Antoinette Bower's initial career venture after leaving school in London was as a Field Language Supervisor for the International Refugee Organization in Germany, an experience that profoundly shaped her worldview. This early exposure to the complexities of international aid and refugee support would later influence her perspective on the world.
Following the disbandment of IRO, Antoinette joined her family in Canada, where she transitioned into a career as a copy writer and disc jockey at a small-town radio station. This early foray into radio broadcasting ultimately led her to Toronto and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, where she worked on a variety of radio and television projects, often for the CBC Public Affairs Department.
As her career progressed, Antoinette found herself drawn to acting, initially taking on roles in live TV shows and later transitioning to theatre. Although she enjoyed the rehearsal process and the thrill of performing, she acknowledges that her natural morning person tendencies made it challenging to spend extended periods waiting for evening performances.
In 1960, while visiting friends in Los Angeles, Antoinette landed her first television guest role, followed by a second appearance a few weeks later. Realizing that commuting between the coasts with little warning was impractical, she made the decision to relocate to the west coast, making LA her new home base.
During this period, Antoinette's career in Hollywood was characterized by a distinction between television actors and feature film actors, with little crossover between the two. She primarily worked in television, occasionally venturing into theatre, and identified as a character actor rather than a leading lady. Her versatility and range were acknowledged by TV Guide, which referred to her as being "too versatile for her own good."
Throughout her career, Antoinette has maintained a balanced existence, enjoying the opportunities to work with talented actors, explore different worlds, and occasionally work on location shoots. During periods of unemployment, she took courses in construction technology, carpentry, and cabinet-making at Santa Monica College, further diversifying her skills.
Antoinette's involvement in the popular TV series Neon Rider and her connections with a legendary rodeo champion and stunt double introduced her to a new world and community. She went on to write, produce, and edit a student film, showcasing her skills and creative vision. Her ongoing interest in documentaries has led her to embark on a new project, demonstrating her continued passion for storytelling and creative expression.
