Michala Banas

Michala Elizabeth Laurinda Banas (born 14 November 1978) is a New Zealand television actress, and singer living in Australia. Born in Wellington, New Zealand, she starred in her first commercial at only 18 months of age

Her debut film performance was when she was 5 years old, in New Zealand film, «Dangerous Orphans».

Her Australian debut television performance was as Louisa in miniseries Mirror, Mirror in 1995.

From 2001-2003 she played Marissa Taylor in Always Greener.

2002, she had a small role in the blockbuster film Scooby-Doo.

Banas is an accomplished singer, and In 2003, she released a single, Kissin’ The Wind, which made the top 20 on the ARIA Singles Chart.

In 2004, Banas joined the cast of McLeod’s Daughters as the character Kate Manfredi, the best friend of Jodi Fountain McLeod. She played Kate from episodes 88 to 170, when she took a short break to later return in episode 177. It was announced In mid/late 2007 that she would leave McLeod’s Daughters in its final season. Banas’ last episode was aired in early December 2008.

In 2008, Banas temporarily replaced an unwell Kym Valentine on Australian soap «Neighbours»

In 2009, Banas filled in for Fox FM’s Jo Stanley on The Matt and Jo Show while Stanley was on maternity leave.

From June 2009, Banas will be starring in the national tour of the Broadway musical, «Avenue Q», playing the roles of ‘Kate Monster’ & ‘Lucy the Slut’.

Banas is currently one of three celebrity faces for Proactiv Solution in Australia and New Zealand.