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‘Schitt’s Creek’ Star Karen Robinson Set to Deliver Keynote at 2024 TFS Gala Graduation

Karen Robinson

Karen Robinson has been announced as the Distinguished Speaker at Toronto Film School’s 2024 Gala Graduation.

Best known for her regular role as ‘Ronnie’ in Schitt’s Creek – the Emmy and Golden Globe-winning comedy executive produced by TFS President Andrew Barnsley – Robinson admitted that she was initially daunted by the opportunity to address graduates at the November 15 event when it was first suggested.

“The request to speak scared the hell out of me, so I knew it was something I had to do,” said the multi-award-winning performer, who has enjoyed an illustrious career on both screen and stage.

“These graduates are the next generation of Canadian and international storytelling, and I’m thrilled to bear witness as they embark on this heady adventure!”

Among Robinson’s many accolades over her 30+ year career, are a 2009 Best Ensemble NAACP Theatre Award for Da Kink in My Hair, a 2019 Canadian Screen Award (CSA) for Best Guest Performance (Drama Series) for Mary Kills People, and, last but not least, a 2021 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award for Best Ensemble for her work alongside the cast of Schitt’s Creek, among others.

Schitt's Creek celebrates 2020 Emmy Award wins
Andrew Barnsley and Karen Robinson (top row, fourth and fifth from left) celebrate Schitt’s Creek’s Emmy wins alongside the rest of the cast in 2020.

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Barnsley, who served as an executive producer on Schitt’s Creek over the entirety of its groundbreaking, six-season run on the CBC, said he considers himself “incredibly lucky” to have worked so closely alongside Robinson over that time – and he’s equally delighted to be welcoming her to the TFS graduation stage as its Distinguished Speaker.

“It is an absolute thrill that Karen has agreed to share her wisdom, life experience and professional advice with our TFS grads,” Barnsley said.

“Her remarkable career is a testament to her talent, her drive, and her commitment to the creative industries in Canada. Karen is a national treasure, and we are truly blessed to have her with us at convocation.”

Robinson’s other career highlights include her series regular roles on Pretty Hard Cases (CBC), David E. Kelley’s The Calling (Peacock), and most recently Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent.

Her ongoing contributions to film and television continue to resonate with audiences around the world and have made her an indispensable force in the industry.

Cynthia Reason

Cynthia Reason (she/her) is a former newspaper journalist turned communications professional who currently works as Toronto Film School’s Manager of Communications. Prior to joining TFS, she spent 13 years working as a reporter for Torstar/Metroland Media Toronto, writing for publications including Toronto.com, the Etobicoke Guardian, and the Toronto Star, among others. Her byline has also appeared in the National Post. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Guelph and Post-Graduate Diploma in Journalism from Humber College.

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