Kinga Philipps, born Kinga Szpakiewicz on August 16, 1976, in Warsaw, Poland, has established a distinguished career as both an actress and journalist. Raised in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, her remarkable journey from Eastern Europe to American television exemplifies her versatility and tenacity in the industry.
A graduate of Oklahoma State University, Philipps initially made her mark in acting. She appeared in several notable TV series, including The West Wing, Cold Case, and NCIS: Los Angeles. Her film credits feature roles in Tomcats, Torque, and a memorable appearance as Austin Powers’s mother in Austin Powers in Goldmember.
Philipps seamlessly transitioned to journalism, becoming a prominent correspondent for various networks such as USA Network, AMC, and National Geographic Channel. Her role as one of the original hosts of Current TV, a network launched by Al Gore, saw her hosting Google Current and Yahoo Current Driver. Her reporting prowess also shone through in Current’s Vanguard division, and she notably covered the network’s Emmy win in 2007.
In 2011, Philipps further broadened her career with Syfy’s Legend Quest, an adventure series exploring historical mysteries alongside symbologist Ashley Cowie. Her knack for blending adventure with storytelling continued with National Geographic Channel’s America’s Lost Treasures, a 2012 series that delved into America’s hidden historical connections and solidified her reputation as a captivating television host.
Since 2013, Philipps has been a key figure at the Travel Channel, hosting The Wild Side With Kinga Philippsand Real. Her show Real: Malibu won a silver Telly Award in 2015. She also co-owns Rebel Belle Productions, focusing on adventure travel, history, and cuisine. As a travel writer, she contributes to outlets like Wandermelon and Real Clear Life. Currently, Philipps hosts Finding Adventure on Very Local, continuing to bring fresh travel experiences to viewers on Roku and Fire TV, further cementing her dynamic presence in entertainment and media.