Who was Shirley Douglas? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Canadian Celebrities Born In April

Also Known As: Shirley Jean Douglas

Died At Age: 86

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Donald Sutherland (m. 1966 – 1970), Timothy Emil Sicks (m. ? - div.?)

father: Tommy Douglas

mother: Irma May Douglas

children: Kiefer Sutherland, Rachel Sutherland, Thomas Emil Sicks

Actresses Canadian Women

Height: 5'2" (157 cm), 5'2" Females

Died on: April 5, 2020

place of death: Toronto, Canada

Cause of Death: Pneumonia

Notable Alumni: Banff School Of Fine Arts

More Facts

education: Royal Academy Of Dramatic Art, Banff School Of Fine Arts

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1

What are some notable roles played by Shirley Douglas?

Some notable roles played by Shirley Douglas include May Bailey in "Wind at My Back," Mrs. Starch in "Arctic Air," and Sarah in "Degrassi: The Next Generation."
2

Did Shirley Douglas have any involvement in political activism?

Yes, Shirley Douglas was known for her political activism and advocacy work, particularly in support of universal healthcare and various social causes.
3

Was Shirley Douglas involved in any charitable organizations?

Shirley Douglas was actively involved in various charitable organizations, including the National Health Coalition and the Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University.
4

What was Shirley Douglas' contribution to the Canadian arts scene?

Shirley Douglas was a prominent figure in the Canadian arts scene, known for her contributions to theater, film, and television over several decades.
5

Did Shirley Douglas have any connections to other famous Canadian actors?

Yes, Shirley Douglas was the mother of actor Kiefer Sutherland and the daughter of Canadian politician Tommy Douglas, making her part of a well-known Canadian entertainment and political family.

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Career

Shirley Douglas started her acting career in 1950 when she performed at the Regina Little Theatre and won the best actress award. In 1955, she made her film debut with a role in the British-American crime film ‘Joe MacBeth’. That year, she also appeared in an episode of the anthology series ‘Rheingold Theatre’. Following a role in the drama flick ‘Lolita’, she starred in the movies ‘The Wars’, ‘Dead Ringers’ and ‘Shadow Dancing’, all of which released during the 1980s.

From 1990 to 1991, the actress played a recurring role in the Canadian crime drama ‘Street Legal’. Soon after the show ended, she starred as Marie in the comedy drama movie ‘The Shower’, a story about a woman whose pregnant sister goes into premature labor during her baby shower.

In 1996, Douglas joined the cast of the series ‘Wind at My Back’ as May Bailey, a role she played until 2001. During this time, she also featured in the musical ‘Barney's Great Adventure’ and narrated the animated series ‘Franklin’. She was then cast as Ellen Layton for the TV film ‘The Christmas Shoes,’ based on the novel of the same name. In the year 2005, Douglas starred as Pauline Dubois in the Canadian television series ‘Robson Arms’. A year later, she appeared as Madeleine Albright in the miniseries ‘The Path to 9/11’, a film that dramatizes the World Trade Center bombing of 1993 and the events leading up to the September 11 attacks. After this, the Canadian actress featured in an episode of the teen drama ‘Degrassi: The Next Generation’ as Professor Dunwoody.

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Activism

Following her second marriage, Shirley Douglas moved to Los Angeles. She became associated with the American Civil Rights Movement and later established a fundraising group named ‘Friends of the Black Panthers’. She was arrested in 1969 for Conspiracy to Possess Unregistered Explosives and was subsequently forced to leave USA in 1977.

As the daughter of Canadian statesman Tommy Douglas who brought Medicare to the country, Shirley Douglas has also been one of the country’s most recognized activists in favor of the public health care system over privatized care.

Family & Personal Life

Shirley Douglas was born on April 2, 1934 in Weyburn, Saskatchewan, Canada, to Irma May and politician Tommy Douglas. She attended Central Collegiate Institute in Regina and later graduated from Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, London.

She first married brewery heir Timothy Emil Sicks. The couple had a son named Thomas before divorcing. Douglas then married actor Donald Sutherland in 1966. They had twins, Kiefer and Rachel, before divorcing in 1970.

Facts About Shirley Douglas

Shirley Douglas, a Canadian actress and activist, was the daughter of Tommy Douglas, a former Premier of Saskatchewan and one of the founding fathers of universal healthcare in Canada.

She was known for her strong advocacy for social justice causes, including women's rights and civil rights.

Shirley Douglas had a successful acting career, appearing in numerous films and television shows, including the popular Canadian series "Wind at My Back."

Shirley Douglas was a beloved figure in the Canadian entertainment industry and left a lasting impact on all who knew her.

Shirley Douglas Biography

You wanted to know

What are some notable roles played by Shirley Douglas?

Did Shirley Douglas have any involvement in political activism?

Was Shirley Douglas involved in any charitable organizations?

What was Shirley Douglas' contribution to the Canadian arts scene?

Did Shirley Douglas have any connections to other famous Canadian actors?