Maruska Stankova (Czech: Maruška Staňková) (February 17, 1934 - August 31, 2000) was a Czech-Canadian actress and drama teacher."Actress taught generation of filmmakers". The Globe and Mail, September 1, 2000. She was most noted for her performance in the film Dreams Beyond Memory, for which she received a Genie Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the 9th Genie Awards,"Un zoo and Mermaids top Genie nominations". Toronto Star, February 17, 1988. and as a teacher of filmmaking workshops through the National Film Board of Canada.
Born in Prague, she had roles in Czech theatre, most notably with Laterna Magika, before moving to Canada with her husband Záviš Zeman in 1967. She taught herself English by writing a romance novel titled Magic of Love, although it was never published. Her first prominent acting role in Canada was as Mata Hari in an episode of the docudrama series Witness to Yesterday. She had a number of guest and supporting roles in film and television in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.
For many years she taught the Directing, Acting and Writing for Camera workshop, teaching many of Canada's prominent filmmakers, screenwriters and actors of the era."Compact film workshop brings big-screen results". Toronto Star, April 26, 1996. Late in her career she was nominated for the Order of Canada, although she died before she could be inducted. She was posthumously honoured by the Toronto chapter of Women in Film and Television International, with its award for excellence in professional development."Women in film honoured". Toronto Star, April 24, 2001.
Filmography Year Title Role Notes1972 Et du fils 1979 Quintet Jaspera 1981 The Amateur Eva Lakos 1983 Hey Babe! Miss Wolf 1984 Mrs. Soffel Mrs. Bodyne 1988 Dreams Beyond Memory Olga 1992 Diplomatic Immunity Interviewer
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