Denise Filiatrault facts for kids

Denise Filiatrault, born on May 16, 1931, is a famous Canadian actress and director. She has been a big star in Canadian entertainment for many years. She is known for her work in television, movies, and theatre. She has received many important awards for her talent and contributions to the arts.

A Star in Canadian Entertainment

Early Career in Television

Denise Filiatrault became very popular on television in the 1960s. She starred with Dominique Michel in the TV series Moi et l'autre from 1967 to 1971. She also appeared in many of Radio-Canada's special New Year's shows called Bye Bye. Later, she had more success in other TV shows. These included Chez Denise (1978–1982) and Le 101, avenue des Pins (1984–85). She also starred in Denise... aujourd'hui (1990–91).

Acting in Movies and Plays

Besides her television work, Denise Filiatrault also acted in movies and on stage. She often performed in plays written by Michel Tremblay. She was known for playing both funny and serious roles. Some of her notable films include Gilles Carle's The Death of a Lumberjack (1973). She also appeared in André Brassard's film Once Upon a Time in the East (1974). Other films were Denys Arcand's Gina (1975) and Claude Fournier's Far from You Sweetheart (1976). She also acted in Fantastica (1980). In The Plouffe Family (1981), she played the troubled character Cécile.

Becoming a Director

After The Plouffe Family, Denise Filiatrault took a break from movies. She focused more on writing and directing for theatre. She created many summer comedies. Later, she decided to direct movies herself. In 1998, she directed It's Your Turn, Laura Cadieux. This film was based on a novel by Michel Tremblay. It showed the lives of women who were looking for love. The movie was a big success. Because of this, she wrote and directed a sequel in 1999. It was called Laura Cadieux II.

Later Works and Theatre Leadership

In 2002, Denise Filiatrault produced a new fantasy comedy called Alice's Odyssey. In 2003, she created a television miniseries for TVA. It was called Le Petit monde de Laura Cadieux. This show was based on her popular movie characters. She then directed another film in 2004, Bittersweet Memories. This movie was a dramatic story about the singer Alys Robi.

Denise Filiatrault also became the artistic director of the Théâtre du Rideau Vert. In 2015, the theatre faced some criticism for a year-end show. A white actor played hockey player P.K. Subban using blackface makeup. Filiatrault said she was "shocked, outraged, and humiliated" by the reaction. She stated that she had been in show business for 60 years. She also mentioned she was the first person to hire a Black Quebecer on television.

Awards and Recognitions

Denise Filiatrault has received many important awards for her work.

• In 1982, she won a Genie Award for "Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role." This was for her role in The Plouffe Family.
• She received a Governor General's Performing Arts Award in 1999. This award recognized her work in television.
• In 1994, she was made an Officer of the Order of Canada. This is a very high honour. In 2020, she was made a Companion of the Order, which is an even higher level.
• In 2000, she became an Officer of the National Order of Quebec.
• In 2004, she was nominated for two Genie Awards. These were for "Achievement in Direction" and "Original Screenplay" for her film Bittersweet Memories.
• In 2006, Filiatrault received the Jutra Award (now called the Prix Iris Tribute Award). This award honored her entire career.