screen and off.
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Gina was born in the small mountain town of Smithers, B.C., Canada, where she developed a love of performance from an early age. Her first performance took place at a figure skating exhibition when she was five. She has been at home on center stage ever since.
Through most of her early years, as she moved around with her mom and older brother, Gina’s first love was dance. She credits her training in classical ballet, tap, modern and musical theatre with developing the work ethic that, as a teenager, helped turn her love of performance into something resembling a career.
At the age of fifteen, Gina was scouted by a modeling agency and traveled to Japan to embark on a modeling career. Embracing the move with both hands, Gina schooled herself on the culture and language and the country quickly became her second home. Professionally, Japan was a major break, as Gina's face graced the covers of more than twenty magazines. But modeling was never her passion. While her talent and drive gave her a taste of success, modeling was ultimately a stepping stone to bigger things, in another medium.
On returning to North America, Gina went back to school, where she continued to study Japanese and graduated top of her class. Then, while working two jobs, Gina took acting classes to develop her stage skills. Before long the the roles started coming, getting bigger with each booking. Now, her hectic work schedule demands that she split her time between Los Angeles and Vancouver.
With an impressive portfolio that includes leading roles in feature films and TV series, Gina continues to work hard to achieve bigger and better things. She is constantly challenging herself with new and unfamiliar roles. “I have to press forward and try new things,” she says, “That’s what excites me.” Surrounded by loving friends and family, Gina Holden is always looking ahead. And up!
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