Katheryn Winnick on Being the Bones Bombshell: "I Feel Like My Character Is Strong and Driven by Work"

Canadian-born actress Katheryn Winnick — martial artist, licensed bodyguard, and holder of a third-degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do — joined FOX's hit series Bones for five episodes as Hannah Burley, Booth's Afghanistan war correspondent girlfriend. Premier Guide Miami sat down to find out what that means — and what comes next.

Canadian-born actress Katheryn Winnick appeared in five episodes of FOX's hit series Bones, playing Hannah Burley — Booth's (David Boreanaz) girlfriend and Afghanistan war correspondent. Known for her roles on House, The 'It' Factor, and Killers, as well as guest appearances on The Gates, CSI: NY, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, OZ, and Paramount's Failure to Launch, Winnick brought a formidable presence to the role.

Off screen, Winnick is equally impressive: she received her first Black Belt at age 13, competed nationally, and became a licensed bodyguard. She currently holds a third-degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and a second-degree Black Belt in Karate.

PGM: One blogger referred to you as the Bones Bombshell. Do you feel that you're the Bones bombshell?

Katheryn Winnick: Wow. I guess I don't see myself that way. That's very flattering. Thanks, I'm pleased. But I feel like my character is strong and driven by work, so that's kind of how I'm seeing it. I'm flattered with the compliment.

PGM: How were you received by the Bones cast?

Katheryn Winnick: The first day on set, Emily and David were fantastic — so warm and friendly. It's always tricky going into a TV show, especially if it's been around for so many seasons, and being the new girl. That's always a little awkward at the beginning in general, but for me it was such a warm and welcoming experience that I felt very lucky. They welcomed me with big hugs. We got to know each other on a personal level — talking about decorating with Emily, and about self-defense. We had many conversations about maybe doing something for the Bones cast, giving back and teaching them self-defense. For me, I felt at home from the beginning. I couldn't be more thankful and lucky to have such a warm experience.

PGM: Will we see any cat fights or tension between you and Brennan?

Katheryn Winnick: I feel like Brennan's character can't help but probably feel a little tension — who's this new girl? I think she said she didn't even know if she is jealous, but she may not even be admitting it to herself. It would be interesting to see how the story and arc plays out. With my character Hannah, being the new girl who moves in with him, knowing they have a strong bond — work-related or not — there's always a part of me that has one eye open. But no, I don't think there's a cat fight. I enjoy getting to know Emily.

Bones airs Thursdays at 8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT on FOX. Photo courtesy of MAXIM.

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