Born in Queens, New York, on October 18, 1977, Chris L. McKenna began his acting career at the tender age of 7 when he picked up a school flier announcing auditions for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. He got permission from his parents to audition and found himself cast as Dopey. He's been hooked ever since. After making small appearances in independent films, McKenna made the transition to television at the age of 12, on the daytime series, "One Life to Live" (1968). While on this show, he had the distinction of portraying Joey Buchanan, the best friend to daytime drama's first gay teen, played by Ryan Phillippe.During his three-year stint, Chris was nominated for a Soap Opera Digest Award, as Outstanding Child Actor, and two Young Artist Awards, for Best Young Actor In A Soap Opera and Best Young Actor In A Daytime Series. After leaving "One Life To Live", which he calls "an amazing experience" and a "great study in acting," McKenna decided to take time off to hone his craft, attending Hofstra University in New York as a drama major, when he landed a part in the film In & Out (1997). After spending two years at Hofstra, he made the move out West to resume his career at the Beverly Hills Playhouse, where he studied under famed acting coach, Milton Katselas. Now in Los Angeles, McKenna landed the lead role portraying a young boxer fighting against the odds, in the UPN pilot for 'The Contender'. Though the pilot did not get picked up, McKenna continued working, taking small roles in such notable films as Cement (1999) and the short-lived television series, "Opposite Sex" (2000). He also made many memorable appearances in such shows as "The Practice" (1997), "Touched by an Angel" (1994), "That's Life" (2000), and "That '70s Show" (1998). His biggest success to date may come in the form of independent film legend Stuart Gordon's twisted black comedy, King of the Ants (2003/I). The part of Sean Crawley, an average guy caught up in above-average circumstances, offers McKenna his first truly meaty leading role, which he considers to be his toughest and most exciting opportunity to date.Currently residing in Los Angeles, McKenna considers sports to be his other great passion. He also belongs to a family of athletes who play professional sports in tennis, golf, and basketball, including his uncle John Schmitt, who won Super Bowl III with the New York Jets in 1968. Between jobs, he plays hoops avidly, is an ardent film buff and works on his pet project, a screenplay for The Jimmy Durante Story. He also plays Trivial Pursuit and Scrabble whenever possible.
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