Portrait #1 detail by Andrea Sutton
Portrait #2 detail by Todd Julie
Portrait #3 detail by Pauline Bradshaw
Mary Walsh is Canada’s own answer to a Marvel comic heroine. Dressed up in her Warrior Princess garb, taking on the bad guys in positions of power. But when it comes to posing for Star Portraits, this veteran comedienne chooses a community kitchen in the same inner city church where she and fellow members of the comic troupe CODCO cut their teeth on a stage in Toronto, back in 1974. And when one of the portrait artists works the old church's stained glass into her portrait, even Mary is surprised at how much it touches her.
Mary Walsh’s prolific career emerged when she joined the award-winning CODCO troupe 30 years ago. She is best known for her comedic work on This Hour Has 22 Minutes. The series, which she also created, has earned her many Gemini awards and showcased her dynamic range of characters. She adapted her comedic and creative energy to the literary series Mary Walsh: Open Book. As well as writing, directing and producing, she has also acted in numerous television series.