Karen Allen is an American actress best known for starring in films such as ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ and ‘Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.’ Karen was born in Naperville, Illinois, to Ruth Patricia and Carroll Thompson Allen. Her father was an FBI agent and hence, his job had him moving to different cities around the country with his family. Karen said that while she was a kid, their family changed cities every year. She eventually completed her high school graduation from Maryland. The thought of becoming an actor did not cross her mind until much later. She studied art and design in college. However, she attended a play which inspired her to pursue acting. She enrolled into Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute and trained herself in acting, eventually making her screen debut in 1978’s film titled ‘National Lampoon’s Animal House.’ She came to international prominence after starring as Marion Ravenwood in the action adventure film titled ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark.’ She followed with lead roles in the ‘Challenger,’ ‘Scrooged’ and ‘The Turning.’