Kristin Kreuk

Early life

Kreuk was born in Vancouver, British Columbia to Deanna Che and Peter Kreuk, two landscape architects. Her father is of Dutch descent. Her mother is of Chinese descent, born in Indonesia. Her maternal grandmother was Chinese Jamaican. Her mother and grandmother lived in Singapore and the Solomon Islands before settling in Vancouver. She has a younger sister, Justine Kreuk. Kreuk trained in karate and gymnastics at the national level until high school but quit in grade 11 due to scoliosis. Kreuk was planning to study forensic science or psychology at Simon Fraser University and was surprised when a casting director for the CBC television series Edgemont contacted her at her high school.

Career

Television

After filming the first season of Edgemont (a teenage soap opera set at a Vancouver-area high school) and getting herself an agent, Kreuk landed the lead role of Snow White in a TV movie, Snow White: The Fairest of Them All, which aired on ABC, and later released on DVD, in 2002. In mid-2004, Kreuk took the role of Tenar for the Sci-Fi Channel's two-part miniseries Earthsea. The miniseries was filmed in Vancouver, directed by Robert Lieberman and broadcast on December 13, 2004.

After Snow White, Kreuk's agent sent an audition tape to screenwriters Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, who at the time were putting together the cast of a show they had created for the WB Network (now The CW) entitled Smallville. The series, which was slated to be shot in Vancouver, revolves around the life of teenager Clark Kent before he becomes Superman. Gough and Millar called Kreuk to WB's studios in Burbank, California to audition for the role of Clark Kent's first love, Lana Lang, and she was later cast in the part. For a while, Kreuk was starring on both Smallville and Edgemont, although her role on Edgemont slightly diminished over time. Edgemont ended its run in 2005. After seven seasons, Kreuk left Smallville in the beginning of 2008, when her character leaves town. She returned as a guest star in the show's 8th season for five episodes to conclude her storyline.

In 2009, Kreuk signed on for a multi-episode arc in season three of Chuck. She played Hannah, a computer troubleshooter who joins the Buy More Nerd Herd after being laid off from her previous job.

In 2010, she portrayed Judah Ben-Hur's sister Tirzah in the TV movie Ben Hur, which aired in Canada and later on ABC in the United States.

Kreuk was involved with two pilots that did not get picked up: a 2010 CBS sitcom entitled Hitched (which was co-created by Josh Schwartz, who was also the creator of Chuck) and a 2011 NBC drama series called 17th Precinct, which was made by Ronald D. Moore.

In 2018, Kreuk played the lead role in Burden of Truth, a CBC Television production in which she portrays a "big-city lawyer who takes on a case for a group of sick girls in her hometown". The show premiered on January 10, 2018. On April 5, 2018, The CW announced that they had acquired the rights to air the show beginning in summer 2018. CBC has renewed Burden of Truth for a fourth season. The series concluded in 2021 after four seasons.

In 2024 Kreuk was cast as the lead female character in Murder in a Small Town, which airs on Global in Canada, and Fox in the United States.{{cite news |title=Fox picks up B.C.-shot crime drama, Murder in a Small Town, for upcoming fall lineup

Films

Kreuk appeared in the comedy film EuroTrip (2004), playing the girlfriend who cheats on the protagonist with a musician (played by Matt Damon).

In early 2005, Kreuk signed on to the Canadian independent film Partition (2007), playing Naseem, a vulnerable 17-year-old whose world is shattered by the trauma of the Partition of India in 1947; the character also falls in love with an ex-British Indian Army officer. In the summer of 2006, Kreuk starred in the short film, Dream Princess by comic book writer/artist Kaare Andrews. The film is a modern sci-punk retelling of the tale of Sleeping Beauty, with a twist. However, it never aired. Kreuk starred in the film Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li (2009), in which she played the title character, Chun-Li. She tested for the sequel Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011), with the role going to Paula Patton.

In early 2010, Kreuk signed onto the Japanese horror film Vampire (2011). In 2010, Kreuk also starred in the music video "I Heard" by musician Hill Zaini.

Film production

Kreuk, with Rosena Bhura, whom Kreuk met on the set of Partition, started a production company called Parvati Creative Inc, which focuses on "human-centric films as seen through a female lens". Parvati's first production was a short film directed by Rick Rosenthal called Blink, of which Kreuk is listed as an executive producer. The second project was a comedy web series titled Queenie which featured Kreuk's friend Olivia Cheng.

