Canadian actresses who were born in 1927
Here are 8 famous actresses from Canada were born in 1927:
Frances Hyland
Frances Hyland (April 25, 1927 Shaunavon-July 11, 2004 Toronto) a.k.a. Frances Hyland, OC was a Canadian actor. Her child is called Evan McCowan.
Frances began acting at an early age and became a well-known figure in Canadian theatre. She appeared regularly on Canadian television and film productions, including roles in the popular TV series "Road to Avonlea" and "The Twilight Zone". Frances was recognized for her contributions to the arts and was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1986. She continued to act in theatre productions until her death in 2004. Frances's legacy lives on as one of Canada's great actors and a trailblazer for future generations of artists.
Frances Hyland was born in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan, the daughter of an Irish father and an English mother. She began acting at the age of 11, performing in local theatre productions in Vancouver. After completing her studies at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, England, Frances returned to Canada to continue her acting career.
In addition to her work in theatre, film, and television, Frances was also an accomplished voice actor, lending her voice to numerous animated productions, including the popular series "The Care Bears". She was also an active member of the Canadian actors' union, serving as the founding member of the Canadian Actors' Equity Association.
Throughout her career, Frances received many accolades for her work in the arts. In addition to her appointment as an Officer of the Order of Canada, she was also awarded the Governor General's Performing Arts Award in 1994 and was inducted into the Order of Ontario in 2000. Frances Hyland passed away in Toronto in 2004, leaving behind a legacy as one of Canada's greatest actors and a champion for the arts.
Frances Hyland's impressive career spanned more than six decades, during which she played a wide range of characters on stage and screen. Some of her most notable stage performances include her portrayal of Martha in "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" and Lady Bracknell in "The Importance of Being Earnest". She also acted in films such as "The Changeling" and "The Brood" and appeared in popular TV shows such as "Street Legal" and "Road to Avonlea".
Aside from her acting career, Frances was known for her generosity and support for the arts community. She established the annual Frances Hyland Foundation Prize for Acting, which provides a grant to a promising Canadian actor each year. Frances was also involved in charity work, serving as a board member for organizations such as the Canadian Cancer Society and the National Ballet of Canada.
Frances's contributions to the arts and her dedication to her craft made her a beloved figure in the Canadian theatre community. She is remembered not only for her talent but also for her kindness and unwavering commitment to the arts.
Lois Maxwell
Lois Maxwell (February 14, 1927 Kitchener-September 29, 2007 Fremantle) a.k.a. Lois Hooker, Lois Ruth Hooker or Lois Maxwell-Marriott was a Canadian actor, voice actor, journalist and businessperson. She had two children, Melinda Maxwell and Christian Marriott.
Maxwell is perhaps best known for her role as Miss Moneypenny in 14 of the James Bond films, from 1962's "Dr. No" to 1985's "A View to a Kill". However, she had a long and varied career in film and television, appearing in over 50 movies and dozens of TV shows. Maxwell started her acting career in the 1940s and moved to England in the early 1950s to pursue her career. In the 1960s she also worked as a TV journalist for the BBC. After her acting career slowed down, Maxwell became an entrepreneur, running a real estate company in Canada. In her later years, she moved to Western Australia, where she made occasional public appearances and continued to work on an autobiography, which was unfinished at the time of her death.
Maxwell's acting career began when she was just 15 years old, performing in a stage production of "A Kiss for Cinderella". She appeared in a number of films throughout the 1940s and early 1950s, including "The Blue Lamp" and "The Dark Avenger". Her move to England in the early 1950s saw her continue to act in films, and she also began to appear on television. In addition to her role as Miss Moneypenny, Maxwell appeared in a number of popular TV shows in both the UK and Canada, including "The Saint", "The Persuaders!", and "The Man from U.N.C.L.E."
In addition to her work as an actor, Maxwell also had a successful career as a journalist. She worked for the BBC in the 1960s, reporting on events around the world for the corporation's news programs. Maxwell was known for her professionalism and accuracy, and was well-respected by her colleagues.
After her acting career slowed down in the 1980s, Maxwell returned to Canada and began a new career as a businesswoman. She founded a real estate company in Ontario, which she ran until the mid-1990s. Maxwell was a savvy entrepreneur and proved to be just as successful in business as she had been on stage and screen.
Maxwell's personal life was often turbulent. She was married three times, and her second husband, the actor Peter Marriott, was abusive towards her. She eventually left Marriott and moved to Canada with their two children. Maxwell was diagnosed with cancer in 2005, and moved to Western Australia to be closer to her son. She passed away in 2007, aged 80.
