Famous Screenwriters from Canada
- Born James Eugene Carrey on January 17, 1962, in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada, Jim Carrey's journey to becoming a renowned comedian and actor was marked by hardship and perseverance. Raised in a family struggling with financial instability, Carrey developed an early knack for comedy to lighten the mood during tough times. He left school at the age of 15 to help support his family, but his dreams of entertaining never waned. His talent for impressions led him to stand-up comedy, where he began to gain recognition. Carrey moved to Hollywood in the early 1980s, where he found work as a regular at the Comedy Store. His big break came when he was discovered by legendary comedian Rodney Dangerfield, who signed him as an opening act for his tour. From there, Carrey's career took off. He landed a role on the hit TV show In Living Color in 1990, which catapulted him to national fame. His unique brand of physical comedy and ability to morph into characters won audiences over, leading to a successful film career. He starred in blockbuster hits like Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, The Mask, and Dumb and Dumber, establishing himself as a leading comedic actor of the '90s. Despite being known for his comedic roles, Carrey proved his versatility as an actor by taking on more serious roles. His performances in films like The Truman Show and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind earned him critical acclaim, demonstrating his depth and range as an actor. Aside from acting, Carrey is also recognized for his work as a producer and writer. His journey from a struggling young comedian to one of Hollywood's most beloved actors is a testament to his resilience, talent, and enduring charm.
- Birthplace: Newmarket, Ontario, Canada
- 1Dumb and Dumber1,323 Votes
- 2The Mask1,233 Votes
- 3The Truman Show1,238 Votes
- James Cameron, renowned for his impressive contributions to the world of film, was born in Kapuskasing, Ontario, Canada, on August 16, 1954. He developed an early interest in storytelling and, after moving to California in his late teens, pursued a career in filmmaking. Drawing inspiration from his fascination with science fiction and technology, he embarked on what would become a remarkable journey in Hollywood. Cameron's career has been punctuated by a series of groundbreaking works that have etched his name into the annals of cinematic history. His first major success came in 1984 with the release of The Terminator, a film that displayed his aptitude for fusing compelling narratives with innovative visual effects. His genius was further illustrated in movies like Aliens (1986) and Titanic (1997), the latter of which became a cultural phenomenon and won 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Cameron. Beyond his directorial pursuits, Cameron has also made significant strides in advancing film technology. Notably, for his film Avatar (2009), he developed new methods in 3D cinematography that revolutionized the industry and set a new standard for visual effects in film. Equally noteworthy are his efforts in deep-sea exploration filmmaking, which saw him delve into uncharted territories of the ocean, encapsulating his insatiable curiosity and adventurous spirit. Over his illustrious career, James Cameron has proven himself not just as a masterful storyteller but also as a daring innovator, continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible in filmmaking.
- Birthplace: Kapuskasing, Ontario, Canada
- Seth Rogen, a multifaceted personality in the world of entertainment, has made his mark as an actor, writer, producer, and director. Born on April 15, 1982, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Rogen began stand-up comedy at an early age, setting the stage for his future career in Hollywood. His breakthrough came when he was cast in the critically acclaimed TV series Freaks and Geeks, which paved the way for his journey into the realm of comedy. Rogen's talent isn't confined to acting alone. In collaboration with his childhood friend Evan Goldberg, he co-wrote the script for the hit film Superbad, inspired by their high school experiences. This venture showcased his writing prowess, earning him recognition for his wit and humor. His creative partnership with Goldberg continued, resulting in successful projects like Pineapple Express and This Is The End, further establishing their mark in comedy cinema. Beyond his comedic roles, Rogen has also demonstrated versatility, taking on dramatic roles in films like Steve Jobs and Take This Waltz. His voice acting skills have been spotlighted in popular animated films such as Kung Fu Panda and The Lion King. In addition, Rogen's influence extends behind the camera as well, with his production company, Point Grey Pictures, producing a wide range of films and television shows. Seth Rogen's diverse talents and contributions underscore his prominent position in the entertainment industry.
