Biography
Kathleen Anne Gannon's Peruvian mother, Luz Marquez Gannon, and Irish-American father, Michael Thomas Gannon, raised their daughter and son (Sean Francis Gannon) in Danville, California; a beautiful, East Bay Area suburb. As a child, Kathleen was very involved in soccer, piano, singing, dancing, water-skiing, and, of course, acting. Her theatrical debut came at age 6 when she starred in a local theater production called "The Nightingale." In addition to two wonderful years of home schooling (her mother holds a masters degree in education), she attended Baldwin Elementary School and Charlotte Wood Middle School.
At San Ramon Valley High School, she directed theatrical shows, participated in Advanced drama classes, and starred in the school musical, for which she won the school's award for best actress. Besides her active leadership in the drama department, drill team, marching band and cheer leading squad, she also participated in the school's advanced Chamber choir, and was chosen to represent her school at the state's prestigious All-State Honor Choir.
After speaking at her high school graduation, Kat continued her musical theater career at Diablo Valley College, where she maintained a 4.0 grade point average. In 1997, she transferred to the prestigious University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), and graduated from the English department in 2000. She continued writing scripts, acting in local productions, and even touring a self-produced show to Southern California universities.
Upon graduating, she moved into Boyle Heights, a low-income area of East Los Angeles, to help the community through both the non-profit organization, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, and through substitute teaching in low-income public elementary schools in Los Angeles. Three years later, Kat began her career as a professional salsa dancer, teaching several classes a week, performing for celebrities (Arnold Schwarzenegger, Steve Harvey, Cindy Crawford), and competing internationally.
In 2006, Kat returned to pursue her childhood dream of thriving as a professional actress. She quickly began booking both English and Spanish roles in National commercials (Verizon, Albertsons, Rent-a-Center), and got her first speaking part on the most famous television soap opera. Soon after, she found herself booking constant commercial and voice over work as the National Spanish spokeswoman for Anna's Linens.
Kat looks forward to building her television career, and also intends to star in a Salsa dance feature film in the future.
