Erica Durance
Durance at GalaxyCon, Raleigh, 2022
Born (1978-06-21) June 21, 1978 (age 45)
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Other namesErica Parker[1]
OccupationActress
Years active2001–present
Spouses
Wesley Parker
​
​
(m. 1996; div. 1999)​
​
(m. 2005)​
Children2

Erica Durance (/dəˈræns/; born June 21, 1978[2]) is a Canadian actress known for her roles as Lois Lane in the superhero television series Smallville (2004–2011) and as Dr. Alex Reid in the medical drama series Saving Hope (2012–2017). She has also appeared in films such as The Untold (2002), The Butterfly Effect 2 (2006), and Painkillers (2015).

Early life

Durance was born in Calgary to parents Gail and Joel Durance and grew up on a turkey farm with her older brother and sister in Three Hills, Alberta, Canada.[3] Durance moved to Vancouver in 1999 to pursue her interest in acting professionally and study at the Yaletown Actors Lab.[4][5]

Career

Durance began her career with background work. She appeared in commercials for Kokanee Beer.[3] Durance has guest-starred in television series, including Andromeda, Stargate SG-1, Charlie's Angels, Harry's Law and Private Eyes.

In 2004, Durance was cast as Lois Lane on the television series Smallville. Durance was acting part-time and working as an agent for background actors and booking photo doubles for TV series and had considered quitting acting, "I was at a point in my life where I was a bit frustrated with the business, [my manager] had to talk me into going out for it."[6][7] Producer Kelly Souders said they knew Durance was "Lois Lane" for the series when they saw her casting tape. "There were a lot of wonderful actresses who came in for the role but I remember the entire writing staff watching her tape and just saying, that's her. She had everything. She had attitude but she was loveable and brought all of it in her audition tape. She's been blossoming and growing ever since."[8][9] Durance played a sassy, teenage Lois in season four in a recurring role. She was promoted to series regular in season five and became part of the Smallville cast. On playing Lois Lane Durance said: "Everyone has their specific idea of who Lois Lane is for them, and you have your overall blueprint, but then you have to try to make it your own. That's the only way to try to stay truthful to what you're doing.[10]

In 2012, Durance began starring in the lead role in the CTV medical drama television series Saving Hope, as Chief Surgical Dr. Alex Reid.[11][12] She was also a producer on the series and directed the season four episode "Torn and Frayed".[13] In season 3, Durance's real-life pregnancy was worked into her character Alex Reid and the series. Saving Hope ended its run in 2017.[13][14]

Durance appeared in the television series Supergirl in a recurring role as Kara's Kryptonian mother, Alura Zor-El.[15] In 2019, Durance and her Smallville co-star Tom Welling reprised their roles as Lois and Clark in the Batwoman episode of the Arrowverse crossover event "Crisis on Infinite Earths".[16][17]

Durance has appeared in several Lifetime and Hallmark films, including I Me Wed (2007), Wedding Planner Mystery (2014), Color My World With Love (2022) and A Scottish Love Scheme (2024).

Personal life

Durance was previously married to Wesley Parker. In 2001, she began dating Canadian actor David Palffy and married him in 2005. The couple amicably separated in April 2023.[18] Durance and Palffy have two sons. She also has a stepson from her husband's previous relationship.[19]

Durance is a supporter of World Vision Canada.[20] In August 2006, she co-hosted the Superman/Batman #26 art auction with Jeph Loeb at the Wizard World Chicago convention.[21] The auction raised $70,000.[22] The event honored Loeb's son, Sam Loeb, who died at age 17 after a long battle with bone cancer, and all of its proceeds went to the Sam Loeb College Scholarship Fund.[23]

Accolades

Durance was ranked No. 38 on FHM magazine's "100 Sexiest Women in the World" in 2006 and #20 in 2007, #15 in 2008, and #14 in 2009.[24] She has also appeared on the cover of FHM and Maxim magazine. In 2009, Durance was on Entertainment Weekly's Sci-fi Hotties Women.[25] BuddyTV ranked her #26 on its TV's 100 Sexiest Women of 2009, and #16 on its 2010 list.[26] In 2012, BuddyTV ranked Durance #9 on their list of Summer 2012's Sexiest Stars.[27] Hello! magazine listed her as one of Canada's 50 Most Beautiful People in 2012.

