Biografi
Karina Smulders (born Utrecht, 1980) was cast in the popular daytime series 'Onderweg naar Morgen' at the age of sixteen. After two years, she left the show and enrolled at the Academy of Performing Arts in Amsterdam, graduating with honors in 2002. A year earlier, as an apprentice, she originated the role of Katalijne in Lot Vekemans' 'Truckstop' for Muztheater. She has appeared in numerous feature films, including 'Ik omhels je met 1000 armen', 'Wolfsbergen', 'Kom niet aan mijn kinderen', 'Sum of Histories', and gained recognition for her role as Ada van Holland in 'Bride Flight'.
From 2002 to 2012, Karina was an ensemble member of Toneelgroep Amsterdam, the most prestigious Dutch theatre company, under the direction of Ivo van Hove. She performed in a wide range of classical and contemporary plays, such as True Love, Othello, Hedda Gabler, The Taming of the Shrew, Cries and Whispers, After the Fall, Roman Tragedies, and The Russians!. Her performance in After the Rehearsal / Persona in 2013 earned her a nomination for the Theo d'Or for best leading actress.
Following her tenure with Toneelgroep Amsterdam, Karina pursued a freelance acting career, collaborating with various companies. Her portrayal of Hedda in Hedda Gabler earned her another Theo d'Or nomination in 2017.
Besides her stage work, Karina has appeared in numerous television series, including Familie Kruys, Divorce, and Nieuwe Buren. Most recently, she starred as Xandra in the TV series Keizersvrouwen, directed by Ben Sombogaart. Later this year, she will appear in the film Jackie & Oopjen.
