Jayne Eastwood (born December 17, 1946), also credited as Jane Easton or Jane Eastwood, is a Canadian actress and comedian. She is best known for her film roles as Anna-Marie Biddlecoff in Finders Keepers (1984), Judy the Waitress in The Santa Clause (1994), Mrs. White in the My Big Fat Greek Wedding franchise (2002-2023), Mrs. Borusewicz in Chicago (2002), Lucy Decker in Welcome to Mooseport (2004) and Miss Wimsey in Hairspray (2007).
Jayne Eastwood | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 17, 1946 |
| Other names | Jane Easton Jane Eastwood |
| Education | Northern Secondary School of Toronto |
| Occupation(s) | Actress, comedian |
| Years active | 1969–present |
| Spouse | David Flaherty (died 2017) |
| Children | 3 |
She appeared in television roles including Gwen Twining in King of Kensington (1978–1980), Bernice in Material World, Aunt Agatha Flugelschmidt in the PBS Kids children's television series Noddy (1998–2000), Jeannie in Wild Card (2003), Bridget in Train 48 (2004–2005), Ronnie Sacks in This Is Wonderland (2005–2006), Maxine Bingly in Billable Hours (2006–2008), Miss Wispinski in Little Mosque on the Prairie (2008–2011) and Gloria Verrano in Haven (2013–2015).
Her voice roles include Birthday Bear in The Care Bears Family, Mrs. Rockchewer in The Neverending Story, Mrs. Kersplatski in Jojo's Circus, Lady Rataxes in Babar and the Adventures of Badou, Momma in Scaredy Squirrel and Helga Humdinger in PAW Patrol.
Early life
Eastwood was born and raised in Hoggs Hollow of York Mills Road, in Toronto, Ontario. Her childhood was spent at a cottage in Muskoka, skiing in Collingwood, Ontario during winter and attending Northern Secondary School. She had attended a short class at the York Mills Collegiate Institute.[1]
Career
Eastwood's career was initially a painter. She ventured into acting when a commercial artist and friend of hers had invited her to play a role in a local play, Suddenly, Last Summer. A teacher, who was in the audience and revealed to be an acting agent, realized her potential.[2]
Her very first noticeable acting roles were in various commercials for Sani Flush, Scope, Facelle Royale, Paris Pat, Toyota, Wintario, and Molson Golden gang commercials with friends Gilda Radner and Andrea Martin.[1]
A veteran character actor who has appeared in films since 1970, Eastwood made an indelible mark on Canadian cinema early as the pregnant Betty in Don Shebib's classic Goin’ Down the Road. She was one of the original cast members of the Toronto branch of The Second City comedy troupe and was a semiregular on SCTV. She was in the original Toronto production of Godspell.[2]
In 2005, she joined the cast of This Is Wonderland, a courtroom comedy drama. In 2007, she played Miss Wimsey in Hairspray.[3] She is currently working in the Toronto theatrical production, Women Fully Clothed.[4]
She has been a voice actor in ALF: The Animated Series, Annedroids, Best Ed, Bob and Margaret, Dino Dan: Trek's Adventures, Half a Pantaloon, JoJo's Circus, Monster by Mistake, Peep and the Big Wide World, and Babar and the Adventures of Badou.[5] In 2013, she joined the cast of Haven as Dr. Gloria Veranno. She appears in seasons four and five.
Awards
In 2013, she received the National Award of Excellence from ACTRA.[6]
In 2019, she received the Award of Excellence at the Toronto ACTRA Awards.
