Parallel Minds
Nominated for a Best Actress in a Supporting Role
Michelle Thrush
Michelle Thrush has worked professionally in film, television, and theatre for more than 25 years with her first film role at the age of seventeen. Ms. Thrush, with over forty professional credits in the entertainment industry, has also won numerous awards and special recognitions.
Michelle has won multiple Awards for her role of Gail Stoney, on the dramatic series Blackstone, including, Best Performance by an Alberta Actress 2015 Rosie Awards, Best performance by an Actress at the 2014 AMPIA Awards, and Best Performance by an Actress in a Continuing Leading Dramatic Role 2011 Gemini Awards. As well as nominations for Best Actress in a TV series at the 2014 Canadian Screen Awards, Best Alberta Actress at the 2010 Alberta Motion Picture Awards, and Best Lead Actress at the 2011 Leo Awards in Vancouver.
Other credits include her regular role on the popular APTN/Showcase series Moccasin Flats, her starring role as Kate in her second season of the comedy hit Mixed Blessings. Michelle was also Sylvie Lebret in the hit CBC series North Of 60 and was recurring on CBC’s Arctic Air.
She starred opposite Benecio Del Toro in the feature film AKA: Jimmy P which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. Other feature films include the award winning Unnatural And Accidental. Pathfinder, Don’t Call Me Tonto, Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee, and Dreamkeeper. One of Ms. Thrush’s most memorable experiences was working opposite Johnny Depp and Gary Farmer in the feature film Deadman, directed by Jim Jaramush.
Michelle is an alumni member of Crazy Horse Aboriginal Theatre Company, where she served for a period of time as Artistic Director. Ms. Thrush continues to write, direct, and produce theatre, and has played many leading roles across Canada.
She tours extensively through North America with her one-woman shows: Reclaim, Right Next Door, and her latest, Find Your Own Inner Elder. Her work with youth and children is her greatest passion with characters such as “Majica, the Aboriginal Healing Clown” and “Kookum Martha”, a sprite old Indian Elder. Michelle explains laughter is a natural part of her culture. Her work with Aboriginal children addressing important issues in the community through comedy and performance is what Ms. Thrush enjoys best.
The mother of two wonderful daughters, Michelle and her family are currently residing in Calgary, Alberta.