Arlene Duncan facts for kids

Arlene Duncan is a talented Canadian actress and singer. She is well-known for her role as Fatima, a friendly diner owner, in the TV show Little Mosque on the Prairie. Arlene has appeared in over 80 movies and TV shows. She has also performed in many plays.

Early Life and Family History

Arlene Duncan was born in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. Her father, Alvin Duncan, was a veteran of World War II. Her mother, Icilda, was from Jamaica. Arlene's father's family has lived in Canada for five generations.

A Family's Journey to Freedom

Arlene's great-grand-grandfather, Benedict Duncan, was a slave who escaped from Maryland. He found freedom in Canada through the Underground Railroad. He became a sexton, which is a church official, in Oakville. Her great-great-grandfather, Samuel Adams, moved to Canada in 1855.

Community Involvement

The Duncan family has always been very active in Oakville's Black community. Arlene's great-grandfather, Jeremiah Adams, was the groundkeeper for Turner Chapel (Oakville). Her father, Alvin, was known as Oakville's Black historian until he passed away in 2009. Arlene's mother also started the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton. Did you know that Canadian Olympic sprinter Donovan Bailey is Arlene Duncan's half-brother?

School Days and Early Talents

Arlene went to T. A. Blakelock High School in Oakville. While there, she loved drama and was part of the student band. She later studied musical theatre at Sheridan College. Arlene won a contest called Search for Stars. She even represented Canada at the Pacific Song Contest in 1979.

Arlene Duncan's Career

Arlene Duncan has had a long and successful career in both music and acting.

Music Career Highlights

In 1982, Arlene released her first song, "I Wanna Grove". This song helped her win the Female Vocalist of the Year Award in 1983. She won this award at the Canadian Black Music Awards. Arlene has also performed under the name Kairene. As Kairene, she released the song "I Need a Man" in 1993. You might have also heard her voice in commercials! She has sung jingles for big companies like McDonald's, Pepsi, and Toyota. In 1994, she was recognized for her amazing work in dance and house music.

Stage Performances

Arlene is also a talented theatre performer. She has been in many plays and musicals. Some of her notable roles include performances in Sophisticated Ladies, Once on This Island, and A Raisin in the Sun. In 2012, Arlene won a Dora Mavor Moore Award for her outstanding performance in the musical Caroline, or Change. She also received a Toronto Theatre Critics Award for Best Actress in a Musical for the same role.

Television and Film Roles

Arlene Duncan is perhaps best known for her role as Fatima Dinssa on the CBC Television show Little Mosque on the Prairie. She played Harriet Tubman in the CBC Television Special All for One. For this role, she won an ACTRA Award. Arlene played Harriet Tubman again in 1995 in "Sing Out, Freedom Train."

In recent years, you might have seen her in popular shows like Degrassi: The Next Generation and Suits. She also appeared in the movie A Dog's Journey. Her most recent important role is as Velma Diggs in the CBC Television series Diggstown.

Influences and Inspirations

Arlene Duncan has mentioned that famous singers like Diana Ross, Salome Bey, and Melba Moore have inspired her work.

Arlene Duncan's Work

Movies

Television Shows

Theatre Productions