‘Handmaid’s Tale’ promotes Canadian actress
TORONTO Amanda Brugel, the lone Canadian cast member in season 1 of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” has been promoted to series regular for the upcoming second season.
A representative for Brugel confirmed the news to The Canadian Press on Thursday.
Brugel, who hails from Pointe Claire, Que., plays Rita in the series that’s based on Toronto author Margaret Atwood’s 1985 dystopian novel.
Brugel’s other credits include “Kim’s Convenience,” “Eyewitness” and “Orphan Black.”
Her character in “The Handmaid’s Tale” is a household servant known as a Martha and becomes close with main character Offred, played by Elisabeth Moss.
The story is set in a male-dominated, totalitarian society ruled by a fundamentalist regime that treats women as property of the state.
Offred is one of the “handmaids” forced to bear children for a commander and his infertile wife.
Joseph Fiennes plays Offred’s commander alongside Serena Joy as his wife.
The cast also includes Samira Wiley of “Orange Is the New Black,” Alexis Bledel of “Gilmore Girls” and Max Minghella of “The Social Network.”
The Toronto-shot Hulu series airs on Bravo in Canada and was renewed for a second season in May.
The entire first season also launched on Bell Media’s streaming service CraveTV in the spring.
“The Handmaid’s Tale” recently earned 13 Emmy Award nominations, including best drama series.