Yulia Petrauskas, a talented individual of Lithuanian descent, was born in Toronto, Ontario to Irena Simanavicius, a resilient and entrepreneurial single mother. Growing up in Parkdale, Yulia attended Etobicoke School of The Arts, where she developed her artistic skills and supported herself through various odd jobs during high school. These jobs included working for a party and costume company, playing multiple mascot characters, and even serving as a human piñata at children's birthday parties.
As a student at Etobicoke School of The Arts and Central Technical School, Yulia had the opportunity to refine her craft and explore her sense of identity and connection to her culture. She spent her junior year in Germany, where she attended Vasario 16-osios Gimnazija, a school established in Diepholz in 1950, which was a private institution for children of Lithuanian refugees. This experience had a profound impact on Yulia, allowing her to connect with her heritage and cultural roots.
Upon graduating from Humber College's Theatre program in 2008, Yulia was accepted into the Queer Youth Arts Program at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, where she continued to develop her artistic voice. Her passion for storytelling and capturing the humanity within her characters drives her creative work. Yulia has been working steadily in the Film and TV industry since then, with her first major break coming as the only female lead in the series Breakout (2009).
Yulia's competitive sports background plays a significant role in her work, as she brings a fearless and athletic approach to her performances. She is known for performing many of her own stunts, which is a testament to her fearlessness and quick wit. These qualities have captivated audiences across Canada and abroad, making her a talented and versatile actress in the industry.
