Diana Leblanc, a Canadian theatre icon, was born in 1943 in the vibrant city of Montreal. As a pioneering figure in the Canadian theatre scene, she co-founded the renowned Soulpepper Theatre Company in Toronto and held a membership at the esteemed Neptune Theatre. Furthermore, she served as the artistic director for the French Theatre of Toronto, showcasing her exceptional leadership skills.
Throughout her illustrious career, Leblanc has directed for some of Canada's most prestigious institutions, including the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, The National Arts Centre, Segal Centre for Performing Arts, Mirvish Productions, Tarragon Theatre, the Canadian Opera Company, Calgary Opera, Pacific Opera, and the International Opera Centrum in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Her impressive repertoire spans a wide range of genres, from classical masterpieces to contemporary works.
As an accomplished actress, Leblanc has graced the stages of the Shaw Festival, Stratford Shakespeare Festival, National Arts Centre, Soulpepper, French Theatre of Toronto, and Tarragon Theatre, captivating audiences with her versatility and range. Her extensive film and television credits include roles in popular shows such as Remedy, Murdoch Mysteries, This Is Wonderland, Snakes & Ladders, Trudeau II, More Tales of the City, Further Tales of the City, North of 60, Mahoney's Last Stand, Lies My Father Told Me, and The Third Walker.
Leblanc's remarkable contributions to the Canadian arts community have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including a Gemini Award, the Gascon-Thomas Award, the Silver Ticket Award, the Sterling Award, and the Prix Alliance. In 2015, she received the esteemed Governor General's Performing Arts Award, solidifying her position as a trailblazer in the world of Canadian theatre.