Shirley Douglas was a Canadian-American actress who is best known for her roles in Dead Ringers, Wind at My Back, and Lolita. Born on April 2, 1934, in Weyburn, Saskatchewan, she made significant contributions to both film and television throughout her career. She passed away on April 5, 2020, in Toronto, Ontario, from complications related to pneumonia.
Personal and Family Life
Shirley Douglas was the daughter of Irma May Dempsey and Tommy Douglas, a prominent politician in Saskatchewan. She was married twice; first to Timothy Emil Alan Sick from 1956 to 1963, and later to Donald Sutherland from 1966 until their divorce in 1971. Douglas had three children, including actor Kiefer Sutherland and Rachel Sutherland. Her family background influenced her activism and artistic choices throughout her life.
Career Highlights
Shirley Douglas’s career spanned several decades, where she appeared in various films and television shows. Some of her notable works include roles in Lolita (1962), Dead Ringers (1988), and Wind at My Back (1996). Douglas was also known for her involvement in political activism, particularly in support of the Black Panthers, which led to her arrest in 1969. Her commitment to social issues was a defining aspect of her life, alongside her work in the arts.
Death and Legacy
Shirley Douglas died on April 5, 2020, in Toronto at the age of 86 due to pneumonia complications. Her legacy lives on through her impactful performances and her children, especially Kiefer Sutherland, who continue to shape the entertainment industry. Douglas is remembered not only for her acting talent but also for her significant contributions to both activism and Canadian culture.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Lolita | 1962-06-13 | Mrs. Starch |
| The Christmas Shoes | 2002-12-01 | Ellen Layton |
| Dead Ringers | 1988-09-23 | Laura |
| Redwood Curtain | 1995-01-01 | Schyler Noyes |
| Turning to Stone | 1985-01-01 | Lena |
| Johnny’s Girl | 1995-05-27 | Mrs. Hardwick |
| The Wars | 1983-11-20 | Mrs. Lawson |
| A House Divided | 2000-07-30 | Elizabeth Dickson |
| Shadow Dancing | 1988-12-02 | Nicole |
| Shattered Trust: The Shari Karney Story | 1993-09-27 | Vivian Karney |
| Sarah McLachlan: A Life of Music | 2004-01-01 | Narrator (voice) |
| The Law of Enclosures | 2000-09-15 | Mya |
| Barney’s Great Adventure | 1998-04-03 | Grandma |
| The Shower | 1992-01-01 | Marie |
| Woman Wanted | 1999-08-14 | Peg |
| Mesmer | 1994-08-25 | Duchess Dubarry |
| Loose Ends | 1986-03-05 | Wife |
| Flash Gordon: Marooned on Mongo | 1996-05-20 | Additional Voices (voice) |
| Shadow Lake | 1999-01-01 | Margaret Richards |
| Really Weird Tales | 1986-10-04 | Edna Besley (segment “Cursed With Charisma”) |
| Corner Gas | 2004-01-22 | Shirley Douglas |
| Franklin | 1997-11-03 | Narrator (voice) |
| Degrassi | 2001-10-14 | Professor Dunwoody |
| Robson Arms | 2005-06-17 | |
| Road to Avonlea | 1990-01-07 | |
| Wind at My Back | 1996-12-01 | |
| The New Alfred Hitchcock Presents | 1985-09-29 | Monica Logan |
| Rick Mercer Report | 2004-01-12 | |
| Hallmark Hall of Fame | 1951-12-24 | Schyler Noyes |
| The Path to 9/11 | 2006-09-10 | Madeline Albright |
| No Price Too High | 1995-01-01 |