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
Cast Credits

The Path to 9/11
Character: Madeline Albright
TV • 2006

Robson Arms
Character:
TV • 2005

Corner Gas
Character: Shirley Douglas
TV • 2004
Rick Mercer Report
Character:
TV • 2004

Sarah McLachlan: A Life of Music
Character: Narrator (voice)
MOVIE • 2004

The Christmas Shoes
Character: Ellen Layton
MOVIE • 2002

Degrassi
Character: Professor Dunwoody
TV • 2001

The Law of Enclosures
Character: Mya
MOVIE • 2000

A House Divided
Character: Elizabeth Dickson
MOVIE • 2000

Woman Wanted
Character: Peg
MOVIE • 1999

Shadow Lake
Character: Margaret Richards
MOVIE • 1999

Barney's Great Adventure
Character: Grandma
MOVIE • 1998

Franklin
Character: Narrator (voice)
TV • 1997

Wind at My Back
Character:
TV • 1996

Flash Gordon: Marooned on Mongo
Character: Additional Voices (voice)
MOVIE • 1996

Johnny's Girl
Character: Mrs. Hardwick
MOVIE • 1995

Redwood Curtain
Character: Schyler Noyes
MOVIE • 1995

No Price Too High
Character:
TV • 1995

Mesmer
Character: Duchess Dubarry
MOVIE • 1994

Shattered Trust: The Shari Karney Story
Character: Vivian Karney
MOVIE • 1993