At the 7th Canadian Screen Awards in 2019, Eastwood won the award for Best Supporting Performance in a Digital Program or Series for her appearance in the web series The Writers' Block.[7] At the 9th Canadian Screen Awards in 2021, she won the award for Best Lead Performance in a Digital Program or Series for Hey Lady!.[8] At the 12th Canadian Screen Awards in 2024, Eastwood won the award for Best Performance in an Animated Program or Series for her voice role in PAW Patrol.[9]
Personal life
Eastwood is the widow of David Flaherty, who was a film and television writer, and brother of SCTV alumnus Joe Flaherty.[2]
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | Goin' Down the Road | Betty | |
| 1975 | My Pleasure Is My Business | Isabella | |
| 1977 | One Man | Alicia Brady | |
| 1978 | The Case for Barbara Pasons | Barbara Pasons | |
| Tomorrow Never Comes | Girl in bar | ||
| Drying Up the Streets | Sheila | ||
| 1983 | Videodrome | Woman Caller | |
| 1984 | Finders Keepers | Anna-Marie Biddlecoff | |
| 1985 | Left Out | ||
| The Care Bears Movie | Birthday Bear (voice) | ||
| 1986 | My Pet Monster | Mrs. Smith | Video |
| 1987 | Love at Stake | Annabelle Porter | |
| Night Friend | Rita the bag lady | ||
| Nowhere to Hide | Jean Bollinger | ||
| 1988 | Candy Mountain | Lucille | |
| Office Party | Joan Talmage | ||
| 1989 | Cold Comfort | Mrs. Brockel | |
| 1990 | Stella | Nurse | |
| Straight Line | Audrey Casper | ||
| 1994 | The Circle Game | Marie | |
| The Santa Clause | Judy the Waitress | ||
| 1996 | Joe's Wedding | Agatha Rankin | |
| 1997 | That Old Feeling | Aunt Iris | |
| 1998 | Mirai | Mrs. Hasegawa (voice) | Direct to video |
| 1999 | Resurrection | Dolores Koontz | |
| 2000 | Where the Money Is | Connie | |
| 2002 | My Big Fat Greek Wedding | Mrs. White | |
| Duct Tape Forever | |||
| Chicago | Mrs. Borusewicz | ||
| 2003 | How to Deal | Mrs. Toussaint | |
| Snow in the Skeleton Key | Granny Dowd | Short film | |
| Public Domain | |||
| 2004 | Welcome to Mooseport | Lucy Decker | |
| Dawn of the Dead | Norma | ||
| Moss | Ramona Coogan | Short film | |
| Raymond Radcliffe | Edie Chisholm | ||
| Care Bears: Forever Friends | Funshine Bear (voice) | Video short | |
| 2006 | Snow Cake | Ellen Freeman | |
| Skinheads | Mother | Short film | |
| Find | Ma'am | ||
| Monkey Warfare | Garage Sale Lady | ||
| 2007 | You Kill Me | Kathleen Fitzgerald | |
| Hairspray | Miss Wimsey | ||
| Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story | 70s Girl (uncredited) | ||
| 2008 | Real Time | Grandma | |
| The Echo | Lucille Jiminez | ||
| Coopers' Camera | Nana Gert | ||
| 2009 | St. Roz | Mrs. P | |
| 2011 | Servitude | Edna | |
| Moon Point | Femur's Grandmother | ||
| Down the Road Again | Betty | ||
| 2012 | Looking Is the Original Sin | Janet | |
| The Story of Luke | Theresa | ||
| 2014 | Beethoven's Treasure Tail | Grace O'Malley | Video |
| 2015 | No Stranger Than Love | Brenda | |
| 2016 | My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 | Mrs. White | |
| The Second Time Around | Betty | ||
| The Space Between | Luella | ||
| 2019 | Buffaloed | Rhonda | |
| 2020 | Work It | Ruthie | |
| Jump, Darling | Jeanne | ||
