Nerene Virgin, TV personality, educator, actress on ‘Today’s Special,’ dies at 77

Canadian TV personality and children’s entertainer Nerene Virgin has died at age 77.

An online obituary says she died Monday in Burlington, Ont., not far from her hometown of Hamilton.

Virgin was best known for her role on the TVOntario children’s series “Today’s Special,” portraying Jodie, the affable display designer at the department store where the show was set.

The educational series ran from 1981 to 1987.

Virgin also made appearances on “Polka Dot Door” and “The Littlest Hobo.”

A statement from TVO notes Virgin started her career at a time when few Black women were on Canadian television.

She was also an educator, championing diversity and teaching about Black history.

Virgin is survived by her husband Alan Smith, her daughters Yvette and Nicole Virgin, her son Thomas Toliver Smith and her grandson Jackson Virgin.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 19, 2024.

The Canadian Press