Nerene Virgin was a Canadian journalist, actress, educator, author, and television host, gained prominence for her notable role in the children’s television series Today’s Special.
Bio/Wiki
Age-78 years
Height- N/A
Weight- N/A
Born- 27 December 1946
Birthplace-Hamilton, Canada
Died- 15 January 2024
Spouse-Alan Smith
Profession-Journalist, Actress, Author, Newsreader, Educator
Nationality- Canadian
Family
Her parents are Kathleen V. Toliver and Stanley G. Grizzle. She is the great-granddaughter of the escaped Maryland slave Thomas John (Howard) Holland and the great-niece of pastor John Christie Holland.
Husband
She was married to Alan Smith.
Children
Together, they have three children: daughters Yvette and Nicole, and son Thomas.
Education
She enrolled in Toronto Teacher’s College and obtained certification as a Special Education teacher at Brock University, specializing in intellectually gifted children. Additionally, she held special qualifications in teaching Integrated Arts.
Career
Nerene Virgin initially began her career as a teacher with the Toronto Board of Education before venturing into children’s programming at TV Ontario, where she portrayed “Jodie” on the acclaimed series Today’s Special. Over seven years, she gained recognition for her role in the show. Beyond her time on Today’s Special, Virgin had recurring roles on various TV programs like The Littlest Hobo, Night Heat, and Ramona. Her career also extended to film, with roles in productions such as Gotti, The Undergrads, Murder in Space, and Right of the People.
Virgin’s diverse career included stints as a weather and community reporter for CBOT in Ottawa and hosting roles at CFTO in Toronto. She hosted Eye on Toronto, co-hosted Showbuz, and participated in CTV’s Miracle Network Telethon for the Hospital for Sick Children. In 1996, Virgin became the host of the national current affairs show Coast to Coast for CBC Newsworld in Calgary. She later anchored the national weekend newscast Saturday Report for CBC Television in Toronto. She moved on to anchor Newsworld International until its transition to Current TV in 2005.
In 2007, Nerene Virgin initially sought political office in the federal riding of Hamilton Mountain but later withdrew from the race. Subsequently, she decided to pursue political office in Hamilton East—Stoney Creek, even though she lived outside the riding boundaries.
On July 31, 2007, following a three-member panel interview process, the Ontario Liberal Party announced that Virgin had been acclaimed as the candidate in Hamilton East—Stoney Creek for the 2007 provincial election. The panel included incumbent MPP Jennifer Mossop (who did not seek reelection), a party organizer, and the riding president. While this decision stirred discontent among some local Liberal party members, Virgin expressed optimism about connecting with grassroots support. Mossop, the incumbent MPP for Stoney Creek at the time, is also a former television journalist.
After leaving CBC, Virgin pursued further studies, obtaining ESL (English as a Second Language) teaching certification. She taught students in Linhe, Inner Mongolia, China, and later taught French in Stoney Creek. Active in her community, Virgin served on the board of directors for Phoenix Place, a second-stage home for domestic violence survivors, and was a member of the council for the College of Early Childhood Educators. Additionally, she was part of Hamilton’s Committee Against Racism for the 2010–2014 and 2014-2018 Term of Council.
Achievement / Awards
- Recognition in 2016:
On May 2, 2016, Nerene Virgin was named one of Canada’s 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women.
- Professional Achievement Honor (2012):
In February 2012, she received recognition for Professional Achievement and was honored with a Rev. John C. Holland Award, named after her great uncle John Christie Holland.
- Illuminesence Award (2014):
Virgin received an Illuminesence Award in 2014.
- Miss Sepia, Toronto (Mid-Teens):
In her mid-teens, Nerene Virgin was crowned Miss Sepia Toronto.
- Pageant Restrictions:
Despite winning Miss Sepia Toronto, she faced discrimination as she expected to compete in the Miss Canada Pageant but was later informed that, at that time, a black girl was not allowed to participate.
Net Worth
At the time of her passing, her approximate net worth was valued at 2 million.
Cause of Death
Canadian children’s entertainer and broadcaster, Nerene Virgin, passed away at the age of 78 at Joseph Brant Hospital on January 15.
The cause of her death is currently unknown. Born in Hamilton, she was remembered as a courageous, vibrant, and multi-talented individual with contributions to teaching, acting, journalism, storytelling, and social justice. Described as a trailblazer, she led by example and left behind a legacy of creativity, courage, and compassion.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Saturday, at Stewart Memorial Church in Hamilton, the same church where her Great Uncle, John C. Holland, served as a pastor.