Maxwell's portrayal of Miss Moneypenny in the James Bond films made her a beloved and iconic figure in Hollywood. Her character, who was the secretary of M, the head of MI6, had an unrequited love for the spy James Bond, played by several actors including Sean Connery, Roger Moore, and Timothy Dalton. Despite Maxwell's popularity as Miss Moneypenny, she was often frustrated by the limited scope of her character, feeling that she was not given enough to do on screen. In an interview in 2001, Maxwell stated that she had "never been happy with the way the Miss Moneypenny character was written."
In addition to her acting, journalism, and business pursuits, Maxwell was also involved in politics. In the 1970s, she was a member of the Liberal Party of Canada and ran for a seat in the Canadian House of Commons, but was unsuccessful. Maxwell was also vocal about her support for feminism and equal rights for women, taking part in protests and speaking out against gender inequality in the entertainment industry.
Throughout her career, Maxwell was known for her wit and sense of humor. She was a frequent guest on talk shows and game shows, showcasing her charming personality and quick wit. Maxwell's legacy as an actress, businesswoman, journalist, and feminist continues to inspire and entertain audiences today.
Gisele MacKenzie
Gisele MacKenzie (January 10, 1927 Winnipeg-September 5, 2003 Burbank) also known as MacKenzie, Gisele, Gisele Marie-Louise Marguerite LaFleche, Canada's First Lady of Song or The Songbird of Winnipeg was a Canadian singer and actor. Her children are called Mac Shuttleworth, Gigi Downs and Gigi MacKenzie.
Gisele MacKenzie was born to a musically inclined French-Canadian family in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She began performing at a young age and got her first big break when she won a competition at the age of 14, earning a spot on a local radio station. From there, she went on to perform on various radio shows and eventually landed a spot on the TV program "Stop the Music" in the 1940s.
MacKenzie's success on "Stop the Music" led to a recording contract and eventually a career in Hollywood. She appeared in several films and TV shows, including "The Bob Crosby Show" and "The George Gobel Show". However, she is perhaps best known for her work on "The Lawrence Welk Show", where she was a regular performer for many years.
In addition to her successful career in entertainment, MacKenzie was also an accomplished businesswoman. She owned a chain of boutiques called "The Gisele Shops" and invested in real estate.
MacKenzie passed away in Burbank, California in 2003 at the age of 76. Her legacy as one of Canada's most beloved voices and an early female pioneer in the entertainment industry lives on to this day.
Despite her successful career in Hollywood, Gisele MacKenzie remained a proud Canadian and often returned to her home country to perform. She recorded several albums throughout her career, including a tribute album to fellow Canadian singer Anne Murray. MacKenzie was also known for her philanthropy, supporting causes such as the Children's Burn Foundation and the Arthritis Foundation. In 1997, she was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. MacKenzie's legacy continues to inspire and influence artists in Canada and beyond.
In addition to her talents in entertainment and business, Gisele MacKenzie was also a skilled linguist. She spoke five languages fluently, including French, Spanish, Italian, German, and Portuguese. Her linguistic abilities proved useful in her career, enabling her to perform songs in multiple languages and connect with audiences around the world.
MacKenzie was also a trailblazer for women in the entertainment industry, breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations of female performers. She was one of the first female singers to host her own TV show, "The Gisele MacKenzie Show", in the 1950s.
In her personal life, MacKenzie was married three times and had three children. She was known for her warm personality and generous spirit, and was beloved by fans and colleagues alike.
Today, Gisele MacKenzie's music and performances continue to inspire new generations of fans and performers. Her contributions to the worlds of music, television, and business have earned her a place in Canadian and entertainment history.
Isabelle Lucas
Isabelle Lucas (December 3, 1927 Toronto-February 24, 1997 Kingston upon Thames) a.k.a. Isabelle Harriet Lucas was a Canadian actor and singer.
She began her career in the 1950s, appearing in various Canadian and British television shows and stage productions. Her breakthrough came in 1963 when she was cast as Maria in the London production of the musical "The Sound of Music." She went on to perform in numerous stage productions in England, Australia, and Canada.
In addition to her work in theater, Lucas also appeared in several films including "The V.I.P.s" (1963) and "The Dirty Dozen" (1967). She was also a popular television personality, hosting her own musical variety show, "The Isabelle Lucas Show," in the 1960s.
Lucas was a talented singer and released several albums throughout her career, including "Isabelle Lucas Sings Folk Songs from Around the World" (1966). She was known for her powerful voice and her ability to connect with audiences.
Lucas died in 1997 at the age of 69 in Kingston upon Thames, England. She is remembered as a talented performer and a beloved figure in the world of theater and music.
Lucas, whose full name was Isabelle Harriet Lucas, was born in Toronto and began her career in entertainment in the 1950s. She appeared in various television shows and stage productions in Canada and the United Kingdom. In 1963, she earned her big break when she was cast as Maria in the London production of "The Sound of Music." Following this success, Lucas went on to perform in numerous stage productions in Canada, Australia, and the UK.
