Biographie
Raised alongside seven siblings by an engineer father and a stay-at-home mother, Darlene was born in Sudbury, Ontario, and spent her childhood on a Canadian Armed Forces Base. From age eight through her early teens, her family lived in a small town near Base Borden, where she developed a love for horses, dogs, and country living. During junior high, they relocated to East York in Toronto. Balancing academics, cheerleading, gymnastics, and track, she also worked part-time as a hostess and waitress. Later, she studied modern jazz and ballet at Lenny Gibson Studios and began vocal training with Amanda Ambrose, while also training as a model with Judy Welch Modeling Agency.
Darlene crafted a life that embraced all her passions. After graduating, she traveled the world as a Flight Attendant with Wardair Canada, which allowed her to continue equestrian training across Great Britain, Europe, North Africa, and the United States. Immersed in diverse cultures and new traditions, her independence flourished. While still flying internationally, she volunteered at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, an experience that profoundly impacted her. Becoming a Surrogate Parent at the hospital opened her heart to parenthood. She eventually retired from flying and successfully adopted a healthy, joyful baby boy as a single mother, marking a transformative chapter in her life.
Years later, Darlene embarked on a career as a Union actor following an unexpected introduction to Second City and stand-up comedy. Her life was further enriched by the birth of her second son. Focused on being the best parent possible, she navigated the challenges of parenting, maintaining an organized home, managing finances, and daily chores. Alongside auditions and acting roles, she worked part-time as a Private Investigator, Drive Test Examiner, and Catering Supervisor. She brings a wealth of life experience to each audition, striving to bring authenticity and vitality to every character she portrays.
Now that her sons are grown and independent, Darlene has moved out of the city to be closer to her beloved horses. She maintains her fitness and balance alongside her Cairn Terrier, her 800 c.c. Suzuki Boulevard motorcycle, and the finest horses she can find. With over 30 years as a dedicated and passionate actor, Darlene remains fulfilled by her craft and is grateful for the diverse projects and opportunities she has embraced—and those still to come.
