Karen, a talented actress, is most notable for her recurring role as Ingrid Rowley in the popular television series BOMB GIRLS.
Born in Manchester, England, Karen spent her early years splitting her time between Manchester and Glasgow, where her father's family resided, until the age of six and a half. As the firstborn daughter of a registered nurse, Mary Gilfillan, and a Scottish Mechanical Engineer, Norman Waddell, Karen's family eventually relocated to the Eastern Townships of Quebec, specifically to the university town of Lennoxville.
Karen's early fascination with theatre was largely influenced by her mother, who was also an actress, and the magical productions of Gilbert and Sullivan that they would watch together on the Bishop's University stage. This exposure sparked a lifelong passion for the performing arts.
After pursuing a career program in Environmental Sciences in Montreal, Karen decided to take a chance and audition for the college's main stage play, landing the lead role in Dark of the Moon. This experience had a profound impact on her life, prompting her to leave the sciences behind and enroll in a three-year conservatory drama program at The DOME in Montreal. Karen's talent and dedication earned her a scholarship to attend master classes at The Banff Centre For The Arts in Alberta.
For over two decades, Karen has worked in various capacities within the entertainment industry, including films, television series, commercials, narration projects, and stage performances throughout Canada. Some of her notable TV credits include Margaret in JOHN A.- THE BIRTH OF A NATION, CRACKED, and recurring roles in ANIMORPHS, GOOSEBUMPS, and Disney's FLASH FORWARD.
In her personal life, Karen is married to Canadian actor John Ralston and they have two teenage sons. Their youngest son, Stuart Ralston, is also a professional actor.
In addition to her acting career, Karen is a trained mindfulness teacher, having received her certification from the Center for Mindfulness at UMass Medical School.