| 2021 | Trigger Point | Irene Cole | |
| Home Sweet Home Alone | Grandma (uncredited) | ||
| 2022 | Hotel for the Holidays | Florence | |
| 2023 | My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 | Mrs. White |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | That's Show Biz | ||
| The Hart and Lorne Terrific Hour | Various | ||
| Party Game | Charades Player | ||
| 1971 | Famous Jury Trials | ||
| 1974 | Deedee | TV movie | |
| Back to Beulah | |||
| 1974–1975 | Funny Farm | ||
| 1975–1976 | Summer of '75 | Host | |
| 1975 | Performance | Sadie | Episode: "Lulu Street" |
| 1976 | Hardy | Episode: "The Last of the Four Letter Words" | |
| Ada | Leslie | ||
| Stay Tuned | |||
| 1976-1984 | SCTV | Various | Recurring role |
| 1977 | The World of Darkness | Helen | TV movie |
| For the Record | Episode: "Ada" | ||
| 1978 | High Hopes | Louise Bates | TV movie |
| 1978–1980 | King of Kensington | Gwen Twining | 23 episodes |
| 1980 | Bizarre | Main role | |
| 1981 | For the Record | Episode: "Snowbird" | |
| 1981–1982 | The Littlest Hobo | Felicity Patelli | Episodes: "Hidden Room", "Rex Badger P.I." |
| Hangin' In | Audrey / Mrs. Costello | Episodes: "I'm Not a Marriage Counselor", "Plasma Suite" & "Christmas Wrapping" | |
| 1984 | When We First Met | TV movie | |
| 1985 | Anne of Green Gables | Mrs. Hammond | |
| The Ray Bradbury Theater | Mrs. Braling | Episode: "Marionettes, Inc." | |
| 1985–1988 | The Care Bears Family | Birthday Bear / Bedtime Bear (voice) | 57 episodes |
| 1985–1987 | Night Heat | Various | 5 episodes |
| 1986 | Seeing Things | Rita | Episode: "The Walls Have Eyes" |
| 1987 | Sharon, Lois & Bram's Elephant Show | The Evil Queen | Episode: "Snow White Elephant" |
| The Kidnapping of Baby John Doe | Joan | TV movie | |
| Today's Special | Flora Frimble | Episode: "Ice Cream" | |
| Shades of Love: Indigo Autumn | Louise | TV movie | |
| Really Weird Tales | Mother Superior | Segment: "I'll Die Loving" | |
| Echoes in the Darkness | Betty Vannort | TV movie | |
| 1988 | Diamonds | Episode: "Family Business" | |
| Sharon, Lois & Bram's Elephant Show | Gladys Bertlinger | Episode: "Unicef" | |
| Ramona | Mrs. Whaley | Episode: "Squeakerfoot" Episode: "Ramona the Patient" | |
| Drop-Out Mother | Blanche | TV movie | |
| Once Upon a Giant | Diabolica the Bad Witch | ||
| God Bless the Child | Mrs. Prentice | ||
| ALF Tales | Additional voices | T | |
| 1988–1989 | ALF: The Animated Series | 13 episodes | |
| 1989 | Andrea Martin... Together Again | Marsha Martin | TV movie |
| Starting from Scratch | Episode: "Robbie and Friends" | ||
| Small Sacrifices | Evelyn Slaven | TV movie | |
| 1990 | Mom P.I. | Episode: "Beneath the Pacific" | |
| Back to the Beanstalk | Jack's Mother | TV movie | |
| Friday the 13th: The Series | Joni | Episode: "My Wife as a Dog" | |
| War of the Worlds | Grace | Episode: "Candle in the Night" | |
| Wish You Were Here | Stella | Episode: "Budapest" | |
| The Ray Bradbury Theater | Elmira Brown | Episode: "Exorcism" | |
| 1990–1992 | Material World | Bernice | 25 episodes |
| 1991–1992 | Maniac Mansion | Avi's mother /Kaite /Hildie Muckle | Episodes: "The Cliffhanger", "The New Look" & "Streetcar Named Idella" |
