Amanda Brugel

Pointe Claire in Montreal's West Island is a small, quiet town. The West Island can be confusing to people unfamiliar with its meaning. They often believe it is an island that lies west of Montreal However, it's actually the West Island encompasses everything between the cities that are Lachine and West. Amanda Brugel was born there however her stay was not long in the city. Brugel grew to be a woman of a certain age within Courtice Ontario just outside Oshawa. She had a dream to be a dancer but a growth spurt resulted in her outgrowing the dancers she was with. In an interview with the Toronto Star, she confessed that "In heels I am 6 feet 1 inches." Once I was bigger than my male counterpart, I stopped. A lot of former dancers go on to acting and in Brugel's case it was a suggestion from the drama instructor at her high school that pushed her in the right direction. The teacher who suggested she pursue a role for the annual school production. The teacher who suggested that she go after a role in the school's annual show. The show led her to receive a Fine Arts Talent Scholarship from York University. In 2000, she received her Master of Fine Arts at York University. In the 20+ years since, Brugel has landed roles on more than 60 productions across small and big screens. She attracted the most interest when she was offered the part in the role of Rita in the award-winning television series The Handmaid's Tale (pictured below). Brugel was the sole Canadian on the season 1 actors of the series and seen only occasionally, was the sole Canadian.