Maria Louise Kanellis (born February 25, 1982) is an American professional wrestler, actress, model, and businesswoman. She was born in Ottawa, Illinois. She attended Northern Illinois University, where she studied sports management.
Kanellis gained initial recognition as a contestant in the reality television show “Outback Jack” in 2004. This led to opportunities in modeling and acting.
Kanellis is primarily known for her professional wrestling career. She signed with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) in 2004 after participating in the Diva Search competition. She worked as a backstage interviewer and occasional wrestler. She left WWE in 2010. She has also worked for Ring of Honor (ROH) and Impact Wrestling (formerly TNA).
While primarily known for professional wrestling, Kanellis has also pursued an acting career, primarily in smaller roles and independent films. Her roles are generally small, and her wrestling career overshadows her acting work.
While she has several credits, her roles are often minor. Some of her acting credits include:
Kanellis’s achievements are more prominently associated with her professional wrestling career than her acting career. She has held titles and been involved in significant storylines in various wrestling promotions. Her acting career is secondary to her wrestling accomplishments.
Outside of wrestling and acting, Kanellis has also been involved in business ventures, including a line of clothing and merchandise.