Actress Patricia Kara: “Be Yourself!”

The first generation Greek-American also known as Trish Kara, has had an impressive career in the entertainment industry for over 25 years and was hailed as one of People Magazine's "100 Most Beautiful People." The multi-media professional has starred in the hit show Deal or No Deal, has served as a special correspondent on Extra, and was chosen to represent the Greek skincare and beauty line Korres.

In addition, the Greek-American stunner has acted in popular shows and movies, modeled in mainstream print ads, and has been heavily involved in charity work. Kara has never held a job outside the competitive entertainment industry, and attributes this to her ambition, mentality and skills necessary to remain on top.

In our interview, Kara reveals her most captivating project so far, her latest project Dish With Trish that can be viewed at the very bottom of this article, why she gives back, and an insight into her strong Hellenic background.

Maria Athens: Can you give us an overview of your entertainment career? How did you break in to the industry?

Patricia Kara: I started my career as a model in Chicago at the age of 15. I continued my career nationally and internationally, which led me to move to Florida & New York before moving to Los Angeles. While in NY I also began my career as an actress and TV Host.

Maria Athens: You work as a model, actress, TV host & personality; which genre is your favorite and why?

Patricia Kara: I love all aspects of working in the entertainment business, but having to pick one I would say hosting. It's more spontaneous, more about personality and interacting with people. I have always loved being able to connect with people and when I get the chance to be myself AND work closely with fans, contestants, viewers, and real people, it is the absolute best for me.

Maria Athens: What have been the most intriguing projects that you have worked on?

Patricia Kara: Deal or No Deal was the most intriguing because I got to see a show develop from an unknown to an enormous success. It was life changing in many ways and being on the show opened many doors professionally and personally because it was at the top of the ratings while it aired. The entertainment business has a lot of up and downs, but when you are on top, the industry and the fans really take you on a great ride.

Maria Athens: You are actively involved in charity work, can you touch upon that?

Patricia Kara: I have always tried to support charities that have to do with children and recently groups that support women. Children are our next generation and I want to make sure that they have all the resources they need to make it to their next step.

Over the years I have been involved with the Salvation Army, the Elizabeth Glazer Pediatric AIDS Foundation, the Tiger Woods Foundation, Susan G. Komen, Women for Women, the Make a Wish Foundation and Trinity Children's Foundation, to name a few. I love giving back and try my best to always find time to be involved in charitable work.

Maria Athens: Can you tell us about your own Greek-American background?

Patricia Kara: Both of my parents are from Greece, as are my sisters. I am a first generation Greek-American, born and raised in Chicago (in a Greek neighborhood, of course!). My Greek name is Panayiota Karamouzis.

Maria Athens: How does your ethnicity influence your daily life?

Patricia Kara: I am very proud of my heritage and it is just an important thing for me to be able to represent my family and my culture in the best possible way. I think that for a lot of people, where they come from represents a lot of who they are as people, and for me it is very similar. I just want to make sure that when people watch me perform in any way, they know that I have not forgotten what got me there.

Maria Athens: Do you travel to Greece often? Where are your origins? Where are your favorite places to visit?

Patricia Kara: I do travel to Greece as often as possible. The goal is to go every year, although that is a tough pace to keep up! My sisters are from Peristeri, Athens and my parents are from Peloponisso....my mother is from Paleohori tis Kinourias, Nomos Arkadias and father's side is from Ayio Vassili. I love Athens and many of the islands, but I have to say my favorite/special place is Platis Yialos, Mykonos. My husband and I go there regularly and had our wedding there in 2012.

Maria Athens: Have any of the shows you have starred in been broadcasted back in the homeland?

Patricia Kara: Yes! I have had several infomercials that I have hosted air in Greece and also a few films that I have worked on like Hellraiser: Inferno. I also got the opportunity to work with the Greek company, Korres. We got to shoot with a Greek crew on location in Athens. As a Greek-American the experience doesn't get any better than that.

Maria Athens: Can you describe your latest project, Dish With Trish? Where can viewers tune in?

Patricia Kara: It is a project that brings together a lot of my personal interests and puts them in a format that is fun and interesting to viewers. I try to give people a taste of what the entertainment business is like behind the scenes. While the topics can vary from lifestyle to fashion to business tips, I like to base a lot of the episodes around restaurants and food because it is where most people are comfortable and able to let loose and have a good time. 

Successful people and celebrities are often the most genuine when they are in one of their favorite places, and my show helps viewers experience those types of moments.  You can check out episodes at www.youtube.com/thepatriciakara and read my blog at www.dishwithtrishblog.wordpress.com.  

Maria Athens: Your "Secrets to a Successful You" workshops assist young women who want an entertainment career. What's your best advice?

Patricia Kara: Be yourself! You have to pave your own way and there is no substitute or way around hard work in the entertainment business. Never give up because persistence and dedication are keys to being successful. If being the best at something was easy, then everyone would be the best, so you have to persevere and make sure you are always staying ahead of the game. Just make sure that you always enjoy the process and keep learning along the way!

Patricia Kara's latest episode of Dish With Trish, "Marrakech Moroccan Restaurant Las Vegas," can be seen at the very bottom of this page.