Brenda McDonald

Brenda McDonald (born Brenda Olive Nicholls; February 12, 1931 – November 23, 2024) was a Canadian actress. Born in London, Brenda moved to Canada at 21, settling first in Toronto, then in Vancouver, where she met her first husband, Thomas Guy, and had four children with him.

She graduated from UBC with a teaching degree in 1977, soon after Thomas had died of a heart attack. She taught English, French and Drama for nine years before quitting to follow her dream of acting. Her career spanned 33 years. She performed on stage, in film, and in training and educational videos, as well as doing voice-over work. She was also very active in community theatre with North Vancouver Community Players and United Players in Jericho.

Her first film gig of note was as a body double for Katharine Hepburn, and over the years she shared the set with many of the greats: Al Pacino, Robin Williams, Anthony Quinn, Paul Hogan and many others. She worked on many Vancouver-shot series, including X-Files, Stargate: Atlantis, Battlestar Galactica, Supernatural, and the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. She is known by many for a single line delivered while playing the nun in Elf: “But the children love the books!”

Brenda had an active personal life: she remarried twice, surviving all of her husbands, had 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She maintained her independence by keeping her driving licence until she was 92, played saxophone, attended art classes, walked every day, and she was a passionate fan of Vancouver Canucks.

Brenda McDonald is known for work in acting across film and television. New Release currently presents 28 verified screen credits connected to this profile.

Selected work includes Niko: Beyond the Northern Lights (2024), Little Pink House (2018), School of Life (2005), Hellraiser: Hellseeker (2002), Supernatural (2005), The X-Files (1993), Stargate Atlantis (2004), The Outer Limits (1995). The recorded credits span 1993 to 2024, including 13 movies and 15 TV shows.

The filmography below lists available titles, release years and known roles. This profile is updated as additional verified information becomes available.