Marina Sirtis, born on March 29, 1955, is a British-American actress renowned for her portrayal of Counselor Deanna Troi on the iconic TV series Star Trek: The Next Generation and in four Star Trek films.
She has made notable appearances in various other productions within the Star Trek franchise, cementing her status as a beloved figure among fans.
Marina Sirtis Wikipedia Profile
| Full Name | Marina Sirtis |
| Nick Name | Marina, Imzadi, Rina, The Chick |
| Date of Birth | March 29, 1955 |
| Age | 68 years old (2023) |
| Birth Place | Hackney, London, United Kingdom |
| Residence | Los Angeles, United States |
| Ethnicity | White (Greek Ancestry) |
| Zodiac Sign | Aries |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Nationality | American, British |
| Profession | Actress |
| College/University | Guildhall School of Music and Drama |
| Education | Graduated |
| Net Worth | $6 Million as per 2023 |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Debut | 68 years as of June 2023 |
Early life
Marina Sirtis, born in Hackney, London, is the daughter of Greek parents named Despina and John Sirtis. She grew up in Harringay, North London.
At the age of three, Sirtis experienced a traumatic incident where she was sexually molested by the teenage sons of her babysitter.
This event had a profound impact on her, leading to the development of an eating disorder as a coping mechanism.
After struggling with the disorder for two decades, she sought therapy in the 1990s, which helped her manage the trauma and regain a healthy relationship with food.
Despite her parent’s objections, Sirtis secretly auditioned for drama school while still in secondary school.
To her delight, she was accepted into the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Upon graduating from Guildhall in 1976 at the age of 21, she embarked on her acting career by joining the Connaught Theatre.
In pursuit of furthering her career, Sirtis made the decision to immigrate to the United States in 1986.
She settled in Los Angeles, where she aimed to elevate her professional opportunities. Eventually, she became a naturalized US citizen, solidifying her ties to her adopted country.
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Career
Marina Sirtis began her acting career as a member of the repertory company at the Connaught Theatre in Worthing, West Sussex, in 1976.
She worked under the direction of Nic Young and appeared in Joe Orton’s play “What the Butler Saw,” as well as portraying Ophelia in “Hamlet.”
Before her iconic role in Star Trek, Sirtis took on supporting roles in several films.
In the 1983 film “The Wicked Lady,” alongside Faye Dunaway, she engaged in a memorable whip fight.
She also played a rape victim in the Charles Bronson sequel “Death Wish 3” and portrayed a sex worker who meets a tragic fate in the film “Blind Date.”
In addition to her film work, Sirtis made numerous guest appearances on British television series.
She appeared in shows such as “Raffles,” “Who Pays the Ferryman,” “Hazell,” “Minder,” “Up the Elephant and Round the Castle,” and “The Return of Sherlock Holmes.”
Notably, she played a flight attendant in a 1979 Cinzano Bianco television commercial, which featured Leonard Rossiter and Joan Collins.
In 1986, Sirtis made the decision to relocate to the United States to further her career. It was during the casting of “Star Trek: The Next Generation” that Gene Roddenberry, inspired by Sirtis’ exotic appearance, asked her to audition for a role.
She auditioned alongside Denise Crosby, who eventually switched roles with her. Initially named Lt. Macha Hernandez, Sirtis’ character became Deanna Troi, the ship’s counselor on the Enterprise-D.
Sirtis appeared in all seven seasons of “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and witnessed her character’s development from a passive therapist to a stronger Starfleet officer.
One of her favorite episodes is “Face of the Enemy” from the sixth season, where her character is kidnapped and assumes the identity of a Romulan.
Sirtis appreciated the transformation of Troi’s character, particularly when she transitioned to wearing a standard Starfleet uniform in the episode “Chain of Command.”
Throughout her time on the show, Sirtis formed close friendships with her co-stars Jonathan Frakes, Michael Dorn, and Brent Spiner.
They even served as groomsmen at her wedding. Sirtis wore black-colored contact lenses during the show and subsequent films to match her character’s appearance, as Troi had black eyes, while Sirtis has light brown eyes.
She often wore hairpieces to achieve Troi’s signature look, as her real hair was slightly shorter and less voluminous.
Additionally, she was asked to adopt an accent for her character, described as a blend of Eastern European and Israeli, despite her natural Cockney accent.
Over time, the accent was adjusted to become more Americanized.
Personal Life
In 1992, Marina Sirtis married Michael Lamper, who was an actor and rock guitarist.
Unfortunately, Lamper passed away in his sleep on December 7, 2019.
In 2021, Sirtis made the decision to return to London, her place of birth.
She mentioned that Lamper’s passing, increasing tensions in the United States, and a desire for career opportunities in British film and television were factors contributing to her move back to London.
Net worth
Marina Sirtis has an estimated net worth of $6 million.
Movies
| Year | Film Title | Worked as |
| 2020 | Max Winslow and the House of Secrets | H.A.V.E.N |
| 2020 | Debt Collectors | Mal Reese |
| 2018 | 5th Passenger | Alana |
| 2017 | The Assassin’s Apprentice | Miranda |
| 2017 | My Christmas Prince | Felicia Holst |
| 2016 | Little Dead Rotting Hood | Esmerelda Winfield / Grandmother |
| 2015 | A Dark Reflection | Maggie Jaspar |
| 2014 | Finders Keepers | Janine |
| 2014 | Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films | Herself |
| 2009 | Green Street 2: Stand Your Ground | Veronica Mavis |
| 2009 | The Grudge 3 | Gretchen |
| 2009 | 31 North 62 East | Sarah Webber |
| 2008 | InAlienable | Attorney Barry |
| 2007 | Fist of the Warrior | Mary |
| 2007 | The Deep Below | Sarah |
| 2007 | Game of Life | Mrs. Rafiki |
| 2004 | Spectres | Laura Lee |
| 2004 | Crash | Shereen |
| 2002 | Star Trek: Nemesis | Counselor Deanna Troi |
| 2002 | Terminal Error | Alex |
| 1999 | Paradise Lost | Dr. Christine DuMaurier |
| 1998 | Star Trek: Insurrection | |
| 1996 | Star Trek: First Contact | |
| 1994 | Star Trek Generations | Counselor Deanna Troi |
| 1992 | Waxwork II: Lost in Time | Gloria |
| 1985 | Death Wish 3 | Maria Rodriguez |
| 1984 | Blind Date | Hooker |
| 1983 | Space Riders | Girl In Porsche |
| 1983 | The Wicked Lady | Jackson’s Girl |