Watch Michelle Ross: Unknown Icon Online Free Globally

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As of October 2025, the unique documentary Michelle Ross: Unknown Icon is streaming exclusively on CBC’s free platform, CBC Gem. Viewers in Canada can watch it for free with ads. For global fans eager to experience this powerful story, we’ve prepared a detailed guide to help you access the documentary seamlessly, no matter where you are.

How can I watch Michelle Ross: Unknown Icon outside Canada on CBC Gem?

Subscribe to NordVPN
Install the VPN app on your device.
Connect to a Canada-based server.
Visit the CBC Gem website, then log in or create a new account. During registration, you’ll need to enter a Canadian postal code — you can use an online Canadian postcode generator if you don’t have one.
Finally, you can watch Michelle Ross: Unknown Icon outside Canada.

Note: If you don’t have the CBC Gem app, open it in a browser like Google Chrome on your PC or Mac instead — otherwise you’ll be prompted to download the app. The CBC Gem app isn’t available to download outside Canada.

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Michelle Ross: Unknown Icon – A CBC Documentary Celebration

Michelle Ross: Unknown Icon tells the life story of Michelle Ross, born Earl Barrington Shaw in Jamaica, who went on to become one of Toronto’s most beloved drag performers. Known for channeling icons like Diana Ross and Shirley Bassey, she was celebrated as a trailblazer and a fixture of Toronto’s LGBTQ+ nightlife. To her fans, she was a queen; to her family, she was Barry, whose hidden world only came to light after her passing. The film blends archival performances, personal interviews, and creative storytelling to highlight her double life—between the queer community she led and the private family who never knew the full scope of her impact. This intimate portrait showcases her artistry, resilience, and courage to live authentically while carrying the weight of secrecy.

When does Michelle Ross: Unknown Icon premiere?

The documentary Michelle Ross: Unknown Icon premieres on October 8, 2025 as part of CBC’s The Passionate Eye. It will be broadcast nationwide on CBC Television at 9 PM (9:30 NT) and will also stream on CBC Gem starting October 7, 2025.

Michelle Ross: Unknown Icon Cast

Michelle Ross – The legendary drag performer whose life and artistry inspire the documentary.
Alison Duke (Director) – An award-winning filmmaker known for bold, socially relevant storytelling.
Frank Fiorito (Producer, Noble Television) – Co-founder of Noble Television, with a history of impactful unscripted content.
Nabil Mehchi (Producer, Noble Television) – Recognized for championing diverse voices in Canadian film and television.
Sami Tesfazghi (Producer, Rane Films) – An Eritrean-Canadian producer dedicated to telling underrepresented stories.

Why focus on Michelle Ross now?

Her life intersects with many important themes: queer communities, Black Canadian drag history, hidden identity, and reconciliation with family. The timing feels urgent as her story had been largely unseen outside her community until now.

Where to watch Michelle Ross: Unknown Icon in Canada

As of October 8, 2025, you can watch Michelle Ross: Unknown Icon on CBC Television, CBC Gem, and the CBC Docs YouTube channel in Canada. The documentary is available to stream online for free with ads on CBC Gem, making it easily accessible to Canadian viewers.

Is there a official way to watch Michelle Ross: Unknown Icon online for free?

Yes, you can stream Michelle Ross: Unknown Icon for free with ads on CBC Gem, making it easily accessible to viewers in Canada. For an ad-free experience, you can upgrade to CBC Gem Premium, which offers a one-week free trial and then continues at CA $5.99 per month plus taxes. For audiences outside Canada, CBC Gem is geo-restricted, so you’ll need to use a VPN connected to a Canadian server to sign up and watch the documentary seamlessly from anywhere in the world.

#	Action	Details
1	Visit CBC Gem	Go to the CBC Gem website or download the CBC Gem app (iOS, Android, Smart TV).
2	Select Sign Up	Click on “Sign Up” or “Create Account” to begin.
3	Enter Details	Fill in your name, email, and password to create your account.
4	Add Postal Code	Enter a valid Canadian postal code if prompted.
5	Verify Email	Check your inbox and confirm your account through the verification link.
6	Log In	Sign in with your email and password to start streaming.
7	Upgrade Option	Stay on the free version (with ads) or upgrade to CBC Gem Premium for an ad-free experience.

Michelle Ross: Unknown Icon Trailer

FAQs

How long is the documentary?
The runtime is approximately 44 minutes, so it’s a feature-length documentary rather than a series.
Who directed Michelle Ross: Unknown Icon?
It was directed by Alison Duke, a celebrated documentary filmmaker known for digging into cultural and social stories.
Will there be screenings or festival showings before broadcast?
Yes — a screening event is scheduled for October 7, 2025 at the Paradise Theatre in Toronto, ahead of the CBC premiere.
Who are the producers of the film?
The producers include Frank Fiorito and Nabil Mehchi (Noble Television), and Sami Tesfazghi (Rane Films). They have a history of producing socially engaged, unscripted content.

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