Amanda Brugel

Pointe Claire in Montreal's West Island is a tiny quiet town. The West Island can be confusing for those who aren't familiar of its purpose. It is often believed that it's an island to the to the west of Montreal, but it's actually the West Island encompasses everything between the cities that are Lachine and West. Amanda Brugel's hometown is often referenced, however her brief time in the city was not. Brugel became an aspiring young lady in Courtice Ontario, outside Oshawa. The first goal she had was to become an expert dancer. However, a growth rate increased her height and she outgrew every dance partner she had. According to an article in the Toronto Star, she revealed her height in heels as 6 feet 1 inch tall. When I outgrew my male companions, I quit. Some former dancers switch into acting. In the case of Brugel, it was a suggestion from an instructor in drama at high school that encouraged her to go in that direction. A teacher suggested that she audition for an annual school play. The audition was successful and she was chosen as Anne of Green Gables. She was given the Fine Arts Talent Scholarship to go to York University's Theatre Program, where she graduated from the program in 2000, earning a Bachelor's of Fine Arts. The career of Brugel spans more than 20 years and she's been in over 60 productions that have screened on large screens as well as smaller screens. The most well-known role she played was that of Rita (pictured below) in the television show The Handmaid's Tale. Brugel was the only Canadian part of the cast during Season 1 of the series and only seen occasionally.