Early Life
Date of Birth: January 17, 1968
Nationality: Canadian
Profession: Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Director
Career
Recording Artist
Sofia Shinas began her career in the entertainment industry as a recording artist. In 1992, she released her debut self-titled album on Warner Bros. Records. Shinas co-wrote every song on the album and collaborated with various producers and remixers such as Steve Peck, Daniel Abraham, Mitch Kaplan, Mark ‘MK’ Kinchen, Roger Sanchez, Tommy Musto, Ben Grosse, and Boris Granich.
- Singles:
- “The Message”: Reached No. 20 on Billboard’s Dance/Club Play chart and No. 75 on the Hot 100 chart, becoming a crossover pop hit.
- “One Last Kiss”: While it didn’t chart in the US, it became a minor hit in Canada.
- “State of Mind”: Peaked at No. 16 on the Dance/Club Play chart.
For her music, Shinas received a Juno Award nomination for Most Promising Female Vocalist at the Juno Awards of 1993. After her debut album, she decided to shift her focus towards acting and directing, and has not released another album since.
Film Actress
Sofia Shinas made her film debut in the 1994 action thriller “The Crow” opposite Brandon Lee. The film became a box office hit and developed a cult following. She also appeared in “Terminal Velocity” alongside Charlie Sheen and Nastassja Kinski, as well as in the independent action/drama “Hourglass” alongside C. Thomas Howell. In 1997, she starred in the action film “Dilemma.”
Television Actress
On television, Shinas appeared in two episodes of the TV series “The Outer Limits,” specifically in the “Valerie 23” and “Mary 25” episodes. She also had an appearance on “The Hunger.”
Film Director
Transitioning into directing, Sofia Shinas’s first feature film was the thriller “My Stepdaughter,” released in August 2015. Her education in film culminated in her graduation from the USC School of Cinema-Television in Los Angeles, California in 2008. For her thesis project, she directed a film titled “Spring Eternal.”
Personal Life
Fluent in English, Hebrew, and Greek, Sofia Shinas often travels between her Hollywood home and her Canadian hometown. She is known for her support of welfare and conservation organizations dedicated to helping endangered species, particularly focusing on big cats. Shinas has worked closely with tigers in human care.
Sofia Shinas has had a diverse career, transitioning from music to acting and finally to directing. Her work has spanned various genres, from music hits to cult film classics, showcasing her versatility in the entertainment industry. Outside of her career, her passion for conservation and support for endangered species reflects her commitment to making a difference beyond the screen.