You've certainly seen Lisa Ray's beautiful face before, perhaps on the big screen, where she has acted in dramatic films such as director Deepa Mehta's Oscar-nominated Water, a story about the mistreatment of widowed women in 1930s India. Maybe you've seen her in the pages of a magazine: Lisa was recruited as a model just as she was finishing high school in her native Toronto and, since then, has appeared in editorial and advertising campaigns around the world. Or it could be that you enjoyed her as host of the TV show Top Chef Canada.

 

Wherever it is you know her from, there's no denying that Lisa is luminous, a natural beauty born to a Polish mother and an Indian father. And while it's true that her looks opened the door to her huge celebrity, both in India and here in North America, what we love most about Lisa is what she's done with her renown. You may not know that in addition to being a gifted actor and model, Lisa…

 

…is a cancer survivor. Diagnosed with multiple myeloma, or bone-marrow cancer, five years ago, Lisa underwent a stem-cell transplant and also bravely volunteered for a clinical drug trial at Princess Margaret Hospital last year. She has also worked to help others with the disease, raising money for multiple myeloma research. Lisa calls herself a "patient advocate," taking every opportunity to speak out on behalf of those with limited access to cancer treatment and to raise awareness of the disease.

 

…wanted to be a journalist. She was planning to attend journalism school after high school graduation but was scooped up by casting scouts while on vacation in India.

 

…co-owns a yoga studio in Brampton, Ont. 

 

 …has a blog! 

 

Spoiler alert: Lisa will also help us celebrate Canadian Living's 40th anniversary this year as our June issue's guest editor, working around her hectic travel schedule. The collaboration starts this coming Fri., Feb. 27, when Lisa spends the day helping us plan the issue, sharing her views on fashion (working with our Fashion & Beauty director, Julia McEwen), healthful living (she’s going to give us a lesson on juicing!) and how to embrace your own brand of beauty.

 

Normally, we keep our magazine covers top secret, but this time we're going to spill the news about a special cover project we have planned: Subscribers only will receive a special beauty cover, starring Lisa Ray, with their June issue!

 

Now here’s where you come in: We’ll be sharing behind-the-scenes access to our day with Lisa Ray via Twitter and Instagram. Chime in with your opinions (yes, you can help direct our cover shoot with Lisa Ray!), and your questions for Lisa, from noon to 2 p.m. EST. You can find the rules here.

 

What's more, when you chat with us on Twitter using the hashtag #CL40, you'll automatically get a chance to WIN one of our great prizes:

-       a Vitamix S30 valued at more than $450

-       one of five Maybelline prize packs worth $95 each

 

Follow our team on Twitter (you’ll find links below) to make sure you don't miss a second of the action. Hope to see you there!

 

Sandra E. Martin, multiplatform editorial director

 

Julia McEwen, Fashion & Beauty director

 

Jill Buchner, special projects editor

Laura Denton, creative brand director, TC Media