Biography
Sheila McCarthy (born January 1, 1956) is a Canadian stage, film and television actress, singer and dancer, best known for playing Polly Vandersma in the feature film I've Heard the Mermaids Singing, as well as supporting character Sarah Hamoudi (Cunningham) in the television series Little Mosque on the Prairie. She's a graduate in Theatre and Art History from the University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. In her career, she's won 2 Genie Awards (film), 2 Gemini Awards (television), and 2 Dora Awards (theater), along with multiple nominations.
Acted in 110
2020s
- 2026
The Spirit of Halloween
Ghost Anna
Surfacing
Dawn
The Well
Gabriel
- 2025
Dancing on the Elephant
Nora
- 2022
Christmas in Rockwell
Juniper
- 2021
The Middle Man
Mrs. Stout
Stroke of Fate
Shirley
Like a House on Fire
Katherine
- 2020
Happy Place
Joyce
2010s
- 2019
The Christmas Club
Miss Maggie
An Assortment of Christmas Tales in No Particular Order
Ellen
Isabelle
Ann Pelway
- 2018
The Detail
Helen Mailer · 3 episodes
Still/Born
Sheila
- 2017
Considering Love and Other Magic
Veronica
Cardinals
Valerie Walker
- 2016
Milton's Secret
Luz
Brace for Impact
Faradee Gilchrist
- 2014
A Fighting Man
Rose O'Connor
Algonquin
Rita
Dear Viola
Peggy
- 2013
- 2012
- 2010
2000s
- 2009
Year of the Carnivore
Mrs. Smalls
- 2007
Breakfast with Scot
Miss Patterson (uncredited)
The Stone Angel
Doris
- 2006
- 2005
Bailey's Billion$
Peggy Delaney
- 2004
Geraldine's Fortune
Tina Larose
Being Julia
Grace Dexter
Weird Sex and Snowshoes: A Trek Through the Canadian Cinematic Psyche
Polly Vandersma (archive footage)
- 2003
- 2002
Puppets Who Kill
TV
The Rats
Miss Paige
Duct Tape Forever
Easterbrook (uncredited)
- 2001
I Was a Rat
Mrs. Tapscrew
Rare Birds
Claire
65Haven
Eva
Haven
Eva · 2 episodes
Super Rupert
Aunt Rhonda · 1 episode
- 2000
Marvin the Tap-Dancing Horse
Elizabeth the Emotional Pig (voice) · 26 episodes
Virtual Mom
Holly
1990s
- 1999
You Know My Name
Mrs. Lynn
Too Rich: The Secret Life of Doris Duke
Tammy · 4 episodes
- 1998
Dead Husbands
Jane Armitage
Bad Dog
(voice) · 80 episodes
More Tales of the City
Mildred · 1 episode
Emily of New Moon
Laura Murray · 46 episodes
- 1997
- 1996
The Care and Handling of Roses
Carol Doster
House Arrest
Gwenna Krupp
- 1995
The Awakening
Nancy
The Possession of Michael D.
Jenny
A Woman of Independent Means
Totsie · 3 episodes
- 1994
Menendez: A Killing in Beverly Hills
Jill Lansing
The Biggest Little Ticket
The Troll
- 1993
Journey to the Planets
Oracle (voice)
- 1992
Beethoven Lives Upstairs
Sophie
A Private Matter
Diane Callaghan
- 1991
Montreal Stories
Ann Stuart
Stepping Out
Andy
Paradise
Sally Pike
The Soulmates in the Gift of Light
(voice)
- 1990
White Room
Zelda
Beautiful Dreamers
Molly Jessop
1980s
- 1989
Friends, Lovers, & Lunatics
Kathy
George's Island
Miss Birdwood
- 1988
Much Ado About Nothing
Margaret
- 1987
I've Heard the Mermaids Singing
Polly Vandersma
A Nest of Singing Birds
Anna
- 1986
The Marriage Bed
Lynn Reailly
Really Weird Tales
Ellie Hutchins (segment "Cursed With Charisma")
Hot Shots
Jenny · 1 episode
9B
Heather
Four on the Floor
TV
- 1985
Produced 2
2010s
- 2017
2000s
- 2000
Virtual Mom
Executive Producer
Directed 1
2010s
- 2017
Russet Season
Director
Wrote 1
2000s
- 2000
Virtual Mom
Teleplay
Appearances2
2010s
- 2015
The Curse of Clara: A Holiday Tale
Narrator (voice)
1990s
- 1992
Liza Minnelli - Live from Radio City Music Hall
Self