Phyllis Ellis (born 11 November 1959) is a Canadian figure celebrated for her contributions to sports, entertainment, and documentary filmmaking. Born in Oakville, Ontario, she held dreams of Olympic glory from her childhood.[1] As a child, she also aspired to become an actress and director, yet these ambitions remained undisclosed to others.[2] Ellis's sporting journey led her to represent Canadian field hockey team in the 1984 Summer Olympics marking the beginning of her multifaceted career as an athlete, actress, and filmmaker.[3] [4]
She was formerly married to a former NHL-player Stewart Gavin and has two children.
Phyllis Ellis has made a mark as an actor, director, writer, and producer. Her accomplishments include being a Gemini Award winner for her role as Helena Delaney in "The Wilkinsons." She was born in Oakville and grew up in the Greater Toronto Area, establishing a background in musical theatre and obtaining a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a major in classical theatre. In her personal life, she has become a single mother to a son and a daughter. Notably, she has diverse experiences in acting and sports, rendering her a multi-talented individual.[5]
Ellis's journey in the entertainment industry took diverse paths. She founded a women's theatre company in Minneapolis during her ex-husband's hockey tenure. Her creative endeavors extended to co-creating the TV series "Three Chords from the Truth" in which she stars as Helena, a character known for being a "hot mess". The series unfolds the adventures of Helena as she navigates a struggling country music TV network, despite her limited knowledge of country music. Ellis values the opportunity to depict the lives of women, highlighting the importance of love and relationships, with Helena's character portrayed as independent and comfortable in solitude. "Category: Woman" is a documentary directed by Ellis that explores the complex question of gender identity and the controversial practice of "sex testing" in international sports and its harmful impacts on female athletes.[6]
Ellis serves as the women's coordinator for the Best Ever Ontario program as part of Ontario Ministry of Tourism. Under Ellis's leadership, the FAME program was initiated to promote increased female participation in sports programs. This initiative features high-profile female athletes, such as gold medalist Linda Thom, who visit schools and events to inspire girls and challenge stereotypes. The program operates with a budget of $75,000 and aims to raise awareness and participation in women's sports.
Ellis has been employed in television and movies for over twenty years writing, acting, directing, and producing. Ellis's notable works in filmography include winning a Gemini Award for Best Individual Performance in a Comedy Series for her role as Helena Delaney in "The Wilkinsons." She also starred in the spin off series "Three Chords from the Truth," which she co-created and produced. Her character Helena, inspired by her previous role in "The Wilkinsons," is known for being eccentric and over the top. The series explores Helena's adventures in running a country music TV network despite her lack of expertise in country music. Ellis appreciates the opportunity to depict life from a mature woman's perspective and emphasize that life and love continue to be exciting for women in their 50s. Her works have the edge to resonate with a broad audience beyond the country music scene.
Phyllis Ellis's contributions to sports, entertainment, and documentary filmmaking have left a mark, reflecting her versatility and dedication to diverse fields. Her documentaries and advocacy for gender equality in sports continue to drive change and raise awareness.
Her credits as a director include:[8]
| About Her | 2010 | |
| Painted Land: In Search of the Group of Seven | 2015 | |
| Girls Night Out | 2015 | |
| Toxic Beauty | 2019 | |
| Category: Woman | 2022 |
| The Wilkinsons | 2006-2007 | |
| The Chords from the Truth | 2009 | |
| Call Me Fitz | 2010 | |
| The Listener | 2011 | |
| Murdoch Mysteries | 2011 | |
| Lost Girl | 2013 | |
| It Was You Charlie | 2013 |