Biography

Karyn Dwyer

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Karyn is best known for her starring role as Maggie in the hit independent film, Better Than Chocolate (1999). She was also in Superstar (1999), Sailor Moon (1995) , The Life Before This (1999) , and many other film, TV, and theatrical productions. She created, produced, and starred in her one woman feminist show Bad Girls and was honored to be included in The Newfoundland Herald's selection of Newfoundland icons. She finds joy in creating, writing, singing, and answering questions with interpretive dance. Now she is fearlessly venturing into stand up comedy.
- IMDb mini biography by: John Williams

The product of an Irish Catholic Newfoundland family, Karyn was the oldest of five children. Her father died at the age of 38. Her brother died at the age of 24. She died at the age of 43.
Suffered from anxiety and depression and committed suicide on September 25, 2018 at the age of 43.
Bruce McCulloch asked her take out her belly piercing for Superstar because he felt Catholic school girls shouldn't have belly piercing. In real life, Karyn attended Holy Heart of Mary Regional High, St. Michael's, St. Kevin's, St. Gerrard's, and Immaculate Conception.
Volunteered once a week at a telephone helpline.
Interests included going to the cottage, swimming, jogging, pilates, yoga, current events, reading, music, improv and comedy.

Your favorite role is always the one you're working on at that moment, but I will never forget the experience of working on "Better Than Chocolate". A lot of people write to me saying they could really relate to Maggie and that it had a really positive impact on their self-esteem and relationship with their mothers.
All my brothers were named after the Boston Bruins. Brad (Park), Barry (Beck), Paul (Hurley). I'm surprised they didn't call me Bobby.
I knew I wanted to do "Better Than Chocolate" before I even read the script. When I heard Anne Wheeler was directing it, I knew it was going to be special.
I never played dolls or house when I was growing up. I had four younger siblings, so, naturally, I was busy staging musicals.
The other day a woman asked me, "Were you queer before you did" Better Than Chocolate", or did you become queer for the part?" It's flattering that nobody believes I'm straight anymore. It tells me I must have done something right. But I am considering "coming out" as a straight woman.

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