Film

Durance at Adventure Con, 2006
Year Title Role Notes Ref
2002 The Untold Tara Knowles [28]
2003 House of the Dead Johanna credit as Erica Parker [29]
2004 The Bridge Amy Short film
2006 The Butterfly Effect 2 Julie Miller [30]
2010 Sophie and Sheba Natalia [31]
2012 Tim and Eric's Billion Dollar Movie Paris Waitress [32]
2015 Painkillers Trudy [33]

Television

Year Title Role Notes Ref
2001 The Lone Gunmen Dancer Episode: "Maximum Buyers"
2003 Devil Winds Kara Jensen Television film, credit as Erica Parker [34]
111 Gramercy Park Maddy O'Donnell Television film [35]
2004 The Chris Isaak Show Ashley Episode: "Let the Games Begin", credit as Erica Parker
Tru Calling Angela Todd Episode: "Drop Dead Gorgeous"
Andromeda Amira Episode: "Time Out of Mind" [36]
Stargate SG-1 Krista James Episode: "Affinity" [37]
The Collector Rachel Slate Episode: "Another Collector"
2004–2011 Smallville Lois Lane Recurring role (season 4)
Main role (seasons 5–10) 141 episodes 		[38]
2006 Island Heat: Stranded Carina Television film [39]
2007 I Me Wed Isabelle Darden Television film [40]
2009 The Building Jules Wilde Television film
Final Verdict Megan Washington Television film [41]
Beyond Sherwood Forest Maid Marian Television film [42]
2011 Charlie's Angels Samantha Masters Episode: "Angels in Chains" [43]
2012 Harry's Law Annie Bilson Episode: "Gorilla My Dreams" [44]
6 passi nel giallo Angela/Christine Episode: "Gemelle" [45]
2012–2017 Saving Hope Dr. Alex Reid Main role, 85 episodes [46]
2014 Wedding Planner Mystery Carnegie Kincaid Television film [47][48]
2017–2019 Supergirl Alura Zor-El
Agent Noel Neill 		Recurring role, 10 episodes
Episode: "Midvale" 		[15]
2019 Batwoman Lois Lane Episode: "Crisis on Infinite Earths Part 2" [16]
The Christmas Chalet Grace Television film [49]
Christmas Stars Layla Television film [50]
2020 Private Eyes Lauren Campbell Episode: "Family Plot"
2021 The Enchanted Christmas Cake Gwen Television film
Open By Christmas Simone Television film
2022 North to Home Hannan Television film
Girl in the Shed: The Kidnapping of Abby Hernandez Zenya Television film [51]
Color My World With Love Emma Television film [52][53]
We Need a Little Christmas Julie Television film [54]
2023 Unexpected Grace Noelle Television film
Ms. Christmas Comes to Town Amanda/Ms. Holiday Television film
2024 A Scottish Love Scheme Lily Television film

Awards and nominations

Year Award Category Work Result Ref
2004 Saturn Award Best Supporting Actress on Television Smallville Nominated [55]
2005 Best Supporting Actress on Television [56]
2008 Gemini Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Dramatic Program or Mini-Series I Me Wed [57]
2010 Saturn Award Best Actress on Television Smallville [58]
2011 Teen Choice Award Choice TV Actress – Fantasy/Sci-Fi [59]
2012 Canadian Screen Awards Best Actress in a Dramatic Role Saving Hope [60]
2016 Best Actress in a Dramatic Role [61]