Advertising work

In 2003, Neutrogena made her the spokesmodel for their worldwide advertising campaign. In this role, Kreuk followed in the footsteps of fellow teen stars such as Jennifer Love Hewitt and Mandy Moore. In 2005, she renewed her contract with Neutrogena for another two years, becoming the company's longest-serving model spokesperson.

Voice acting

In August 2017, Kreuk provided the voice for Princess Shuyan in Shuyan Saga, a graphic novel series set in an ancient Chinese martial arts fantasy universe. She also reprised her role as Catherine Chandler from Beauty & the Beast on Robot Chicken.

Personal life

Kreuk holds a purple belt in Shotokan karate, and is learned in acrobatics and wushu.

Kreuk moved back to Vancouver in September 2022, after living in Toronto for a few years to study her undergraduate degree and pursue producing opportunities. She stated on Live! with Kelly and Michael in October 2012 that she is a pescetarian.

In November 2017, Kreuk and her Smallville co-star Allison Mack were linked to a multi-level marketing organization and cult known as NXIVM, which was founded by Keith Raniere. In March 2018, following Raniere's arrest, Kreuk disclosed on her Twitter account that she had joined NXIVM believing it was a "self-help" group but left in 2013, and had not witnessed any illegal or nefarious activities during her time in the group. Kreuk's statement was backed by actress Sarah Edmondson, who had participated in exposing NXIVM's activities. Mack later stated that Kreuk recruited her to the cult.

Filmography

Television

Film

Video games

Producer

Awards and nominations

In 2015, Kreuk was ranked as Canada's most beautiful person in an online poll organized by ET Canada.