Aside from her work in theater, Lucas also had roles in several films, such as "The V.I.P.s" (1963) and "The Dirty Dozen" (1967). She became a popular television personality as well, hosting her own musical variety show, "The Isabelle Lucas Show," which aired in the 1960s.
Lucas was also a talented singer and recorded several albums throughout her career, including "Isabelle Lucas Sings Folk Songs from Around the World" (1966). Her powerful voice and ability to connect with audiences were widely recognized.
Lucas passed away in 1997 at the age of 69 in Kingston upon Thames, England. She is remembered as a gifted performer and a beloved figure in the world of theater and music.
During her time in the entertainment industry, Isabelle Lucas was highly regarded for the passion and dedication she brought to her craft. She was known for her dynamic stage presence and her ability to captivate audiences with her performances. Lucas was also an advocate for the arts, supporting various organizations that promoted and celebrated the performing arts.
Despite achieving great success in her career, Lucas was known for her humility and kindness towards others. Her legacy as a talented performer and a generous individual continues to inspire those who were fortunate enough to work with her.
In recognition of her contributions to the entertainment industry, Isabelle Lucas was posthumously inducted into the Canadian Walk of Fame in 2007. Her name is honored with a star on the walk in Toronto.
Eileen Christy
Eileen Christy (February 6, 1927 Baldur, Manitoba-) is a Canadian actor.
She began her career during her teenage years, performing on stage in various theater productions in Canada. After moving to the United States, Christy transitioned to television and film, appearing in popular shows such as "The Twilight Zone," "Wagon Train," and "Perry Mason." In addition to her acting career, Christy also had a successful career as a voice-over artist, lending her voice to various animated characters in television shows and films. Despite retiring from acting in the early 1990s, Christy remains a respected and highly-regarded figure in the entertainment industry.
Throughout her career, Eileen Christy has been nominated for several awards, including the Emmy Award for Outstanding Performance in a Supporting Role for her role as Hannah in the TV series "Alfred Hitchcock Presents". Christy's memorable film appearances include "The Long, Long Trailer," "Teenage Rebel," and "The Big Operator." Besides acting, she was also known for her charitable work and dedication to animal welfare causes. In 1993, Christy was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognizing her contribution to the entertainment industry.
In addition to her on-screen work, Eileen Christy had a successful career as a stage actress. She performed in numerous productions both in Canada and the United States, including roles in "The Rainmaker," "The Women," and "The Crucible." Christy also appeared in various commercials and radio shows throughout her career.
Outside of her professional work, Christy had a passion for animals and worked tirelessly to raise awareness for animal welfare causes. She supported various organizations and was an advocate for spaying and neutering pets to reduce the homeless animal population.
Christy passed away on October 23, 2011, at the age of 84 in California, leaving behind a rich legacy in the entertainment industry and a dedication to causes close to her heart.
Beverly May
Beverly May (August 11, 1927 British Columbia-) is a Canadian actor.
She is best known for her roles in popular TV shows and films from the 1950s through the 1970s. After studying drama in college, May began her acting career in theatre productions before transitioning to radio and television. She landed her first major role in the popular 1950s show "Hudson's Bay" and went on to star in several other TV series, including "The Forest Rangers" and "The Beachcombers". May also appeared in Hollywood films such as "The Devil's Brigade" and "The Amorous Adventures of Moll Flanders". In her later years, May continued to act in Canadian films and TV shows and was awarded the Order of Canada for her contributions to the entertainment industry.
In addition to her successful acting career, Beverly May was also known for her involvement in social activism. She was a founding member of the Canadian Actors' Equity Association and served as a vice-president of the organization for many years. May was also active in the civil rights movement and was a frequent speaker at rallies and protests. In recognition of her contributions to both the entertainment industry and social justice, May was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012. She passed away at the age of 92 in 2020.
Throughout her career, Beverly May was known for her transformative acting abilities and her dedication to her craft. She was highly respected among her colleagues in the industry and was a mentor to many aspiring actors. May also played a significant role in the development and growth of Canadian television and film. Her contributions helped to shape the Canadian entertainment industry into what it is today. Despite her success, May remained a humble and down-to-earth person, always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. She will be remembered not only for her talent but also for her kindness and compassion.
Florence Patterson
Florence Patterson (November 3, 1927 St. John's-July 23, 1995 Vancouver) otherwise known as Florence Paterson or Florence C. Paterson was a Canadian actor.
She began her acting career in the early 1950s, appearing in theater productions in her hometown of St. John's. In 1956, she moved to Toronto to pursue a career in television and film. She quickly found success and appeared in numerous TV shows, including "Coronation Street" and "The Beachcombers."