| 1992 | Partners in Love | Heddy Taylor | TV movie |
| 1993 | Secret Service | Hillary | Episode: "Something for Nothing/The Amateur" |
| Ghost Mom | Pearl | TV movie | |
| Shining Time Station | Helga Boonswaggle / Jane | Episodes: "Bad Luck Day At Shining Time Station" & "Schemer Presents: How To Apologize" | |
| 1994 | Against Their Will: Women in Prison | Marge | TV movie |
| Street Legal | Det. Jane Stamp | Episodes: "Last Rites: Part 1 & 2" | |
| Tales from the Cryptkeeper | (voice) | Episode: "Transvylvania Express" | |
| 1994–1997 | The Busy World of Richard Scarry | 39 episodes | |
| 1995 | The Neverending Story | Mrs. Rockchewer (voice) | Episode: "The Meek and the Mighty" Episode: "Missing Memories" |
| Harrison Bergeron | Ms. Newbound | TV movie | |
| 1995–1996 | Side Effects | Happy Hartwell | Episodes: "Pillow Talk", "Sex, Death and Rock 'n' Roll" |
| 1996 | Goosebumps | Woman in Line | Episodes: "A Night in Terror Tower: Parts 1 & 2" |
| Devil's Food | Margaret | TV movie | |
| Undue Influence | Mrs. Miller | ||
| Dangerous Offender: The Marlene Moore Story | Mrs. Moore | ||
| A Holiday for Love | Margie | ||
| 1997 | Riverdale | Gloria | |
| 1998 | Twitch City | Nathan's Mother | Episode: "I Look Like Joyce DeWitt" |
| Once a Thief | Miss Finchley (voice) | Episode: "The Director Files" | |
| Bob and Margaret | Cookie Fish / Joyce (voice) | Episode: "A Tale of Two Dentists" | |
| 1998–2000 | Noddy | Aunt Agatha Flugelschmidt | 66 Episodes |
| 1999 | Deep in My Heart | Mrs. Marsdon | TV movie |
| Mind Prey | Police Chief Roux | ||
| 1999 | A Holiday Romance | Margie | |
| 2000 | La Femme Nikita | Selma Hertz | Episode: "Catch a Falling Star" |
| Code Name: Eternity | Lucy | Episode: "Dark of the Night" | |
| Exhibit A: Secrets of Forensic Science | Deidre Porchev | Episode: "If the Shoe Fits" | |
| For Better or For Worse | Mrs. Dingle (voice) | 5 episodes | |
| 2000-2001 | Twice in a Lifetime | Emma Price/Lulu | Episodes: "For Love and Money" & "Daddy's Girl" |
| 2001 | Club Land | Nurse Doris | TV movie |
| The Wandering Soul Murders | Beth Mirasty | ||
| What Makes a Family | Judge Shales | ||
| Made in Canada | Miss Barnes | Episode: "Beaver Creek: Live" | |
| Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows | Lottie | TV movie | |
| Screech Owls | Mrs. Dunlap | Episode: "A Fine Balance" | |
| Royal Canadian Air Farce | Various | Episode: "9.4" | |
| The Endless Grind | Various | TV series | |
| Bob and Margaret | Cookie Fish / Joyce (voice) | Episode: "A Very Fishy Christmas" | |
| 2002 | Widows | Audrey | Episode: "Hour One" |
| Just a Walk in the Park | TV movie | ||
| The Man Who Saved Christmas | Mrs. Gilbert | ||
| 2002-2003 | Moville Mysteries | Granny (voice) | 3 episodes |
| 2003 | Monster by Mistake | Dolores (voice) | Episode: "Warren's Nightmare" |
| In the Family | Alice/Donna Ingram | TV movie | |
| My Big Fat Greek Life | Mrs. White | ||
| Wild Card | Jeannie | 4 episodes | |
| Slings and Arrows | Episode: "Playing the Swan" | ||
| 2003–2006 | JoJo's Circus | Mrs. Kersplatski | 9 episodes |
| 2003 | The Berenstain Bears | Great Aunt Bess (voice) | Episode: "Family Get-Together" |
| 2004 | Peep and the Big Wide World | Rabbit | |
