06/16/2026
- The ARTS & CULTURE CENTRE REMEMBERS -
Wendi Smallwood
(1962–2026)
The Arts and Culture Centre is deeply saddened by the passing of actor, director, administrator, and tireless arts advocate, Wendi Smallwood, who died following a courageous battle with cancer.
Wendi was known for her fiery stage presence and the remarkable energy she brought to every performance. A true creative, she made an enduring impact on the Newfoundland and Labrador arts community through her work.
Over the years, she collaborated with numerous theatre companies, including God Complex Theatre, Joint Productions, The Corner Boys, Nothing On Productions, Shakespeare by the Sea (SBTS), Open Theatre Company, and Rabbittown Theatre. As a director, her contributions included Graveyard Shift Productions, Short & Q***r II, and the SBTS Festival.
She also brought her talent to screen, working in film and television, with credits including films such as The One That Got Away and 2024’s S***t, along with appearances in television series such as What Odds among others.
Wendi was also a passionate advocate for women and was a founding member and artistic associate director of V-Day St. John's - whose mission is to raise funds and awareness towards violence against women.
After spending time building her career in Toronto, Wendi returned home to Newfoundland and Labrador, where she continued to create, inspire, and contribute extensively to the cultural landscape she loved.
She once described herself as a “number-crunching, wannabe tutu-wearer” living in St. John’s, “where the sun struggles to shine.” Yet to us, her light shone brighter still—her talent, generosity, and spirit leaving a lasting legacy on our stages and in our community.
Our deepest condolences go out to Wendi’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working with her.
