Gina Carano’s childhood was far from ideal. Following her parents’ divorce, she moved to a rough neighborhood in Las Vegas with her sisters. There, she began skipping school and frequently got into fights. By her early twenties, the influence of a troubled social circle had led her down a path of substance abuse.
Things took a dark turn when one of Carano’s close friends died tragically. This served as a wake-up call to the destructive path she was on (via The Hollywood Reporter). Soon after, a life-saving deal with Kevin Ross’s father transformed both Carano and Ross’s lives, saving them from a dangerous path.
Gina Carano’s Life-Saving Pact with Kevin Ross’s Father
Gina Carano‘s path to becoming a successful MMA fighter and Hollywood actress wasn’t always paved with glory. In fact, her early life in Las Vegas was fraught with danger and a descent into drugs and alcohol.
Her boyfriend Kevin Ross (who is still together with her after 22 years), was also facing similar struggles. However, everything changed when they struck a life-changing deal with Ross’ father, which ended up saving them both. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter in an interview, The Mandalorian actress recounted:
“So Kevin and I moved in with his dad, who said, ‘What is it going to take to get you to stop this trajectory?’ And Kevin was like, ‘Well, I’ve always loved Bruce Lee and to do mixed martial arts.’”
His father said if Ross put down the alcohol, he would pay for his son’s training. Ross accepted the offer, and Carano joined him in training. “It was life-altering,” she said. “It became our new addiction.”
Ross went on to become a celebrated Muay Thai champion, boasting 45 wins out of 59 fights before retiring in 2021. Carano, meanwhile, proved just as gifted at Muay Thai and was soon training for cage matches in the rough and male-dominated world of MMA gyms.
The 41-year-old’s MMA career began in 2006. She quickly rose through the ranks, winning twelve consecutive fights and becoming the first woman to ever compete in an EliteXC main event. Her talent caught the attention of Hollywood, and she was eventually cast in the 2009 movie Blood and Bone.
Gina Carano’s Triumph Through Trials to Inspire Millions
Following Blood and Bone, Gina Carano’s acting career soared. She starred in big Hollywood productions like Haywire (2011), and Fast & Furious 6 (2013).
Gina Carano as Angela Soto in Blood and Bone
In 2016, the Dallas County native joined the Star Wars Disney+ series The Mandalorian, earning praise for her role as Cara Dune—a former Rebel soldier turned mercenary. However, her time on the show ended in 2021 due to controversial social media posts.
Despite the setback, Carano remains a successful actress and entrepreneur. She has launched her own production company, Terror Twin Films, and is actively involved in various fitness and self-defense initiatives.
