Michelle Thrush facts for kids

Michelle Thrush (born February 6, 1967) is a Canadian actress and an activist for First Nations people. She is a member of the Cree Nation. Thrush is famous for her leading role as Gail Stoney in the TV series Blackstone. For this role, she won a Gemini Award in 2011.

She is also known for playing Sylvie LeBret in North of 60 and Deanna Martin in Arctic Air. Thrush also starred in the award-nominated movie Jimmy P: Psychotherapy of a Plains Indian.

Early Life and Inspiration

Michelle Thrush is of Cree heritage and grew up in Calgary, Alberta. She had a difficult childhood and faced many challenges. Things changed for her in the ninth grade when she started attending Calgary's Plains Indian Cultural Survival School.

At this new school, she felt accepted and happy. She said, "I learned so many wonderful things about myself, about my culture, about my language, about drumming and singing." This experience helped her connect with her Indigenous roots.

Even though she acted in her first movie at 17, she first planned to become a social worker to help children. However, she met the First Nations actor Gordon Tootoosis, who gave her important advice. He told her, "If [acting] is what your heart wants, you need to follow it and be true." This inspired her to pursue acting. At age 20, she moved to Vancouver to start her career.

Acting Career

Thrush has had a very successful career since the 1980s. She has appeared in many television shows and movies. Some of her well-known TV roles were in Madison, Northern Exposure, North of 60, and Highlander.

Many of her movies explore stories about Indigenous peoples of the Americas. These films include Isaac Littlefeathers, Skins, Dead Man, Dreamkeeper, and Prey.

In 2011, Thrush wrote a play called Find Your Own Inner Elder. It is a one-woman show where she tells stories from her own life. She has performed this play, often called Inner Elder, all across Canada.

Her daughter, Imajyn Cardinal, is also an actress.

Filmography

Television

Film

Theatre

Awards and Nominations