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15+ Mind-Blowing Facts About 'Vikings' Star Katheryn Winnick

Jimmy Henton

In the world of Hollywood, there are stars who shine brightly, and then there's Katheryn Winnick, whose luminance truly skyrocketed thanks to one iconic TV series – Vikings. This Canadian-born actress has etched her name in the annals of showbiz for her portrayal of Lagertha, the revered Norse warrior and wife of Ragnar Lothbrok. Onscreen, she embodies fierce determination and strength, captivating audiences with her indomitable spirit. But who is the real Katheryn Winnick beyond the battlefield of Vikings?


Prepare to be pleasantly surprised. Beneath the warrior's exterior lies a treasure trove of talents and accomplishments. Not only does she excel in acting, but she also boasts an impressive athletic background that astonishes many. And here's the kicker: Her acting career didn't start with a role as a legendary leader's spouse.

Today, we're about to unveil 15+ mind-blowing facts that will deepen your appreciation for this stunning and multi-talented actress. Join us as we delve into the enigma that is Katheryn Winnick and discover the incredible journey that has made her a household name in the world of Entertainment.

#1. She has performed in a lot of cameos and guests roles.

Source: @katherynwinnick/Instagram
Katheryn has an impressive IMBb profile, which includes her appearances in shows like CSI, Criminal Minds, as well as Law & Order. Certainly, she still has an extremely busy schedule now.

#2. She's a big fan of the Toronto Blue Jays!

Source: @katherynwinnick/Instagram
Josh Donaldson, a former third baseman for the Toronto Blue Jays, made an appearance on Vikings as a guest star. Josh's number was 20. She even received a special Lagertha jersey from the team! "Thank you Toronto Blue Jays for my #Lagertha baseball jersey."

#3. Katheryn's first recurring role was on the TV program Student Bodies.

Source: YTV
"I actually used to watch it all the time!" said the actress. In this hilarious high school sitcom, two groups of students who worked for the school newspaper were followed throughout their daily lives.

#4. Katheryn's first language is Ukrainian!

Source: @katherynwinnick/Instagram
Maybe you missed this! Katheryn was born just outside in the Etobicoke city. She was growing up speaking strictly Ukrainian. Surprisingly, Katheryn didn't start to learn English until she'd already begun elementary school.

#5. In case that wasn't enough, Katheryn is also fluent in French, Italian, and Russian.

Source: @katherynwinnick/Instagram
Katheryn once shared: "Five languages? I can barely speak one. I know who I'm going to call the next time I'm planning a trip to Europe." It would be like having a living version of Google Translate if Katheryn were around.

#6. Her brother fought in Afghanistan and becomes a member of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Source: @katherynwinnick/Instagram
Katheryn shared on her Instagram: "Honoring all who served. #proudsister #remembranceday." Her brother is known as a real-life hero and she portrays also a hero onscreen - what a family!

#7. She immediately felt in live with the character of Lagertha.

Source: @katherynwinnick/Instagram
What can Katheryn say? “What’s interesting about playing Lagertha is that she is not only a warrior but she’s also a young mother, so she’s allowed to embrace her femininity and deal with issues when she gets more powerful and has a lot more strength and respect within the community.” Indeed, it's always a big part of her acting career.

#8. She's a bit of an adrenaline junkie.

Source: @katherynwinnick/Instagram
In a caption on her Instagram post, she shared: "The moment after my little brother threw me out of a plane????" It's safe to say that I would never allow my younger brother to engage in such behavior.

#9. Katheryn has directed episodes of *Vikings*.

Source: @katherynwinnick/Instagram
"I’ve always wanted to direct; in high school, I used to direct plays and I got a scholarship for it, actually. But being on set for so many years, you always try to keep it fresh. I always treated it as a playground in terms of what else can I play, what else can I learn?"

#10. Katheryn strongly believes that all women should learn self defense.

Source: @katherynwinnick/Instagram

“I think every woman has to learn how to defend themselves for sure, and if you can protect your body and have confidence in your body then in any situation you’d be able to defend yourself. It gives you the power and confidence you have to start within yourself.”

Winnick went on to share: “I’ve owned my own dojos and have been teaching women’s self-defense for many, many years”.

#11. The History Network has started targeting women more when marketing their content as a result of Katheryn.

Source: @katherynwinnick/Instagram
“I fell in love with Lagertha’s character and she’s a strong person and I identify with her, so I’m not surprised other women identify with her too,” Katheryn spoke about the cultural impact of the character.

#12. Katheryn is a second-degree Black Belt.

Source: History

Katheryn started practicing martial arts when she was just 7 years old, and by the time she was 13, she had already earned her first Black Belt.

She now owns and founded three martial arts schools and is a licensed fight instructor.

#13. Rumor has it that she might play Dinah Lance in the DC Extended Universe.

Source: @katherynwinnick/Instagram
The Black Canary's alter ego is Dinah Lance. If you're not a comic book nerd like me, Black Canary is one of the DCU's more potent female characters. She is frequently portrayed as Green Arrow's love interest.

#14. Regardless of her fame, she always stays humble.

Source: @katherynwinnick/Instagram
“I’m always blown away how many different cultures the show reaches, Spain, Germany, Russia and I know we just opened up in Asia. Everybody is kind of now catching onto the show which is really exciting. It definitely changes your personal life.”

#15. Actually, she would enjoy being an astronaut!

Source: @katherynwinnick/Instagram
“It sounds crazy, but I’ve been fascinated about space for a very long time. I know it’s the wave of the future and I’d love to be able to go up in space and see the world. I think that would be a magical moment.”

#16. Italy is her preferred vacation destination!

Source: YouTube | Red Carpet News TV

If you've ever been, you can see why, and if you haven't been, you should go right away. Her favorite getaways also include trips to Napa Valley. Surely she enjoys wine!

What do think about the actress? Let's share your thoughts with us in the comment section below!