Jackie Burroughs as Hetty King

An actress of incomparable breadth and talent, Jackie Burroughs has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of Canada’s premiere actresses both on stage and screen.  She had won just about every conceivable show business award in Canada.  Her performance as the well-intentioned, headstrong and domineering Hetty King has garnered her three Gemini Awards for Best Actress in 1990, 1992 and 1994.

Jackie Burroughs has a reputation for being an encouraging and enthusiastic supporter of Canada’s young actors and playwrights.  She has been known to turn down leading roles at some of Canada’s most prestigious theatres to work for nothing on small ‘fringe’ productions introducing a new playwrights work.  Her participation in many so-called alternative productions has been responsible for drawing public attention to many an independent work.  Indeed, like her character Hetty, Jackie Burroughs places a premium on her independence, both creative and personal.

Her body of work is extensive, but she is best known in recent years for the critically acclaimed A Winter Tan, which she both co-directed and co-wrote as well as starred in.  Filmed on location in Mexico, A Winter Tan garnered her a 1988 Best Actress Genie Award, and gave her a new love.  During the hiatus periods of Road to Avonlea, Ms. Burroughs spent her summers in Mexico, overseeing the construction of her home.