Kari Michaelsen is an American actress and motivational speaker who is best known for her appearances in blockbuster movies and television series. She rose into the mainstream after playing the character of Katie Kanisky in the NBC sitcom Gimme a Break! from 1981 to 1987. She also appeared in other notable films until she left the American film industry in 2001 to start a new career. Today she is an established motivational speaker and appears as a guest speaker at high-profile events and educational seminars. Learn more about Kari’s career and other interesting facts below.
Kari Michaelsen Biography (Age)
Kari Michaelsen was born on November 3, 1961, in Manhattan, New York, USA. She is the daughter of Arne Markussen and his wife Roberta Stevenson. Since she comes from a family rooted in show business, Kari Michaelsen was inspired to pursue a career in the theater. Her father was a singer, while her mother was a dancer. From a very young age, she was often seen performing in community centers.
She spent her childhood days in Manhattan, and in 1975 her family moved to Beverly Hills, where she completed her basic education at Beverly Hills High School. After graduating from high school in 1979, she enrolled at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she earned a bachelor’s degree in drama four years later. While there, she also appeared in various theater productions organized by her school.
Kari Michaelsen began her acting career during her high school years with a supporting role in the 1976 film Joy Ride: Car Theft. Shortly after graduation, she made her professional debut when she appeared in the 1980 television movie Scared Straight! Another story. Later that year, she also played minor roles in two television series – Different Strokes and ABC Afterschool Special, in which she portrayed Ellen Marshall and Karala Murtaugh respectively.
The following year she made her screen debut in the film Saturday the 14th, in which she played the role of Debbie. In the same year she also starred in television series such as The Incredible Hulk, Eight is Enough, The Choice, and CHiPs. Her breakthrough came when she joined the cast of the NBC sitcom Gimme a Break! There she played the lead role of Kathleen Kanisky alongside Joey Lawrence from 1981 to 1986. Her impressive performance in the series earned her a nomination for the Young Artist Award for the best young actress in a comedy series.
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Later she also appeared in other films and series, including The Kid with the 200 IQ, ABC Afterschool Special, Hart to Hart, Full House, Girl Talk.
Kari retired from the acting scene in 2001 and decided to pursue a career in another field – public speaking. The actress began appearing as a motivational speaker in 1990 but decided to commit herself completely to it. Since then, she has held educational seminars and has been a guest speaker at other high-profile events.
Kari’s Family
Kari Michaelsen came from a family that is well-rooted in show business. Her parents were both music enthusiasts and made waves in their prime. It is not known, however, whether she is her parent’s only child, as she never revealed details about her siblings to the media. Her father is of Norwegian descent, while her mother is American.
The actress is also active in love play and has had her own share of relationships. Previously, she was married to David Waldock, who was an executive at Mercedes-Benz. The duo married in 2002 and later welcomed their son Nickolas. After seven years of marriage, however, the couple went separate ways and the divorce was finalized in 2009.
Although there is no news about Kari’s later relationships, it might interest you to know that she had a relationship with the famous American pop star Andy Gibb in 1983. Their relationship, however, was short-lived and ended a few months later. From 1985 to 1986 she was also together with Michael J. Fox.
Kari Michaelsen Net Worth
Kari Michaelsen was a spectacular actress during her time in the Hollywood industry. She starred in several movies and television series for which she received fat paychecks. Michaelson currently lives a decent lifestyle and her net worth is currently $500,000. She made most of her fortune from her acting career and the rest from her later career as a motivational speaker.
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Height
Kari Michaelsen is a very charming lady with a wonderful personality. Although she is not considered one of the biggest in the American film industry; with a height of 5 feet 3 inches, Kari still made waves in the industry. She has a ravishing physique and a curvy figure. In addition to her bright blue eyes, the actress also has blonde hair. Her weight and other body measurements are currently not available.