- Birthplace: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Matthew Perry, born on August 19, 1969, in Williamstown, Massachusetts, is a celebrated actor, comedian, and producer. He is best known for his role as the sarcastic Chandler Bing on the popular American sitcom Friends, which aired from 1994 to 2004, garnering him international fame and recognition. Perry's journey into acting began at a young age. Raised by his mother in Ottawa, Canada, after his parents' divorce, Perry developed an interest in tennis. However, his love for acting led him to leave his promising tennis career behind. His breakout moment came when he landed a role in the television series Second Chance in 1987. This was followed by several other TV appearances before hitting the jackpot with Friends. His performance in Friends earned him an Emmy nomination in 2002 for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. Aside from his success in Friends, Perry also made a mark in the film industry. His notable film credits include Fools Rush In (1997), The Whole Nine Yards (2000), and its sequel The Whole Ten Yards (2004). Perry has also showcased his talents on the stage, starring in Aaron Sorkin's play The End of Longing in London's West End and New York's off-Broadway.
- Birthplace: Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA
- 1The Whole Nine Yards92 Votes
- 2Fools Rush In118 Votes
- 3The Ron Clark Story67 Votes
- Dan Aykroyd hails from Ottawa, Canada, where he was born on July 1, 1952. The son of Lorraine Hélène and Samuel Cuthbert Peter Hugh Aykroyd, his early life was steeped in eccentricity; his father was a policy advisor to Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, and his mother, a secretary. This unique upbringing, coupled with his fascination with spiritualism, ghosts, and police work, laid the groundwork for his later career and interests. Aykroyd's career trajectory took a significant turn when he joined the Second City Comedy Troupe in Toronto during the early 1970s. His time there allowed him to hone his comedic skills and led to his discovery by Lorne Michaels, who cast him in the inaugural season of Saturday Night Live (SNL) in 1975. During his tenure on SNL, Aykroyd co-created several memorable characters, including Beldar Conehead and Elwood Blues, and earned an Emmy Award for writing. His knack for comedy did not go unnoticed, and he transitioned to the big screen, most notably starring in the cult classic Ghostbusters, a film inspired by his own interest in the paranormal. Aside from his pursuits in acting and comedy, Aykroyd has also made his mark as a businessman and musician. He co-founded the House of Blues, a chain of music venues, to celebrate the rich history of blues music. In addition, he launched Crystal Head Vodka, a brand known for its distinctive skull-shaped bottles and pure spirit. As a member of the Blues Brothers, a band he formed with fellow SNL cast member John Belushi, Aykroyd further showcased his musical talents. Despite the diverse range of his career, Aykroyd's contributions to comedy remain his most recognized achievement.
- Birthplace: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- John Candy, born in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada in 1950, emerged from humble beginnings to become one of the most beloved comedic figures in the entertainment industry. He attended Neil McNeil Catholic High School, where he displayed an early talent for making people laugh, and later honed his comedic skills at the Centennial Community College. His career breakthrough came when he joined the Second City comedy troupe in Toronto, a platform that catapulted him into the limelight and served as the launching pad for his successful career in film and television. Candy's big break in television came with the sketch comedy show Second City Television (SCTV) in the late 1970s, where he showcased a knack for creating memorable characters. His performances earned him two Emmy Awards, cementing his reputation as a gifted comedic actor. However, it was in Hollywood films where Candy truly made his mark. Notable roles in movies such as Splash, Planes, Trains & Automobiles, and Uncle Buck showcased his ability to infuse comedy with heart, creating endearing characters that resonated with audiences worldwide. Despite his success, Candy's life was not without hardship. He struggled with weight issues throughout his life, a battle that contributed to his untimely death from a heart attack in 1994, at the age of 43. Yet, John Candy's legacy lives on, undiminished by time. His body of work continues to inspire generations of actors and comedians, proving that his unique brand of humor and humanity has an enduring appeal. John Candy will always be remembered as a comedic genius who touched the hearts of millions with his laughter and his warmth.
- Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- 1Bill Pullman Said John Candy 'Had My Back'3,349 Votes
- 2Catherine O'Hara Said Candy Treated His Fans As Equals2,210 Votes
- 3An Improvised Line By Candy Made Steve Martin Tear Up2,286 Votes
- Mike Myers, a Canadian-born actor, comedian, screenwriter, and producer, is characterrized by his unique brand of humor and undeniable talent. Born in 1963 in Scarborough, Ontario, Myers nurtured his comedic gifts from a young age. He was influenced by his father's love for British comedy and honed his skills at the Second City Theatre in Toronto before moving to the UK to join its London branch. Myers's career skyrocketed when he joined the cast of the American sketch comedy show, Saturday Night Live (SNL), in 1989. His performance on SNL introduced the world to unforgettable characters like Wayne Campbell from "Wayne's World" and Dieter from "Sprockets". These characters were so popular that they led to successful film adaptations, propelling Myers into the Hollywood spotlight. Myers's comedic genius continued to shine in the critically acclaimed Austin Powers series, where he played multiple roles, showcasing his versatile acting. In addition to his live-action roles, Myers lent his voice to the lovable ogre, Shrek, in the globally successful DreamWorks Animation's Shrek series. This role further solidified Myers' status as an entertainment powerhouse. Throughout his career, Myers has been recognized with numerous awards, including an Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing in a Variety or Music Program for SNL and a star on Canada's Walk of Fame. Despite his fame and success, Myers remains grounded, often attributing his achievements to his upbringing and early influences.
- Birthplace: Scarborough, Ontario, Canada
- 1Shrek56 Votes
- 2Austin Powers50 Votes
- 3Dr. Evil51 Votes
- Howie Mandel, born Howard Michael Mandel on November 29, 1955, in Toronto, Canada, is a multi-talented personality who has established himself as a comedian, television host, and actor. Raised in an environment that nurtured his creativity, Mandel faced expulsion from high school for impersonating school officials. This expulsion, however, opened the door to his career in stand-up comedy, which became the stepping stone to his fame. Mandel's comedy career took off when he started performing at Yuk Yuk's in Toronto. His unique brand of humor and charismatic stage presence quickly caught the attention of TV producers, leading him to relocate to Los Angeles. He became a household name in the United States with his role as Dr. Wayne Fiscus on the popular TV drama, St. Elsewhere, from 1982 to 1988. Simultaneously, Mandel lent his voice to the animated series, Bobby's World‚ where he voiced the lead character and served as the creator and executive producer, further showcasing his versatility in the entertainment industry. However, Howie Mandel is perhaps best known for his role as a host and judge on reality TV. His affable nature and sharp wit made him a perfect fit for the game show Deal or No Deal, where he served as the host from 2005 to 2019. Following this, he joined the judging panel of America's Got Talent, where he continues to entertain audiences and discover new talents. Noteworthy is that Mandel's successful career hasn't been without struggles. His well-documented battle with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has led him to become an advocate for mental health, using his platform to spread awareness and reduce stigma associated with these conditions.
- Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Actress-writer-director Sarah Polley's diverse career has taken her from child star in her native Canada to an acclaimed filmmaker and performer, whose refusal to conform to Hollywood conventions allowed her a creative freedom enjoyed by few of her contemporaries. Polley began acting at an early age, but a traumatic experience under director Terry Gilliam in "The Adventures of Baron Munchausen" (1988), a growing disillusionment with the industry, and a series of personal upheavals led a teenage Polley to reconsider her chosen profession during the early 1990s. She returned to deliver an emotionally devastating performance in Atom Egoyan's heartrending drama "The Sweet Hereafter" (1997) and later took part in genre fare such as Zack Snyder's caffeinated zombie remake, "Dawn of the Dead" (2005). A growing interest in filmmaking eventually yielded Polley's debut as a writer-director, "Away from Her" (2006), an affecting drama that garnered widespread critical acclaim. Although she still acted in projects such as the sci-fi horror story "Splice" (2009), Polley continued to grow as a writer-director with her second feature "Take This Waltz" (2011), starring Michelle Williams and Seth Rogen, and "Stories We Tell" (2012), an inventive documentary about her own childhood. Immeasurably talented and fiercely independent, Polley bravely continued to pursue her own artistic inclinations as an actor and filmmaker.
- Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Martin Short, born Martin Hayter Short in 1950 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, is a revered name in the world of entertainment, known for his multi-faceted capabilities as an actor, comedian, writer, singer, and producer. Short's early life was marked by tragedy with the loss of his brother and parents by the time he was 21, but he found solace in the world of performing arts. He graduated from McMaster University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work, during which time he nurtured his talent in various theater productions. Short's career in comedy began as a member of the Second City Toronto that subsequently led to his involvement in the television series SCTV and Saturday Night Live. His outstanding performances in these shows propelled him to fame, earning him two Primetime Emmy Awards. He also starred in several successful films including Three Amigos, Innerspace, and Father of the Bride, showcasing his versatility across genres. His distinctive comedic style, comprised of physical humor coupled with memorable character voices, has left an indelible mark on audiences worldwide. Beyond his comedic prowess, Short has also demonstrated remarkable talent in musical theater. He won a Tony Award for his role in Little Me and received critical acclaim for his one-man show, Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me. His contribution to the field of entertainment has been recognized with various honors including the Order of Canada, the nation's highest civilian honor. Martin Short's incredible range of talent has made him a household name and an enduring figure in the realm of comedy and beyond.
- Birthplace: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Tommy Chong, born Thomas B. Kin Chong in 1938, is a multifaceted personality who has left an indelible mark on the entertainment scene. Known primarily for his contribution to the comedic duo Cheech & Chong alongside Richard "Cheech" Marin, Chong's impact extends beyond comedy into various other realms including acting, writing, directing, and activism. Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Chong started his journey in entertainment as a musician before transitioning into comedy. His big break came in the late 60s when he met Cheech Marin in Vancouver. The two quickly formed a bond, resulting in the creation of Cheech & Chong. Their brand of humor, often revolving around free love, counterculture, and most notably, cannabis, resonated with the youth of the time. Their first album, Cheech & Chong, was released in 1971 and was an immediate success. In total, they released eight albums, four of which were nominated for the Grammy Award, with Los Cochinos winning the award for Best Comedy Recording in 1973. The duo also starred in a series of successful films, most notably Up in Smoke (1978), which became a cult classic. Apart from his work with Cheech, Chong has had a successful solo career in television and film. He appeared in popular TV shows like That '70s Show and Dharma & Greg, and lent his voice to several animated projects such as The Lion King" and Zootopia. As a writer-director, he helmed several episodes of Cheech & Chong's The Corsican Brothers and Chong's Animated Movie. Beyond his entertainment pursuits, Chong is renowned for his advocacy for cannabis legalization, which has often put him at odds with authorities. Despite facing legal troubles due to his activism, Chong remains a staunch supporter of cannabis rights and continues to use his platform to promote this cause. His contributions to entertainment and activism have established him as a unique and influential figure in popular culture.
