Shirley Douglas
Known for Acting
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
Lolita
1962
as Mrs. Starch
Dead Ringers
1988
as Laura
The Christmas Shoes
2002
as Ellen Layton
Barney's Great Adventure
1998
as Grandma
Mesmer
1994
as Duchess Dubarry
Woman Wanted
1999
as Peg
Loose Ends
1986
as Wife
The Law of Enclosures
2000
as Mya
A House Divided
2000
as Elizabeth Dickson
Really Weird Tales
1986
as Edna Besley (segment "Cursed With Charisma")
The Wars
1983
as Mrs. Lawson
Shadow Lake
1999
as Margaret Richards
Redwood Curtain
1995
as Schyler Noyes
Flash Gordon: Marooned on Mongo
1996
as Additional Voices (voice)
Shattered Trust: The Shari Karney Story
1993
as Vivian Karney
Johnny's Girl
1995
as Mrs. Hardwick
Shadow Dancing
1988
as Nicole
Tommy Douglas: Keeper of the Flame
1986
as self
The Shower
1992
as Marie
Turning to Stone
1985
as Lena