Katee Sackhoff bio, career path, husband, children, height, age, net worth 2025

Biography of Katee Sackhoff

In 1997, 17-year-old Katee Sackhoff set out to conquer Hollywood – and this ambitious blonde made it happen fast. While her early career focused on teen-oriented projects, her real breakthrough came in science fiction. Her role as Lieutenant (later Captain) Kara "Starbuck" Thrace in "Battlestar Galactica" became one of Sackhoff's most iconic characters.

When Katee landed a role in "Riddick" in 2013, the filmmakers knew she'd bring a devoted fanbase with her. Those expectations paid off, and years later, Sackhoff joined another beloved sci-fi universe – "Star Wars." Initially, she lent her voice to the Mandalorian Bo-Katan Kryze in animated features, before reprising the role in "The Mandalorian".

Childhood

Kathryn Ann Sackhoff was born on April 8th, 1980, in Portland, Oregon. Her father Dennis was a land developer, while her mother developed English learning programs for non-native speakers. Katee was the second child in the family – she has an older brother Eric, with whom she shared a strained relationship during their childhood.

From an early age, she was passionate about sports: she swam professionally and attended ballet classes. However, a knee injury ended those dreams when doctors banned her from intense physical activity. That's when Katee discovered yoga, and she's been devoted to it ever since.

In addition to this, by the time she graduated from high school in 1997, she had developed a keen interest in acting. Sackhoff took to the stage in productions of "Fiddler on the Roof" and "Oliver". She applied to college and waitressed at a local cafe, but quickly realized this wasn't the life for her. Determined to chase her dreams, Sackhoff packed up and moved to Los Angeles.

Early Roles

In 1998, Katee made her first on-screen appearance, starring alongside Kirsten Dunst in the film "Fifteen and Pregnant". This debut led to roles in several small films and appearances on MTV entertainment shows. That's where the creators of "Halloween: Resurrection" spotted her and cast her in the film. The horror movie hit the screens in 2002.

Katee Sackhoff in Halloween: Resurrection

Just a year later, Katee struck gold – landing the role of Lieutenant Kara "Starbuck" Thrace in the "Battlestar Galactica" miniseries. The project was such a hit that producers greenlit a sequel right after the premiere.

Katee Sackhoff as Lieutenant Kara Starbuck Thrace

Sackhoff reprised her role in the TV series, which ran until 2009. Her character – a tough but sophisticated fighter pilot – won over audiences and helped make the show a hit. In 2006, Katee received a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Television Actress.

Career Peak

Lieutenant Starbuck launched the actress into sci-fi stardom. Over the next few years, Sackhoff also starred in films and series such as "The Last Sentinel," "Bionic Woman" (2007), and two separate "Battlestar Galactica" films: "Razor" and "The Plan" (2009).

Katee Sackhoff in Battlestar Galactica: Razor

Katee then appeared in several episodes of hit sitcom "The Big Bang Theory," reprising her "Battlestar Galactica" character in Howard Wolowitz's fantasies, and also joined the action-packed series "24."

In 2013, she joined the filming of the sci-fi action film "Riddick," becoming the only actress in a male cast featuring Vin Diesel, Dave Bautista, and Karl Urban. "The filmmakers knew I'd bring a sci-fi fanbase with me, and that's exactly why I landed this role," Katee explained.

In the same year, Sackhoff starred in the horror film "Oculus." Four years later, she landed a role in another horror film – "Don't Knock Twice."

Staying true to the genre that made her famous, Katee Sackhoff joined "The Flash" in 2017, playing secondary antagonist Blacksmith.

In 2018, Sackhoff starred in sci-fi thriller "2036 Origin Unknown." The following year, she appeared in the TV series "Another Life."

In 2020, Sackhoff joined "The Mandalorian" alongside Pedro Pascal, playing Mandalorian leader Bo-Katan Kryze - a character she'd previously voiced in animated series "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" and "Star Wars Rebels."

"It's a completely different industry," she admitted, not realizing the difference until she played the role in person. She had no idea how Bo-Katan actually moved, spoke, or carried herself.

Bo-Katan Behind The Scenes Star Wars The Mandalorian | Disney+

Some stunts required Sackhoff to do them herself - she attributed this to her taller build, which made finding suitable stunt doubles challenging.

Sackhoff also entered the DC universe, voicing Poison Ivy in the animated film "Batman: The Long Halloween, Part Two" (2021).

Personal Life of Katee Sackhoff

After working together on "Riddick," Sackhoff and co-star Karl Urban began dating. Their romance spanned from 2014 to 2018.

After her split with Urban, Sackhoff fell for Canadian producer and writer Robin Gadsby. The couple married in fall 2021, and on December 6th of that year, they welcomed their daughter, Genevra Grace Gadsby. During maternity leave, Sackhoff scaled back her work schedule to focus on family.

Kate Sackhoff and Robin Gadsby, her husband

Sackhoff is passionate about yoga and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. On her YouTube channel, she shares videos dedicated to daily workouts and meal planning.

Katee Sackhoff Now

As of 2023, Sackhoff has several film projects in development. These included the sci-fi film "The Last Transport" and the melodrama "Christmas Sail". Additionally, the third season of "The Mandalorian" premiered in spring 2023, with Sackhoff reprising her role as Bo-Katan.

Interesting Facts

While filming "Battlestar Galactica", Sackhoff was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. She had surgery to remove her thyroid but fortunately didn't need radiation therapy. By 2009, she was in remission.
The actress avoids bees due to a severe allergy to their stings.
Sackhoff sports three tattoos: a Chinese character on her neck, a cross on her shoulder blade, and the phrase "bona fiscalia" (public property) on her forearm. She later covered that phrase with a colorful robin tattoo.