Christine Lahti was born on April 4, 1950, in Birmingham, Michigan, to Elizabeth Margaret Tabar, a multifaceted individual with a background in both fine arts and nursing, and Paul Theodore Lahti, a skilled and dedicated surgeon. This duality is reflected in Christine's own heritage, as she is of half Finnish and half Austro-Hungarian descent, making her a unique blend of cultures.
Christine's educational pursuits took her to Florida State University, where she studied fine arts, and later to the University of Michigan, where she earned a bachelor's degree in drama. After completing her studies, she transitioned to the entertainment industry, working as a waitress and appearing in commercials in New York City before landing her breakthrough role in the 1979 film And Justice for All alongside Al Pacino.
Her impressive performance in Swing Shift (1984) earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, solidifying her position as a talented and sought-after actress. Christine's success continued with her Academy Award win for Best Short Film, Live Action for Lieberman in Love (1995),in which she not only starred but also took on the role of director.
Throughout her extensive acting career, Christine has primarily focused on television, delivering standout performances in popular shows such as Chicago Hope (1994) and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999).