Saskatchewan sensation Tatiana Maslany, renowned for her performances on stage and screen, and a 2022 Canada’s Walk of Fame Inductee, was honored in Regina today with the unveiling of a special plaque to be placed here in the queen city at a location still to be decided. At the Hotel Saskatchewan the beaming Maslany was treated to a celebration of her career which included remarks from her high school drama teacher.
“To say that I in my role as her former drama teacher and improv coach may have had the greatest influence on her remarkable career would be a lie. However that would not stop me from repeating that lie over and over again to anyone who may have heard of Tatianna Maslany, ” said bow tied and bespectacled Dan MacDonald. “Tat really loved to laugh. It was obvious that the path Tat was on was as a true artist and performer in all it’s facets.”
Both Maslany and her brother’s have found success after being born and raised in Regina Saskatchewan. The actor’s success is a testament to hard work – and tenacity and a love for performing – something she says she learned living in Regina.
“I really could not have found the love for performing, or the fortitude against rejection without this community,” said an emotional Maslany. “I’m so grateful that this community continues to thrive and that you continue to teach the next generation, and inspire them and challenge them and introduce them to new forms and new ways of seeing things.”
As part of her home town celebration, Maslany has received a $10,000 donation to a charity of her choice. She has chosen Lulu’s Lodge, a supportive transitional home for gender and sexually diverse youth aged 16-21 facing homelessness, operated by the John Howard Society of Saskatchewan. Lulu’s Lodge offers support in education, physical health, mental wellness, family reunification, legal matters, and advocacy for LGBTQ2S+ youth.
The cause is near and dear to Maslany. Fighting back tears she shared her gratitude for all the lodge does.
“Thank you for making a space of safety for 2sLGBTQ people, for youth. And for giving them the resources to make a life for themselves, the life they dream of, the life they deserve – that is everything.”
Maslany used her moment to also shed light on the plight of the Palestinian people. “As a Canadian it’s strange to be standing up here when we are witnessing the genocide of the Palestinian people at the hands of the Israeli state. We watch and we do nothing, and I would stay with whatever platform we have that we can’t do nothing and I would demand that our government demand a ceasefire.” Maslany closed her speech by acknowledging the honor of the star – and then with a simple “free palestine,” which spoke to the stars passion for causes that are beyond the big and small screens.
Maslany’s career has been marked by significant achievements, including an Emmy Award and multiple Canadian Screen Awards for her work in the acclaimed series “Orphan Black,” where she played multiple characters. Recently, she starred in Marvel’s “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law.”
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