Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Screen & Stage • Actor

Katheryn Winnick

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

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Katheryn Winnick is a Canadian actress, director, and producer best known for playing Lagertha in the television series *Vikings*. She has also starred in *Wu Assassins* and *Big Sky*.

Who she is

Born Katerena Anna Vinitska on December 17, 1977, in Etobicoke, Ontario, Winnick is a Canadian performer with a career spanning over two decades. She is widely recognized for her role as Lagertha in *Vikings* (2013–2020), which brought her international fame.

Key roles and work

Beyond *Vikings*, Winnick played Christine "C.G." Gavin in *Wu Assassins* and Jenny Hoyt in *Big Sky*. She also had a recurring role on *Bones* from 2010 to 2011. In addition to acting, she has worked as a director and producer, making her directorial debut on the final season of *Vikings*.

Public image and skills

Winnick is frequently noted for her martial arts background, including black belt credentials, which she has applied to action-oriented roles. Her physical training is a recurring theme in profiles of her career.

In short

  • Canadian actress from Etobicoke, Ontario.
  • Best known for playing Lagertha in *Vikings*.
  • Also starred in *Wu Assassins* and *Big Sky*.
  • Has worked as a director and producer.
Canadian angle

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

Quick 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.

Sources

  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.