Nerene Virgin Cause of Death

Nerene Virgin, the multifaceted actress, news presenter, anti-racism advocate, and educator renowned for her contributions to the beloved Canadian children’s TV program Today’s Special, has passed away at the age of 77.

Her family announced Virgin’s demise on January 15 at Joseph Brant Hospital in Burlington, Ontario, without disclosing the cause of death.

TVO, Ontario’s public broadcaster, paid tribute to Virgin, stating, “Nerene achieved remarkable success, captivating audiences with her versatile performances that showcased both depth and authenticity. She has left an indelible mark on many who grew up watching the show and on everyone she encountered and who had the privilege of working with her.”

In an interview with CBC News: The National, her husband, Alan Smith, shared, “She just wanted to be remembered for the fact she was so genuine and wore different hats. She could do anything she wanted.”

During the early 1980s, Virgin rose to prominence by portraying the character of Jodie, a store display designer, on Today’s Special. Jodie’s role involved arranging displays for various items, depending on the department store’s special that day, ranging from hats and school supplies to sports equipment.

Today’s Special aired from 1981 to 1987 and was broadcast on PBS stations in the U.S. Virgin also hosted multiple episodes of another TVO series, Polkadot Door.

Born on December 27, 1946, in Hamilton, Ontario, Virgin dedicated her life to advocating for anti-racism and social justice causes. This commitment was deeply rooted in her family history, as she was the great-niece of escaped slave Thomas John Holland, who traveled from Maryland to Hamilton via the Underground Railway.

After growing up in Toronto, Virgin graduated from Toronto Teachers College and Brock University. Initially employed by the Toronto Board of Education, she transitioned from teaching to Canadian TV, a significant accomplishment given the scarcity of Black women on Canadian screens during the ’80s and ’90s.

Virgin also had minor roles in Toronto-shot TV series like Night Heat and Due South, as well as the made-for-television movie Gotti. Later in her career, she ventured into broadcast news, hosting the CTV public affairs show Eye on Toronto before joining the CBC. At CBC, she anchored Saturday Report on the main network, the CBC Newsworld cable news channel, and Newsworld International, solidifying her pioneering legacy in Canadian television.