| The Shields Stories | Episode: "The Harp" | ||
| Brave New Girl | TV movie | ||
| Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye | Janice | Episode: "The Kiss" | |
| Hustle | Marge Schott | TV movie | |
| Suburban Madness | Sheila | ||
| Degrassi: The Next Generation | Mrs. Cameron | Episode: "Back in Black" | |
| 2004–2005 | Train 48 | Bridget | 3 episodes |
| 2005 | I Do, They Don't | Thelma | TV movie |
| Riding the Bus with My Sister | Estella | ||
| Wayside School | Miss Mush | ||
| Atomic Betty | Betty's Grandma | Episode: "Franken Brain" Episode: "The NO-L9" | |
| 2005–2006 | This Is Wonderland | Ronnie Sacks | 23 episodes |
| 2006 | Relative Chaos | Carol Gilbert | TV movie |
| Candles on Bay Street | Sarah | ||
| The Great Polar Bear Adventure | Hillary (voice) | ||
| Wedding Wars | Wanda Grandy | ||
| 2006–2008 | Billable Hours | Maxine Bingly | 20 episodes |
| 2007 | Wayside | Miss Mush | (voice) recurring role |
| Ruby Gloom | Ma (voice) | Episode: "Skull in the Family" | |
| Ricky Sprocket: Showbiz Boy | Bunny Sprocket (voice) | 25 episodes | |
| Twitches Too | Mrs. Norseng | TV movie | |
| Roxy Hunter and the Mystery of the Moody Ghost | Mable Crabtree | ||
| 2008 | Roxy Hunter and the Myth of the Mermaid | ||
| Best Ed | Other voices | 26 episodes | |
| Anne of Green Gables: A New Beginning | Mrs. Hammond | TV movie | |
| 2008–2011 | Little Mosque on the Prairie | Mrs. Wispinski | Recurring role |
| 2009 | Northern Lights | Mayor Hopp | TV movie |
| Bob & Doug | Gladys McKenzie | Episode: "No Country for Old People" | |
| The Ron James Show | Steve's Mother | Episode: "1.4" | |
| The National Tree | Lana | TV movie | |
| The Christmas Hope | Charlotte | ||
| 2010 | Harriet the Spy: Blog Wars | Ms. Elson | |
| Living in Your Car | Lola | Episodes: "1.8 & "1.13" | |
| Skatoony | Charles' Granny | Episodes: Skeleton Crew In Da House and Hooray for Bollywood | |
| Pirates: Adventures in Art | Queen Conformia | ||
| 2010–2011 | Babar and the Adventures of Badou | Lady Rataxes (voice) | 15 episodes |
| 2011–2013 | Scaredy Squirrel | Momma (voice) | Recurring role |
| 2011 | Lost Girl | Velma | Episode: "BrotherFae of the Wolves" |
| Silent Witness | Sara Croft | TV movie | |
| 12 Dates of Christmas | Margine Frumkin | ||
| 2012 | Bill & Son's Towing | Short | |
| King | Margie Reynolds | Episode: "Jared and Stacy Cooper" Episode: "Wendy Stetler" | |
| 2013–2015 | Haven | Gloria Verrano | Recurring role |
| 2014 | Christmas at Cartwright's | Mrs. Rositani | TV movie |
| 2016 | All Yours | Vivian | |
| The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let's Do the Time Warp Again | The Butler | ||
| 2017 & 2024 | Murdoch Mysteries | Mary Baker Eddy / Abigail Halston | Episodes: "The Accident" & "Mrs. Crabtree's Neighbourhood" |
| 2017-2022 | Workin' Moms | Goldie | 9 episodes |
| 2018 | Cupcake & Dino: General Services | Additional Voices | 3 episodes |
| Star Falls | Granny King | Episode: "The Family Picnic" | |
| 2020 | Hey Lady! | Lady | Web series |
| 2021 | Overlord and the Underwoods | Nana Kirkland | |
| 2021-2024 | PAW Patrol | Helga Humdinger (voice) | 6 episodes |
| 2022 | Pink Is In | Mabel Dungworth | Episode: "A Pink and Green Christmas" |