Ann-Marie MacDonald is a Canadian playwright, author, actress, and broadcast host living in Toronto, Ontario. She was born on October 29, 1958, in Baden-Baden, Germany, where she spent her early years on Royal Canadian Air Force Station, 4-Wing. Her diverse heritage includes Scottish and Lebanese roots, and she is proud of all sides of her background.

Ann-Marie trained as an actor at the National Theatre School of Canada, graduating in 1980. She moved to Toronto, where she immersed herself in the vibrant alternative theatre scene, also pursuing a career in television and film. Her work is known for being humorous, narrative-driven, feminist, inclusive, and queer.

She has acted in many new Canadian plays as well as in celebrated productions such as Cloud Nine and Top Girls. She has had roles in numerous TV series and independent films, earning several nominations and awards, including a Genie nomination and a Gemini Award.

As a playwright, her notable works include Goodnight Desdemona (Good Morning Juliet), which won multiple prestigious awards. Her plays have been widely produced in Canada, including at major festivals like The Shaw Festival and The Stratford Festival.

Her debut novel, Fall on Your Knees, was published in 1996, receiving critical acclaim and numerous awards. It was an Oprah's Book Club selection in 2002. She has continued to publish best-selling novels, including The Way the Crow Flies and Adult Onset.

Ann-Marie is married to theatre director Alisa Palmer, with whom she has two daughters. In 2014, the family moved to Montreal. Ann-Marie has been actively involved in coaching students and continues to contribute significantly to the arts and advocacy for LGBTQ2S+ rights.

In recognition of her contributions, she was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2019.