Galina "Red" Reznikov is a character in the hit Netflix series, "Orange is the New Black". She is portrayed by Kate Mulgrew, an American actress who has had a successful career in both television and film.

Kate Mulgrew was born on April 29, 1955, in Dubuque, Iowa. She grew up with seven siblings and attended Catholic school. She began acting in high school, and after graduation, she attended New York University's Tisch School of the Arts.

Mulgrew's acting career began in the 1970s when she landed her first role in the soap opera "Ryan's Hope". She later went on to play the lead role in the science fiction series "Star Trek: Voyager", where she played Captain Kathryn Janeway. This role earned her critical acclaim and a devoted fan base.

In "Orange is the New Black", Mulgrew portrays Galina "Red" Reznikov, a Russian woman who runs the prison kitchen. Red is a complex character who is both tough and vulnerable. She is respected by the other inmates, but she also has a dark side that is revealed throughout the series.

Mulgrew's portrayal of Red is nuanced and layered. She brings a depth to the character that makes her both sympathetic and intimidating. Her performance has been praised by critics and fans alike.

One of the reasons Mulgrew is able to bring so much to the character of Red is her own life experiences. Mulgrew was raised in a large Irish-Catholic family, and she has spoken openly about the challenges she faced as a young woman. She has also battled addiction and has talked about the impact it has had on her life.

Mulgrew has said that she relates to Red's struggles and understands the challenges she faces in the prison environment. This personal connection to the character is evident in Mulgrew's performance and adds to the depth of the portrayal.

In addition to her work on "Orange is the New Black", Mulgrew has had a successful career in both television and film. She has appeared in numerous TV shows, including "Cheers", "Murder, She Wrote", and "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit". She has also had roles in films such as "Throw Momma from the Train" and "Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins".

Mulgrew has received critical acclaim for her performances over the years. She has been nominated for several Emmy Awards and has won two. Her performance as Red in "Orange is the New Black" has been particularly praised, and she has been nominated for both Emmy and Screen Actors Guild awards for her work on the show.

Mulgrew's success in the entertainment industry can be attributed to her talent, hard work, and dedication to her craft. She has been a working actress for over four decades and has continued to evolve and grow as an artist. Her performances are always nuanced and layered, and she brings a depth to every character she portrays.

In addition to her work as an actress, Mulgrew is also an author. She has written two memoirs, "Born with Teeth" and "How to Forget: A Daughter's Memoir". Both books have received critical acclaim and have been bestsellers.

Mulgrew is also an advocate for mental health awareness and has spoken openly about her own struggles with addiction and depression. She is a supporter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness and has worked to raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental health issues.

Kate Mulgrew is the talented actress who portrays Galina "Red" Reznikov in the critically acclaimed tv series "Orange is the New Black". Her performance as Red is nuanced and layered, and she brings a depth to the character that makes her both sympathetic and intimidating. Mulgrew's personal connection to the character is evident in her performance, and she has received critical acclaim for her work on the show. Her success in the entertainment industry can be attributed to her talent, hard work, and dedication to her craft, and she has continued to evolve and grow as an artist over the years.