Shirley Douglas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Shirley Douglas
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Shirley Jean Douglas
April 2, 1934 Weyburn, Saskatchewan, Canada
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| Died | April 5, 2020 (aged 86) |
| Alma mater | Royal Academy of Dramatic Art |
| Occupation | Actress, activist |
| Years active | 1950–2015 |
| Spouse(s) | Timothy Emil Sicks (m. 1957; div. 19??) |
| Children | 3, including Kiefer Sutherland |
| Parent(s) | Tommy Douglas Irma Dempsey |
Shirley Jean Douglas (born April 2, 1934 – died April 5, 2020) was a famous Canadian actress and activist. She was known for her many roles in movies and TV shows. Her family was also well-known in Canadian politics. This made her a recognizable figure across Canada.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Shirley Douglas was born on April 2, 1934, in Weyburn, Saskatchewan. Her mother was Irma May Dempsey. Her father was Tommy Douglas. He was a very important Canadian leader. He was the Premier of Saskatchewan and the first leader of the New Democratic Party.
Shirley went to high school in Regina. When she was 16, she studied at the Banff School of Fine Arts.
Acting Career
Shirley Douglas started acting in 1950. She won an award for best actress at a drama festival. In 1952, she graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, England. She stayed in England for several years. There, she performed in plays and on television. She then returned to Canada in 1957.
Shirley had many memorable roles. She acted on stages in Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. She played important historical figures. For example, she played Nellie McClung, a famous advocate for women's rights. She also played May Bailey in the TV series Wind at My Back. Shirley even appeared in popular science fiction shows. These included The Silver Surfer and Flash Gordon.
In 1997, Shirley acted on stage with her son, Kiefer Sutherland. They performed in a play called The Glass Menagerie. Later, in 2006, she played Madeleine Albright. Madeleine Albright was a former U.S. Secretary of State. This was for a TV mini-series called The Path to 9/11.
In 2003, Shirley Douglas was given a special honor. She was named an Officer of the Order of Canada. This award recognizes people who have made great contributions to Canada.
Personal Life and Family
Shirley Douglas had three children. Her first son, Thomas Emil Sicks, was from her marriage to Timothy Emil Sicks. She later married Canadian actor Donald Sutherland. With him, she had twins, Rachel and Kiefer Sutherland.
Shirley faced some health challenges later in life. By 2009, she used a wheelchair. This was due to a back condition that caused her pain.
Shirley Douglas passed away on April 5, 2020. She was 86 years old. Her death was due to complications from pneumonia.
Activism and Social Causes
Shirley Douglas was also a dedicated activist. After moving to Los Angeles in 1967, she became involved in important social movements. She supported the Civil Rights Movement. This movement worked for equal rights for all people. She also spoke out against the Vietnam War. Later, she became a strong supporter of immigrants and women's rights.
She helped create a group called "Friends of the Black Panther Party". This group raised money to support the Black Panthers. Because of her activism, she faced some difficulties. She was accused of certain actions by the FBI. However, the courts later cleared her name.
In 1977, Shirley moved back to Toronto with her children. She continued her activism in Canada. She helped start the first Canadian chapter of Performing Artists for Nuclear Disarmament. This group worked for a world without nuclear weapons.
Shirley was the daughter of Tommy Douglas. Her father was famous for creating Medicare. This is Canada's system of public healthcare. Shirley strongly believed in healthcare for everyone. She campaigned for tax-payer funded healthcare. She was against private healthcare. She also actively supported the New Democratic Party in elections.
Awards and Recognition
Shirley Douglas received many awards for her acting and her activism:
- In 2000, she won a Gemini Award for her role in the TV film Shadow Lake.
- In 2001, she received an honorary degree from Ryerson University.
- In 2002, she was given the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal.
- In 2003, she became an Officer of the Order of Canada.
- In 2004, she was honored with a space on the Wall of Fame at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa.
- Also in 2004, she received the "Distinguished Canadian Award". Her father had received this same award years before.
- In 2004, she was given a star on Canada's Walk of Fame in Toronto.
- In 2009, she received the International Achievement Award. This was from Women in Film & Television - Toronto.
- In 2012, she was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Images for kids
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Shirley Douglas
