Kari Michaelsen

Kari Michaelsen (born Kari Markussen on November 3, 1961) is an American actress, television personality, and motivational speaker. She gained fame for her role as Katie Kanisky on the sitcom Gimme a Break! (1981–1987). Born in Manhattan, Michaelsen comes from a show business family, with her father, Arne Markussen, being a singer, and her mother, Roberta Stevenson, a dancer. She began her singing career on the Sesame Street soundtrack and started performing in Off-Broadway plays at the age of 11. Michaelsen moved to Beverly Hills in 1975 and quickly landed guest spots on shows like Diff'rent Strokes and Eight Is Enough. Having Norwegian heritage, she graduated from Beverly Hills High School in 1979 and attended the University of California, Los Angeles. Michaelsen retired from television work in 2001 and has since focused on public speaking and hosting educational seminars. In July 2002, she married David Waldock, a Mercedes-Benz executive.