Katharine Isabelle

You probably know Canadian actress, Katharine Isabelle, better by Ginger. She played the fiery redhead with werewolf problems in the Canadian horror classic - GINGER SNAPS. Have you seen the film? You simply must.

Not only does it star this brilliant actress - more on that to come - but it is a story that follows two subculture sisters as their life becomes even more subculture when Ginger is bitten and starts to go through some changes. They use werewolfism as a metaphor for puberty and it's real and it's great to watch. It was cleverly written by Karen Walton and John Fawcett - who also directed the film. Just a proud little piece of Canadian horror history filled with feminism.


Katharine is a real talent. She is always picking interesting roles and is perfect in them. Have you seen INSOMNIA? You should see her act with Pacino, so much confidence and skill. I'm not sure why she isn't more well known, I think sometimes we're so quiet and polite up here that some people forget that we're up here.

"You do these Canadian independent movies, you build up a name, and then you've gotta do shitty TV episodes just to pay your bills. It's hard to build your career when you keep on having to backtrack to do crappy things to pay for what you're doing. So it's kind of a weird situation. -Katharine Isabelle"

Katherine Isobel Murray (Isabelle is her screen name) Vancouver, Canada on November 2nd, 1981. She is the daughter of two-time Emmy Award-winning production designer Graeme Murray (THE X-FILES) and writer/producer Gail Murray. Her brother is is actor, writer and director Joshua Murray. The two have worked together on three films - :COLD FRONT, THE LAST WINTER, and KNIGHT MOVES. Graeme Murray also directed KNIGHT MOVES.

"Everyone wants you naked. I think I've done one or two movies in the past six years where they haven't tried something slimy to get me naked. -Katharine Isabelle"

I can't begin to tell you how many times when I or Jen were pursuing acting and suddenly someone had this 'idea' and that idea was that we were going to be naked. Now, don't get me wrong. I think in certain stories where elevated sexuality and nudity actually add the story telling, but not every role should require exposed breasts or kittens (under lady parts). How often do you see some dude's sac in a film - increasingly more, yes, but there is a lot of leveling out the playing field that needs to be done.


The world needs more ballsy women who know what they want to be a part of and aren't afraid to stand up for themselves. I want to see Katharine Isabelle in a fuck of a lot of movies. She's wonderful.


One more hidden gem, FALLING ANGELS directed by the visionary, Canadian director, Scott Smith - written by Esta Spalding and Barbara Gowdy (novel). It's such a great film and Katharine is remarkable in the film which has been affectionately nicknamed 'Little Women On Acid'. You'll dig. Trust me.

On a personal note, Katie is one of the nicest, most down to earth, and coolest people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. To have her portraying the title character in up coming AMERICAN MARY is an honor and she is the perfect actress to bring Mary Mason to life.

~Sylv