Michelle Thrush is a Canadian actress and First Nations activist, born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, to parents who struggled with chronic alcoholism. She faced bullying and racism at school, but found acceptance and support at the Plains Indian Cultural Survival School, where she learned about her Cree heritage and developed her cultural identity.
Thrush's childhood experiences had a profound impact on her, and she initially planned to become a social worker to help children. However, she was encouraged by First Nations actor Gordon Tootoosis to pursue a career in acting. With her parents sober and no ties to Calgary, she moved to Vancouver at age 20 and found an agent.
Thrush has had a prolific career in film and television, with notable roles in films like "Isaac Littlefeathers," "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee," and "Jimmy P: Psychotherapy of a Plains Indian." She has also appeared in numerous television series, including "Madison," "Northern Exposure," "North of 60," and "Highlander."
Throughout her career, Thrush has been recognized for her outstanding performances, winning multiple awards, including the Best Performance by an Alberta Actress at the 2015 Rosie Awards and the Best Performance by an Actress in a Continuing Leading Dramatic Role at the 2011 CSA (Gemini) Awards.
In addition to her acting career, Thrush is also a playwright and has written the one-woman play "Find Your Own Inner Elder," which premiered at One Yellow Rabbit's High Performance Rodeo in Calgary in 2018. The play is a structured monologue that recounts her personal life and experiences.
Thrush is also a therapeutic healing clown, performing as Majica for young kids and teenagers in aboriginal communities and shelters across Canada. Her work as Majica is a way for her to help children and families heal from the trauma of residential schools, and she believes that acting has given her the platform to make a positive impact on her community.