References

  1. ^ Uwe Boll (Director) (2003). House of the Dead (Feature film). United States.
  2. ^ Interview with Erica Durance on WPIX, New York, New York; uploaded to YouTube June 25, 2006.
  3. ^ a b "Erica Durance Biography". TV Guide. Retrieved February 13, 2016.
  4. ^ "Erica Durance". August 13, 2017.
  5. ^ "Erica Durance Biography". Buddy TV.
  6. ^ Couch, Aaron (2021-10-15). ""We Had Freedom to Change the Mythology:" An Oral History of 'Smallville'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2021-10-15.
  7. ^ Mitovich, Matt Webb (May 12, 2021). "SEARCHING HIGH AND LOIS". TV Line. Retrieved June 1, 2022.
  8. ^ Mitovich, Matt Webb (October 14, 2010). "Episode 200: A hero's journey remembered". Fancast Home.
  9. ^ "Smallville: Homecoming 200th Episode Q&A". movieweb. October 15, 2010.
  10. ^ "Exclusive Interview: Erica Durance, from 'Smallville'". BuddyTV. December 12, 2007. Retrieved January 10, 2016.
  11. ^ RADISH, CHRISTINA (June 5, 2012). "Erica Durance Talks Medical Drama SAVING HOPE and Why It Brought Her Back to TV After SMALLVILLE". Collider.
  12. ^ Mitovich, Matt Webb (June 7, 2012). "Erica Durance: Saving Hope Is Not a Sorrowful Ghost Story But a 'Wonderful Love Story'". TV Line.
  13. ^ a b Volmers, Eric (March 10, 2017). "Calgary native Erica Durance reflects on five years on Saving Hope at Hope Zion Hospital". Calgary Herald.
  14. ^ Wong, Tony (March 12, 2017). "Erica Durance hangs up her scalpel". Toronto Star.
  15. ^ a b Goldberg, Lesley (July 7, 2017). "'Smallville's' former Lois Lane will take over the role of Supergirl's mother". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved July 9, 2017.
  16. ^ a b "Smallville's Lois and Clark Reunite! Erica Durance Joins Tom Welling in Arrowverse 'Crisis' Crossover". TVLine. Retrieved September 20, 2019.
  17. ^ Agard, Chancellor (November 19, 2019). "New 'Crisis on Infinite Earths' photos reveal Kevin Conroy as Bruce Wayne". Entertainment Weekly.
  18. ^ "Erica Durance & David Palffy Split After More Than 20 Years Together". Extra. April 19, 2023.
  19. ^ "Erica Durance on motherhood and advice for her 'Saving Hope' alter ego". Hello!. September 30, 2015. Archived from the original on February 2, 2016. Retrieved January 8, 2016.
  20. ^ "Erica Durance". Hallmark Movies and Mysteries. Retrieved January 7, 2016.
  21. ^ "Superman/Batman #26 art auction to benefit Sam Loeb College Scholarship Fund". Retrieved June 19, 2016.
  22. ^ Richards, Dave (August 6, 2006). "WWC: SAM LOEB COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP FUND CHARITY AUCTION". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved March 14, 2016.
  23. ^ "Comic book writer starts scholarship in son's name". The Daily Nebraskan. April 25, 2006. Retrieved January 7, 2016.
  24. ^ "FHM's 100 Sexiest Women in the World". Film. Archived from the original on 2016-01-28.
  25. ^ "Sci-fi Hotties of '09: The Women". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved January 8, 2016.
  26. ^ "TV's 100 Sexiest Women of 2010". BuddyTV. Retrieved January 13, 2012.
  27. ^ "Summer 2012's Sexiest Stars: TV's Hottest Women". BuddyTV. Retrieved May 30, 2012.
  28. ^ "The Untold". Moviefone.
  29. ^ "House of the Dead". Rotten Tomatoes.
  30. ^ "The Butterfly Effect 2". Rotten Tomatoes.
  31. ^ "Sophie and Sheba". Rotten Tomatoes.
  32. ^ "Tim and Eric's Billion Dollar Movie". Rotten Tomatoes.
  33. ^ "Painkillers". Rotten Tomatoes.
  34. ^ "Devil Winds". Rotten Tomatoes.
  35. ^ "111 Gramercy Park". Film Affinity.
  36. ^ "Time Out of Mind". TV Guide.
  37. ^ "Affinity". TV Guide.
  38. ^ "Smallville". TV Guide.
  39. ^ "Island Heat: Stranded". Rotten Tomatoes.
  40. ^ "I Me Wed". Film Affinity.
  41. ^ "Final Verdict". Radio Times.
  42. ^ "Beyond Sherwood Forest". Rotten Tomatoes.
  43. ^ "Erica Durance e Isaiah Mustafa in Charlie's Angels" (in Italian). 24 August 2011. Retrieved 11 March 2012.
  44. ^ "Erica Durance Channels Wonder Woman for Harry's Law Guest Spot". TV Guide. January 11, 2012. Retrieved May 16, 2018.
  45. ^ Fabrizio Bava (Director) (March 14, 2012). Gemelle (TV Mini-Series). Italy.
  46. ^ "Saving Hope". TV Guide.
  47. ^ "Wedding Planner Mystery". Rotten Tomatoes.
  48. ^ Cogdill, Oline. "Hallmark Movies & Mysteries". Mystery Scene Magazine. KBS Communications, Inc. Retrieved January 31, 2018.
  49. ^ "'Tis the Season! Here's Your Complete List of Christmas Movies Coming to Hallmark, Lifetime, Netflix & More in 2019". PEOPLE.com. Retrieved 2019-11-15.
  50. ^ "JT Hodges Gets Festive With 'Christmas Stars' Film & Holiday EP: Exclusive". Billboard. Retrieved 2019-11-15.
  51. ^ Cordero, Rosy (December 21, 2021). "Lifetime Adds Ben Savage & Lindsay Navarro's 'Girl In The Shed' To February Movie Line-up". Deadline. Retrieved January 25, 2022.
  52. ^ "Hallmark to Debut Romance Centered on Lead Character With Down Syndrome (Exclusive)". ET Online. April 13, 2022.
  53. ^ Ng, Philiana (May 18, 2022). "Here's Your First Look at Hallmark's Groundbreaking Romance 'Color My World With Love' (Exclusive)". ET. Retrieved June 1, 2022.
  54. ^ "We Need a Little Christmas". Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. October 1, 2022.
  55. ^ "Saturn Awards Nominations". Archived from the original on October 29, 2005. Retrieved August 16, 2017.
  56. ^ "Saturn Awards Nominations – The Movie Blog". www.themovieblog.com. Retrieved August 16, 2017.
  57. ^ "Awards Database". Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. Archived from the original on January 30, 2016. Retrieved January 7, 2016.
  58. ^ Nordyke, Kimberly (February 24, 2011). "Inception, Walking Dead Top Saturn Awards Nominations". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 26, 2011.
  59. ^ Andrea, Reiher (June 29, 2011). "'Twilight: Eclipse,' 'Glee' lead Teen Choice nominations first wave". Zap2it.com. Archived from the original on July 3, 2011. Retrieved June 30, 2011.
  60. ^ "Awards Database". Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. Archived from the original on January 30, 2016. Retrieved January 7, 2016.
  61. ^ "2017 TV Nominees". Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. Retrieved February 28, 2017.

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