References

References

1. "NLS/BPH: Other Writings, Say How? A Pronunciation Guide to Names of Public Figures". Loc.gov.
2. "Kristen Kreuk". [[TV Guide]].com.
3. "Kristin Kreuk biography and filmography". [[Tribute (magazine).
4. [https://web.archive.org/web/20070928091842/http://www.kristinkreukespana.com/videos/Etalk5Questions.wmv E Talk Daily, 58 seconds into referenced clip (Aired Tuesday January 30, 2007 on CTV)]. Retrieved February, 2007.
5. "Kristin Kreuk on Instagram: "I love this so much. I am deeply proud of my heritage and have found strength in learning about the journeys my family took to find…"".
6. (December 2, 2011). "Actress Kristin Kreuk is returning to the big screen - Chatelaine". [[Chatelaine (magazine).
7. "Kristin Kreuk Biography".
8. (February 27, 2009). "Six questions with Chun-Li (Kristin Kreuk)". [[Los Angeles Times]].
9. Ausiello, Michael. (August 27, 2009). "Exclusive: 'Smallville' heroine Kristin Kreuk joins 'Chuck'". [[Meredith Corporation]].
10. Porter, Rick. (April 15, 2010). "Kristin Kreuk gets un-'Hitched'". [[Tribune Media Services]].
11. "Kristin Kreuk Joins '17th Precinct' -- This Pilot Keeps Getting Better!". [[AOL TV]].
12. Andreeva, Nellie. (February 16, 2012). "The CW Finds Its Beauty: 'Smallville's Kristin Kreuk To Star In 'Beauty & The Beast' Pilot". [[Penske Media Corporation]].
13. Andreeva, Nellie. (May 11, 2012). "CW Picks Up 'Carrie Diaries', 'Arrow', 'Cult', 'Beauty and the Beast', 'First Cut' To Series". [[Penske Media Corporation]].
14. Friedlander, Whitney. (October 13, 2015). "CW's 'Beauty and the Beast' Ending After Season 4".
15. Ahearn, Victoria. (May 24, 2017). "New CBC lineup includes dramas with Kristin Kreuk, Allan Hawco". [[The Woodbridge Company]].
16. "Burden of Truth". [[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation]].
17. (April 5, 2018). "CW Acquires Kristin Kreuk Legal Drama 'Burden of Truth'". Variety.
18. (July 21, 2020). "CBC RENEWS ORIGINAL LEGAL DRAMAS BURDEN OF TRUTH AND DIGGSTOWN".
19. Grobar, Matt. (March 18, 2021). "CBC Drama 'Burden Of Truth' Ends With Season 4".
20. (2024-05-18). "Paula Patton returning to television in Fox's 'Murder In A Small Town'".
21. Otterson, Joe. (2025-01-16). "‘Murder in a Small Town’ Renewed for Season 2 at Fox".
22. "A Foundation To Assist Canadian Talent". Bravo!FACT.
23. (December 21, 2007). "Kristin Kreuk is Chun-Li in Street Fighter!". ComingSoon.net.
24. "A Set Visit With the Vampire". Dreadcentral.com.
25. (July 20, 2010). "Hill - I Heard - Official Music Video". [[YouTube]].
26. "Kristin Kreuk talks "Smallville" and "Chuck" - February 1, 2010". Fancast.
27. (November 6, 2009). "Smallville's Kristin Kreuk, Allison Mack to emcee Beyond Pink gala dinner". Straight.com.
28. "INFO ON SHORT FILM BLINK". allisonmackweb.com.
29. (April 3, 2012). "Blink - Full Video". [[Vimeo]].
30. [https://web.archive.org/web/20060517100309/http://www.partitionthemovie.ca/images/press/Partition_English_PressKit.pdf Kristin Kreuk bio on "Partition" web site]
31. (August 8, 2017). "And the voice of Shuyan is...Kristin Kreuk!". [[Steam (service).
32. Kristin Kreuk. (July 27, 2017). "This was so much fun! Voice work is so specific and challenging. And the story of Shuyan is intelligent and empowering. Also. Yelling.".
33. (November 3, 2015). "The Nerd on the CW {{!}} Robot Chicken {{!}} Adult Swim". [[Adult Swim]].
34. (February 27, 2009). "INT: Kristin Kreuk".
35. (February 27, 2009). "Six questions with Chun-Li (Kristin Kreuk)".
36. "Kristin Kreuk on Instagram: "When you move back to Vancouver, it's best to become a stereotype and hike a lot. (Also, watch @durance.erica 's Hallmark movie tonight! She can't get into her Instagram account, so I'll just keep reminding you.)"".
37. (May 8, 2017). "What Are You Reading on Set: Kristin Kreuk on "Homegoing" by Yaa Gyasi". [[The Next Chapter (radio program).
38. (October 10, 2012). "Kelly & Michael: Kristin Kreuk New Series "Beauty and the Beast"". recapo.com.
39. "Tagline and Camels- Kristin Kreuk's blog". girlsbydesign.com.
40. (October 5, 2012). "Kristin Kreuk LIVE interview talking Beauty and the Beast". [[YouTube]].
41. Furdyk, Brent. (March 30, 2018). "Kristin Kreuk breaks silence on involvement in 'Smallville' co-star's alleged sex trafficking cult". [[Global Television Network]].
42. [https://deadline.com/2025/11/allison-mack-smallville-kristin-kreuk-introducing-nxivm-1236615724/ Allison Mack Recalls ‘Smallville’s Kristin Kreuk Introducing Her To NXIVM: “All She Could Talk About”]
43. (March 9, 2021). "Apple TV+'s New Children's Programming Lineup Includes Classic Peanuts Special". [[Comic Book Resources]].
44. (June 11, 2021). "'Reacher': Kristin Kreuk, Marc Bendavid, Willie C. Carpenter Among 6 Cast In Amazon Series".
45. Andreeva, Nellie. (December 14, 2023). "FOX Orders "Murder in a Small Town", Set to Debut in 2024-2025 Season". [[Deadline Hollywood]].
46. (July 31, 2015). "In Canada, beauty is in the eye of the cable conglomerate".
47. (January 9, 2014). "People's Choice Awards 2014: The winners list - CNN.com".
48. (August 29, 2017). "Kristin Kreuk: My life in books". [[CBC Television]].
49. "2021 Rockie Awards - Banff World Media Festival 2021". [[Banff World Media Festival]].
50. (March 30, 2021). "Television Nominees Announced For 2021 Canadian Screen Awards, 'Schitt's Creek' Leads The Pack With 21 Nominations".
51. "2025 LEO AWARDS, Nominees & Winners by Name".