Marion Gilsenan (1936 - January 11, 1999) was a Canadian actress, best known for her regular role as Joan McKenzie in the Canadian television soap opera Riverdale.[1]

Born in England, Gilsenan moved to Canada in her early 20s, and began her career as a stage actress with the Canadian Stage Company and the Shaw Festival.[2] She was a four-time Dora Mavor Moore Award nominee for her stage work, receiving nods for Outstanding Performance in a Featured Role in 1980 for Strawberry Fields,[3] Outstanding Performance by a Female in a Play (Midsize Theatre) in 1995 for The Stillborn Lover,[4] Outstanding Performance by a Female in a Musical (Large Theatre) in 1996 for A Little Night Music,[5] and Outstanding Performance by a Female in a Play (Large Theatre) in 1997 for Thirteen Hands.[2]

On television she principally had supporting and guest roles until being cast as a regular in Riverdale.[2] Of her character, Gilsenan said that "she's not totally nice -- she's very selfish, very snobbish, but she also has wonderful qualities. She wants the best for herself and her family. I think there's some self- knowledge, some warmth and sense of humour."[2] Gilsenan was battling cancer for much of her stint on the series,[1] but delayed chemotherapy because her early treatments made her too weak and tired and she did not want to give up her acting roles.[2]

She died of cancer on January 11, 1999, after production on the second season of Riverdale had concluded but before production on the third season began.[2] Her character was written out of the series rather than being recast.[6]

She was a Gemini Award nominee for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Program or Series at the 6th Gemini Awards in 1992 for the television film Getting Married in Buffalo Jump,[7] and won the award for Riverdale at the 14th Gemini Awards in 1999, several months after her death.[8]

References

  1. 1 2 Jim Bawden, "Soap star acted through illness ; Riverdale's Marion Gilsenan dies from cancer". Toronto Star, January 13, 1999.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Mark Gollom, "`A brilliant role model' and enthusiastic actor: She loved the stage". National Post, January 22, 1999.
  3. ↑ Gina Mallet, "Controversial Bent set for Toronto run". Toronto Star, January 23, 1981.
  4. ↑ "And the Dora nominees are ...". The Globe and Mail, May 13, 1995.
  5. ↑ Geoff Chapman, "Canadian Stage, Tarragon lead Dora nominations". Toronto Star, May 17, 1996.
  6. ↑ "Riverdale renewed for 11 hours". Kingston Whig-Standard, January 23, 1999.
  7. ↑ "And the nominees are ...". Hamilton Spectator, March 7, 1992.
  8. ↑ Antonia Zerbisias, "CBC cops 41 Geminis ; Public network dominates news and information awards; CTV dramas win big". Toronto Star, November 8, 1999.
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