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Entertainment • Actor

Katheryn Winnick

Katheryn Winnick is a Canadian actress, director, and producer best known for playing Lagertha in the television series *Vikings*.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Katheryn Winnick is a Canadian actress, director, and producer. She is best known for playing Lagertha in the television series *Vikings*. She has also had starring roles in *Wu Assassins* and *Big Sky*, and a recurring role on *Bones*.

Early life

Katheryn Winnick was born on December 17, 1977, in Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada. Her birth name is Katerena Anna Vinitska. She is a Canadian performer.

Acting career

Winnick began her acting career in the late 1990s. She had a recurring role as Hannah Burley on *Bones* from 2010 to 2011. She gained widespread recognition for portraying Lagertha in *Vikings* from 2013 to 2020. She later starred as Christine "C.G." Gavin in *Wu Assassins* and as Jenny Hoyt in *Big Sky*.

Other work

In addition to acting, Winnick has been credited as a director and producer. She made her directorial debut on the final season of *Vikings*.

Public image and skills

Winnick is known for her martial arts training and holds black belt credentials. Her physical abilities are often highlighted in profiles of her action-oriented roles.

Key facts

  • Winnick is a Canadian performer born in Etobicoke, Ontario.
  • She is widely known for portraying Lagertha in *Vikings* from 2013 to 2020.
  • She played Christine "C.G." Gavin in *Wu Assassins* and Jenny Hoyt in *Big Sky*.
  • She had a recurring role as Hannah Burley on *Bones* from 2010 to 2011.
  • Her credits also include work as a director and producer.
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Canadian context

Katheryn Winnick is a Canadian actor from Ontario and is a notable example of a Canadian performer with an international television career.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Katheryn Winnick?
She is a Canadian actress, director, and producer known for *Vikings*, *Wu Assassins*, and *Big Sky*.
What is Katheryn Winnick best known for?
She is best known for playing Lagertha in *Vikings*.
Where was Katheryn Winnick born?
She was born in Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada.
What is Katheryn Winnick's birth name?
Her birth name is Katerena Anna Vinitska.
Has Katheryn Winnick worked behind the camera?
Yes. She has been credited as a director and producer, and ABC states she made her directorial debut on *Vikings*.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katheryn_Winnick
    Supports: Birth date, nationality, birthplace, and major acting roles including *Vikings*, *Wu Assassins*, *Big Sky*, and *Bones*.
  2. Wikipedia (French) — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katheryn_Winnick
    Supports: Birth name, birthplace in Etobicoke, Ontario, nationality, and occupation.
  3. Wikipedia (German) — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katheryn_Winnick
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, and birth name.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0935395/
    Supports: Occupation as actress/director/producer, role in *Vikings*, and credits in *Big Sky* and *Wu Assassins*.
  5. ABC — https://abc.com/cast/a1bddf36-968d-4c5c-891f-05ef58ef7e01
    Supports: Role in *Big Sky*, directorial debut on *Vikings*, and martial arts background.