Catherine Mary Stewart is a renowned Canadian actress, director, and producer. She has appeared in numerous TV series, including Hollywood Wives and Days of Our Lives. Stewart made her big-screen debut in the musical film The Apple. Besides being a talented actress, she is also a skilled singer and dancer, who easily found her way to Hollywood thanks to her dancing talents. Read more on edmontonski.
Early Years
Stewart was born on April 22, 1959, in Edmonton. Her parents were professors at the University of Alberta—her mother worked as an assistant professor of physiology, and her father as a biology professor. Catherine was not an only child; she had two brothers.
At the age of seven, Catherine enrolled at Strathcona Composite High School. Alongside her studies, she attended jazz dance classes, an art club, and gymnastics sessions. She first realized she wanted to perform on a big stage after watching a professional dance concert in Edmonton. At the event, she and her school team performed their first routine in front of a large audience.
After graduating high school at 18, Catherine moved to London to continue studying acting and dance. Her choreography teacher encouraged her to make the move, believing London offered the greatest opportunities for career growth.
Career Beginnings
In 1980, a casting call was held for the lead role in the musical film The Apple. Out of 200 candidates, Catherine landed the role.
Preparing for the film was challenging as she had to master several demanding songs. Directors hired a vocal coach for Catherine, and after months of training, she successfully performed her role.
In 1982, Catherine secured a lead role in the soap opera Days of Our Lives, playing Kayla Brady. While working on the show, she also auditioned for other film projects. Her career began to flourish. In 1983, Catherine married her colleague Doug Findlater, but the marriage ended in divorce two years later.
In 1984, she starred in two science fiction films: The Last Starfighter as Maggie Gordon and Night of the Comet as Regina Belmont. These films targeted a teenage audience navigating transitional stages in their lives, featuring heartfelt stories about pursuing dreams. The lead character adeptly handles challenges, uncertainties, and doubts.
The following year, Catherine appeared in two short TV series, Hollywood Wives and Sins. The director of Hollywood Wives, Aaron Spelling, became a close friend and mentor, offering valuable guidance for her role.
In 1993, the actress married film producer Richard Allerton.
By 1995, Stewart reduced her workload to focus on her family. Once her children grew older, Catherine returned to acting. In the early 2000s, she developed an interest in directing. Her work on various projects allowed her to connect with renowned actors and producers.
Interesting Facts About Catherine Mary Stewart
- Stewart began dancing at the age of seven, encouraged by her parents. She initially studied ballet before moving on to gymnastics.
- She competed for the role of Sherri Vallance in The Outsiders, but it went to Diane Lane.
- Catherine has Irish and Scottish heritage on her father’s side.
- In 2016, she directed her first short film, A Walk To Remember.
- In 2020, she began filming the drama New Amsterdam, but production was halted due to COVID-19.
- As of 2022, her net worth was estimated at $3 million.
- Catherine doesn’t have a favorite film genre; she cherishes every role she has played.
- She has no idols or role models in the industry.
Catherine Mary Stewart’s story reflects dedication and adaptability, proving that talent and perseverance can pave the way to success in the entertainment industry.