Roz Michaels' parents, both first-generation Americans, embarked on a courageous journey, leaving behind their ancestral homelands of Italy and Hungary in search of a brighter future in America. Their grandparents, driven by a sense of adventure and a desire for a better life, made the bold decision to start anew, paving the way for Roz's parents to grow up in this foreign land.
Roz's father, Michael, was a dedicated and hardworking individual, who, in addition to his professional life as a painting contractor, nurtured a profound passion for gardening. This hobby, which brought him immense joy, also earned him numerous awards and accolades for his exquisite rose arrangements, a testament to his dedication and skill.
Roz's mother, Myra, was born in Pennsylvania, but her life took a dramatic and unexpected turn when her father, a coal miner, tragically lost his life in an accident when she was just six months old. This devastating event would have a profound impact on her life, shaping her experiences and perspectives in ways that would influence her future.
Roz's early life was shaped by her upbringing in Bayonne, where her mother, Myra, demonstrated a remarkable capacity for resilience, navigating the challenges of her career in the retail fashion industry as a buyer and manager, while also building a strong and lasting relationship with Roz's father, Mike.
Roz's family was completed by her only sibling, a sister named Carolyn, with whom she shared a close bond, and the two sisters received their primary education at Our Lady of Victories Catholic Grammar School, where they developed a strong foundation in faith and values.
Their secondary education took place at Henry Snyder High School, where Roz and Carolyn continued to nurture their academic and personal growth, ultimately graduating in 1965, marking a significant milestone in their educational journey.
After completing her secondary education, Roz's parents, in a decision that would come as a surprise to many, encouraged her to enroll at the esteemed Katharine Gibbs Secretarial School in the vibrant city of New York, rather than pursuing a career in the creative arts, which was a path she had initially been considering.
Roz's personal life took a significant turn when she entered into her first marriage, a union with a childhood sweetheart, with whom she had three children: Michael, Scott, and Bruce. However, this marriage, which lasted for eleven years, ultimately came to an end, and Roz made the bold decision to relocate to Ontario, Canada, with her children, where they settled in a picturesque area just east of the bustling city of Toronto.
Throughout the majority of her life, Roz's innate enthusiasm for the performing arts lay dormant, unexplored and unrealized, a latent passion waiting to be unearthed. However, a pivotal moment of encouragement from a close friend in her mid-thirties served as the catalyst that propelled her to take the first step, auditioning for a local theatrical production. This bold move ultimately led to her securing a role, and in doing so, Roz stumbled upon the missing piece of the puzzle that had been eluding her, bringing a profound sense of personal fulfillment and satisfaction.
As her confidence grew and her passion for the craft continued to flourish, Roz's attention turned to the world of film, and it was here that her career as an actress began to take shape, gradually evolving into a fulfilling and rewarding profession that would bring her immense joy and a sense of purpose.
Roz's illustrious career as an actress has unfolded with a sense of serendipity, punctuated by a deliberate and unhurried approach. It wasn't until 1991 that she rediscovered her soulmate, Tony, with whom she would later embark on a journey of love and companionship.
Together, they made the pivotal decision to relocate to the vibrant city of Toronto in 1997, marking a turning point in Roz's professional and personal life. Since then, she has continued to nurture her passion for acting, allowing her unique talents to flourish in a city that has become her home.
