Hyland, Frances (1927–2004)

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Hyland, Frances (1927–2004)

Canadian actress and director. Born April 25, 1927, in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan, Canada; died July 11, 2004, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada; dau. of Thomas and Jessie Worden Hyland; graduate of University of Saskatchewan; attended Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, London; m. George McCowan (stage director, div.); children: 1 son.

Considered the first lady of Canadian theater, began career in London, in the Vivien Leigh starrer A Streetcar Named Desire; starred in The Same Sky (1952); joined Tyrone Guthrie at Stratford Festical in Ontario for such Shakespearean roles as Bianca, Portia, Desdemona, Olivia, Ophelia and Isabella; also frequently appeared at Niagara-on-the-Lake and at the Crest Theatre in Toronto; on tv, portrayed Louisa Banks on the series "Road to Avonlea." Appointed officer of the Order of Canada (1971).