Amanda Brugel

Pointe Claire in Montreal's West Island is a small, sleepy town. This West Island, to those who are unfamiliar with it, is a vast area that extends from Lachine to the west. Amanda Brugel is said to have been born on the West Island. But this isn't the truth. Brugel grew up in Courtice outside Oshawa Ontario. The first goal she had was to become a dancer. But, a growing spurt caused her to outgrow her dance partners she had. In an article from the Toronto Star she admitted In heels, I'm 6 feet one inch. As soon as I outgrew my male counterparts, I stopped. Many dancers make the transition into acting. As for Brugel, it was her drama instructor who pushed her in that direction. Her teacher encouraged her to try out for the role of Anne in the school's annual production. The teacher who suggested she pursue a part the school's annual show. This led to the award of a Fine Arts Talent Scholarship at York University where she attended the Theater Program which she graduated with a Bachelor in Fine Arts degree in 2000. Through the years that followed, Brugel has landed roles in more than 60 productions on both small and large screens. She attracted the most attention when she landed the role of Rita in the award-winning show The Handmaid's Tale (pictured below). Brugel was only seen on a few occasions in the first season of the series The Handmaid's tale. She was the sole Canadian member.