Shirley Douglas
Actor
Biography
Shirley Douglas, with a start in church drama and music, pursued acting seriously from a young age. After studies in London, she acted in British theatre and TV. Her marriage to Donald Sutherland bore twins, Kiefer and Rachel Sutherland. Engaging in American protest movements in the late '60s and '70s, she advocated for various causes, eventually returning to Canada in 1977. Her career flourished in film, TV, and theatre, embodying strong characters like Hagar Shipley in "The Stone Angel" and Marilla in "Anne of Green Gables." Known for her activism, she ardently supported Canada's healthcare system, advocating for its accessibility. Notably, she won a Gemini Award for "Shadow Lake" in 2000 and received an honorary doctorate from Ryerson Polytechnic University and the Diamond Award from the Variety Club. Shirley's father was Tommy Douglas, renowned for founding Canada’s healthcare system.
Filmography
Dead Ringers
as Laura 1988
Barney's Great Adventure
as Grandma 1998
The Christmas Shoes
as Ellen Layton 2002
Mesmer
as Duchess Dubarry 1994
Woman Wanted
as Peg 1999
The Law of Enclosures
as Mya 2000
Redwood Curtain
as Schyler Noyes 1995
Loose Ends
as Wife 1986
Shadow Dancing
as Nicole 1988
The Shower
as Marie 1992
Turning to Stone
as Lena 1985
Shadow Lake
as Margaret Richards 1999
The Wars
as Mrs. Lawson 1983
Shattered Trust: The Shari Karney Story
as Vivian Karney 1993
Really Weird Tales
as Edna Besley (segment "Cursed With Charisma") 1986
A House Divided
as Elizabeth Dickson 2000