Marie Avgeropoulos

Marie Avgeropoulos (Greek: Μαρία "Μαρί" Αυγεροπούλου; born 17 June 1986) is a Canadian actress and model. She is best known for her role as Octavia Blake on The CW's post-apocalyptic science fiction television series The 100 (2014–2020).

Early life

Avgeropoulos was born on 17 June 1986 in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Her father is Greek, born in Krokilio, near Nafpaktos. She grew up fishing, hunting and camping, spending most of her free time outdoors. She started playing drums when she was 16. After studying broadcast journalism for two years in her hometown, she moved to Europe. Several months later, she came back to Canada and settled in Vancouver. At the age of 20 she underwent surgery in order to remove a large tumour from her chest and throat, with her vocal cords being removed and put back in. This procedure affected her voice.

Career

One of her friends invited her for a casting call in Vancouver, which happened to be looking for drummers. A talent agent recognized her talent and invited her to appear in various national commercials. She caught the attention of director Chris Columbus. He hired Avgeropoulos for I Love You, Beth Cooper, which became her first feature film role. Her appearance in the film gave her the opportunities to star in more films, television shows and magazines.

In 2010, Avgeropoulos was cast as Kim Rhodes in the film Hunt to Kill, which became her break-out role.

Early in 2013, Avgeropoulos made her break-out in television after being cast for a recurring role in The CW's Cult. However, the series failed to attract viewers and after episode 7, the show was cancelled. The remaining six episodes of the show were broadcast later in the summer.