Premiering October 8, the film explores the life and legacy of the visionary performer and Church Street drag fixture…
At the end of March 2021, Toronto’s 2SLGBTQI+ community learned of the passing of trailblazing drag icon Michelle Ross. The queen was a fixture on Church Street. She performed at various Toronto Pride events and clubs like Crews & Tangos and Woody’s. The Jamaican-born queen left her mark on the community, illustrated by tributes from notable Canadian organizations, politicians and fellow queens.
Now, Canadians will be able to learn more about the visionary drag performer in a new documentary. Michelle Ross: Unknown Icon is set to premiere on CBC’s The Passionate Eye on October 8. It will air across CBC channels nationwide and on CBC Gem. Here is what you need to know about the documentary and the legendary Michelle Ross.
What is Michelle Ross: Unknown Icon about?
The documentary will explore Michelle’s legacy looking at her life on and off stage. “To her community, she was a dazzling trailblazer; to her family, she was Earl Barrington Shaw, or simply Barry,” the official synopsis reads. It goes on to say Michelle’s family only discovered her hidden life and legacy when she passed. The documentary uses intimate interviews and archival footage, examining the “emotional architecture of a person who lived between worlds.”
“At the heart of this film is a delicate balance between two worlds: Michelle’s family life and the queer community where she reigned as a performer,” said director Alison Duke. “When someone is compelled to live their life in fragments, we need to ask why and confront the impact it has on all of us. For me, the film is a testament to the power of discovery, the resilience of the human spirit, and the courage to see beyond the masks we wear.”
Who was Michelle Ross?
Michelle was born in Jamaica on August 5, 1954. According to Pride Toronto, she began performing in 1974 at Club Manatee, which was located on Joseph Street in Toronto. She also had a residency at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas and performed around the world. She starred in the 1977 Canadian comedy-drama Outrageous, which is said to be the first gay-themed film to receive a widespread North American theatrical release.
Michelle was known for channeling divas like Diana Ross, Dionne Warwick, Shirley Bassey and Rihanna in her performances. “She was a remarkable performer who possessed the ability to make her audience feel noticed, valued and filled with great joy,” read an expression of condolence from Toronto City Council, moved by Kristyn Wong-Tam.
Her obituary noted that she had a “keen eye for fashion design” leading to a career as a tailor and designer.
When did Michelle Ross pass away?
Michelle passed away on March 27, 2021. She left behind two brothers, a sister, four nieces, two nephews and a grandnephew.
Her death made headlines across Toronto with major news outlets like CBC, CTV and Global News reporting on her passing. Upon her death, a memorial emerged on the steps of Crews & Tangos with cards, pictures and flowers.
Many also took to social media to express their condolences.
“I’m still trying to process the emotions of losing this loving legend,” Canada’s Drag Race season one winner Priyanka wrote in part on X, formerly Twitter. She also posted a picture of her and Michelle.
Brooke Lynn Hytes posted an image of Michelle on Instagram with a caption recalling the first time she saw the diva. “I’ll never forget the first time I saw her at 19 do ‘King Jesus.’ People would make a runway out of the bar stools and she would go through the entire place, never once touching the ground, making ALL the money!”
Glad Day Bookshop wrote on X, “Our village, our city and our world has lost Michelle Ross. Michelle was legendary for her kindness, friendship, commitment, style and raw talent. May she continue to inspire us all. xo”
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