Tanya Hansen, born Tanja Karina Hansen on September 11, 1973, in Jessheim, Norway, began her career as a swimsuit and lingerie model at 18 before transitioning into stripping across Scandinavia. Discovered by director Joe d'Amato in 1997, she debuted in hardcore adult films, quickly gaining fame across Europe and earning the title of 'Norway's first porn star.' She later founded Tanya Hansen Productions, produced her own films, and served as editor for Norwegian magazines like Cocktail and Lek.