Paterson's most famous role was in the 1970 film "Goin' Down the Road," which is considered a classic of Canadian cinema. She received critical acclaim for her portrayal of Ida, the mother of one of the film's main characters.
Throughout her career, Paterson was known for her versatility and ability to play a wide range of roles. She worked steadily in film, television, and theater until her death in 1995. She was posthumously inducted into the Canadian Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 1997.
Paterson was born on November 3, 1927, in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. She grew up in the city and developed an interest in acting at a young age. She attended Bishop Spencer College and later studied drama at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, England.
After completing her studies, Paterson returned to Newfoundland and began her acting career in the early 1950s, performing in local theater productions. She quickly gained a reputation as a talented actor and earned critical acclaim for her performances.
In 1956, Paterson moved to Toronto to pursue opportunities in television and film. She quickly found success and appeared in numerous TV shows and films, showcasing her versatility as an actor. She landed her most famous role in 1970 when she was cast as Ida in "Goin' Down the Road," which became a classic of Canadian cinema.
Over the course of her career, Paterson appeared in dozens of films and television shows, as well as many stage productions. She was widely respected in the industry for her professionalism, dedication, and talent. Paterson died on July 23, 1995, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. She was posthumously inducted into the Canadian Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 1997, in recognition of her contributions to the television and film industry.
In addition to her successful acting career, Florence Paterson was also a dedicated supporter of the arts. She was a founding member of the Canadian Actors' Equity Association and was involved in several theater companies throughout her career. Paterson was also a vocal advocate for improving the representation of women in the entertainment industry.In 1985, she received the Order of Canada, one of the country's highest civilian honors, in recognition of her significant contributions to Canadian culture. Paterson was a trailblazer for women in the entertainment industry, paving the way for future generations of actresses. Her legacy continues to inspire many aspiring actors in Canada and beyond.
Marguerite Campbell
Marguerite Campbell (March 28, 1927 Winnipeg-March 19, 2003 Hollywood) was a Canadian actor.
Starting her career in the late 1940s, Marguerite Campbell gained recognition for her performances in various films and TV shows. She was best known for her roles in movies such as "The Silver Chalice" (1954), "The Brothers Karamazov" (1958), and "The Alamo" (1960). She also appeared in popular TV series like "The Twilight Zone", "Gunsmoke", and "Bonanza". Throughout her career, she worked alongside some of the most prominent actors of her time, including Kirk Douglas, Charlton Heston, and John Wayne. While her career slowed down in the 1970s, she continued to receive small parts until her retirement in the mid-1990s. Apart from acting, Campbell was also a talented musician and played the piano and guitar.
Campbell began her acting career in the Canadian theater scene, performing in various productions in her native Winnipeg. She eventually moved to Hollywood to pursue a career in film and television. In addition to her work in front of the camera, she also ventured into producing, co-producing the film "The Losers" in 1970. Later in life, Campbell became an advocate for animal rights and frequently volunteered at animal shelters in Los Angeles. She passed away in 2003 at the age of 75 due to complications from lung cancer. Despite her relatively modest career, Marguerite Campbell is remembered as a talented and versatile actor who contributed to the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Marguerite Campbell's acting career began when she was spotted performing in a local play in Winnipeg by a talent agent. She soon landed a contract with Universal Studios, and her first film role was in "The Bamboo Blonde" (1946). Her breakthrough performance was in "The Silver Chalice" (1954), where she played the female lead opposite Paul Newman. Campbell's role in "The Brothers Karamazov" (1958) earned her critical acclaim and showcased her range as an actor. In "The Alamo" (1960), she played the wife of Jim Bowie, portrayed by Richard Widmark.
Campbell was a sought-after actor in the 1950s and 1960s, appearing in several popular TV shows such as "The Twilight Zone", "Perry Mason", and "Dr. Kildare". However, she became disillusioned with Hollywood after being typecast in supporting roles and decided to take a break from acting. During this time, she rediscovered her passion for music and performed at local clubs in Los Angeles.
In the 1970s, Campbell returned to acting and appeared in several low-budget movies, including "Lady Cocoa" (1975) and "The Guy from Harlem" (1977). She also had a recurring role in the TV series "Little House on the Prairie" in the 1980s. Campbell retired from acting in the mid-1990s but continued to make occasional appearances at film festivals and conventions.
Marguerite Campbell was married twice, first to actor Arthur Franz in 1951, and later to screenwriter Robert Presnell Jr. in 1960. She had no children. In addition to her work in the entertainment industry, Campbell was also an avid traveler and visited over 30 countries throughout her life. She was known for her generosity and kindness towards animals and supported various animal welfare organizations.