Katariina Unt is a multifaceted Estonian performer, boasting an impressive range in her profession as a stage, television, and film actress. Born on December 6, 1971, in the charming city of Tallinn, Estonia, she was raised in a family with a rich creative background. Her parents, Malle Lauk, an interior decorator, and Tõnu Lauk, an artist who specializes in metalwork, instilled in Katariina a deep appreciation for the arts.
As the youngest of four siblings, Katariina spent most of her childhood in Pärnu, Estonia, where she developed a strong sense of community and culture. She attended Pärnu Hansa Secondary School, graduating in 1990, and later pursued higher education at the esteemed Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre Drama School. It was during her time at the drama school that she had the privilege of studying alongside a talented group of future Estonian actors, including Mait Malmsten, Ain Mäeots, Liisa Aibel, Ago Anderson, Indrek Sammul, and Andres Puustusmaa.
Katariina's impressive educational background and training have undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping her successful career in the entertainment industry.
Katariina Unt has enjoyed a lengthy and illustrious career within the Estonian theatre scene, marked by a rich tapestry of diverse performances and collaborations. Her professional journey began in 1994 when she became a member of the esteemed Tallinn City Theatre, a tenure that spanned seven years. Following her time at the Tallinn City Theatre, Unt transitioned to a freelance acting career, showcasing her impressive range by appearing in productions at various esteemed theatres across Estonia, including the respected Estonia Theatre, the renowned Endla Theatre, and the charming Kuressaare Town Theatre. In 2007, Unt joined the prestigious VAT Theatre in Tallinn, where she continues to hone her craft to this day. Throughout her illustrious career, Unt has had the privilege of bringing to life an extensive repertoire of works by some of the world's most celebrated playwrights, including the iconic William Shakespeare, the masterful Anton Chekhov, the witty Molière, the ingenious Tom Stoppard, and the esteemed August Kitzberg, among many other notable dramatists.
Katariina Unt's acting career has been marked by a diverse range of roles in both film and television. Her first appearance on the big screen was in the 1994 film Jüri Rumm, where she showcased her acting abilities to a wider audience.
She then went on to secure a recurring role on the popular ETV drama series Õnne 13, which further solidified her position in the Estonian entertainment industry.
In 2013, she appeared in the Kanal 2 paranormal-thriller television series Süvahavva, demonstrating her versatility as an actress by taking on a role in a different genre.
Her first major film role was in the 2003 war drama Somnambuul, where she brought her character to life on the big screen. She went on to appear in a number of other films, including Ruudi, Sügisball, Kirjad Inglile, and Idioot.
In 2016, she starred in the romantic drama Õnn tuleb magades alongside actor Ivo Uukkivi, showcasing her romantic lead abilities. The following year, she appeared in Rainer Sarnet's November, based on the novel by Andrus Kivirähk.
Katariina Unt, a renowned individual, has been involved in two marriages throughout her life. The first union was with actor Indrek Sammul, whom she married in 1993 and remained with until their divorce in 1995. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in her personal life, as she would later tie the knot with actor Raivo E. Tamm in 1997. The couple remained together for approximately six years, until their divorce in 2003. During this period, Katariina gave birth to a daughter with Tamm. Following the conclusion of this marriage, Katariina would not remarry until 2011, when she wed again and adopted her new husband's surname, becoming Katariina Unt.