Miriam Katherine McDonald (born July 26, 1987) is a Canadian actress best known for playing the lead role Emma Nelson on the Canadian television series Degrassi: The Next Generation.
Early life McDonald was born in Oakville, Ontario to Silvia (née Pauksens), who is of Latvian descent, and John McDonald. She had an older sister Esther, who died from an eating disorder in 2013.
Career McDonald focused on acting, playing a role in the series, System Crash, in 1999. McDonald found a job as a voiceover actress after she was cast in 2001 in John Kricfalusi's series The Ripping Friends.Miriam McDonald at www.behindthevoiceactors.com She has done a total of 39 characters.
In 2001, she was cast as Emma Nelson, daughter of Christine 'Spike' Nelson, in the CTV/The N drama Degrassi: The Next Generation, a spin-off of the successful Degrassi series. She starred in the first nine series and three Degrassi television films. In 2016, she reprised the role for an episode in Degrassi: Next Class. She was also cast as Emma Jackson in the successful CTV show, Agent Wars, alongside Christopher J. Alexander, who played the main character, Christian.
In 2004, she played Dawn Gensler in the Lifetime made-for-television movie She's Too Young. She also had a guest role on the Family Channel show Naturally, Sadie as Heidi.
In 2008, she played Danielle "Daisy" Brooks in the made-for-TV erotic-thriller movie, Poison Ivy: The Secret Society."Blu-ray Review: The POISON IVY Collection – Tainted Love Indeed" by Michele "Izzy" Galgana at screenanarchy.com
In 2013, she played two roles in Lost Girl and also made an appearance in Orphan Black.
In 2018, McDonald appeared in Drake's music video for "I'm Upset", which took place during a Degrassi reunion."Drake reunites with 'Degrassi' cast in 'I'm Upset' music video" by Star staff at www.thestar.com
Personal life McDonald is also a dancer and yoga instructor, and has worked as a real estate agent. Like her sister, McDonald also struggled with an eating disorder "in the beginning seasons" of Degrassi. She says Degrassi fans often relate the most to her character Emma's eating disorder episodes, which "were so hard for [her]" to film. Despite her sister's death, McDonald says she shares her perspective because "I know there are so many people that are dealing with it and don't realize how bad it can get and don't realize how good it can get if you can just conquer it."
Filmography Film YearTitleRole Notes2007 The PoetWillaAKA Hearts of War2014WolvesHaley2021 The Love PrankSabrinaShort film
Television Year Title Role Notes1999System CrashTV series2001–2002PecolaChewyMain voice role; English version2001–2009Degrassi: The Next GenerationEmma NelsonMain role (seasons 1–9), 138 episodes2004 Blue MurderLucy WentworthEpisode: "Boarders" 2007Naturally, SadieHeidiEpisode: "As Bad as It Gets"Devil's DiaryHeatherTelevision film2008Sea BeastCarly McKennaTelevision filmPoison Ivy: The Secret SocietyDanielle "Daisy" BrooksTelevision filmDegrassi Spring Break MovieEmma NelsonTelevision film2009Degrassi Goes HollywoodTelevision film2010Degrassi Takes ManhattanTelevision film2012XIII: The SeriesSashaEpisode: "Gauntlet"2013Lost GirlHot Fae / Anita Episodes: "Faes Wide Shut", "Adventures in Fae-bysitting"Orphan BlackMadisonEpisode: "Conditions of Existence" 2016Degrassi: Next ClassEmma NelsonEpisode: "#ThrowBackThursday"2018 A Veteran's ChristmasMarnie RadcliffeTelevision film2020Letters to Satan ClausMayor Danica BellsTelevision film
Music videos YearTitleArtist2018"I'm Upset"Drake
Web series YearTitleArtistNotes2005–2008Degrassi: MinisEmma Nelson17 episodes
Awards and nominations YearAwardCategoryNominated workResultNotesRef.2002Young Artist AwardsBest Ensemble in a TV Series (Comedy or Drama)Degrassi: The Next Generation20032005Outstanding Young Performers in a TV SeriesBest Performance in a TV Movie, Miniseries, or Special – Supporting Young ActressShe's Too Young2006Best Young Ensemble Performance in a TV Series (Comedy or Drama)Degrassi: The Next Generation
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