- Birthplace: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Catherine O'Hara, a highly revered figure in the Canadian film and television industry, boasts an illustrious career that spans over four decades. Born on March 4, 1954, in Toronto, Ontario, O'Hara's narrative is one of immense talent, tenacity, and versatility. Her unique blend of comedic timing, dramatic flair, and enchanting screen presence has cemented her status as an entertainment powerhouse. O'Hara's acting journey kicked off with The Second City, a renowned improvisational theater troupe based in Toronto. It was here that she honed her distinct style of comedy and formed lifelong collaborations with future comedy legends like Eugene Levy and John Candy. It wasn't long before her talents were recognized by the creators of sketch comedy show SCTV, which catapulted her to stardom and earned her an Emmy Award. However, it was O'Hara's foray into film that truly broadened her appeal and showcased her range as an artist. She delivered memorable performances in films such as Home Alone, Beetlejuice, and Best in Show. The pinnacle of O'Hara's career arguably came with her portrayal of Moira Rose in the critically acclaimed series Schitt's Creek, for which she won an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. Throughout her career, O'Hara has deftly combined her knack for comedy with a profound ability to portray complex characters, making her one of the most celebrated artists of her generation.
- Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Born in Toronto, Canada, in 1945, Neil Young is a quintessential singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who has significantly influenced the music world for over half a century. Known for his idiosyncratic vocal style and deeply personal lyrics, Young's vast musical repertoire spans across several genres, including rock, folk, country, and experimental. His prolific career began in the 1960s as part of the folk-rock band Buffalo Springfield, followed by collaborations with Crosby, Stills & Nash, and later his success as a solo artist. Young's songwriting often reflects his political activism and concern for environmental issues, lending a unique depth and relevance to his music. His most notable albums include After the Gold Rush (1970), Harvest (1972), and Rust Never Sleeps (1979). These have been hailed as some of the greatest albums in rock history, showcasing Young's ability to evolve his sound while remaining true to his artistic vision. Despite facing several career disruptions due to health issues, Young has remained persistently active in the music industry, releasing dozens of albums and earning multiple awards. Neil Young's impact on music extends beyond his discography. He co-founded Farm Aid, an annual benefit concert that raises funds for family farmers in the United States. As an inventor, he developed Pono, a high-resolution music download service and player to deliver better audio quality than MP3s. This multi-faceted artist has not only shaped the sound of rock and roll but also used his platform to effect meaningful change, solidifying his legacy as one of the most influential musicians of his generation.
- Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Phil Hartman, born in Brantford, Ontario in 1948, was a Canadian-American actor, comedian, screenwriter, and graphic artist. A man of many talents, he is arguably best known for his roles on Saturday Night Live (SNL), where he graced the stage from 1988 to 1994. His ability to mimic various accents and characters, as well as his knack for comedic timing, earned him the nickname "The Glue" for holding the show together during his stint there. Notably, his portrayal of Bill Clinton and Frank Sinatra are still celebrated as some of SNL's finest moments. However, Hartman's career wasn't limited to SNL. He lent his vocal skills to numerous animated series, most notably The Simpsons, where he voiced a variety of characters including lawyer Lionel Hutz and actor Troy McClure. His efforts in the world of animation didn't go unnoticed; specifically, his work on The Simpsons garnered him widespread acclaim. In addition to his voice acting, Hartman also proved successful in sitcoms. His role as radio news anchor Bill McNeal on the NBC sitcom NewsRadio was well-received by audiences and critics alike. Beyond his acting career, Hartman was an accomplished graphic artist. Before his rise to fame in the entertainment industry, he designed album covers for bands like America and Poco. Despite his successes, Hartman's life was tragically cut short in 1998. Regardless, his legacy continues to thrive in the annals of television history.
- Birthplace: Brantford, Ontario, Canada
- Lorne Michaels, born on November 17, 1944, in Toronto, Canada, is a renowned figure in the television industry, with an illustrious career spanning over five decades. His name is synonymous with Saturday Night Live, the iconic American late-night TV show that he created and produced. Michaels's journey began with his graduation from University College, Toronto, where he majored in English. Following this, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue his dreams in the entertainment sector. In the mid-1960s, he wrote for various shows like Laugh-In and The Beautiful Phyllis Diller Show before making his mark with Saturday Night Live in 1975. Michaels's role in shaping Saturday Night Live was instrumental. Under his pioneering leadership, the program became a platform for many rising comedians who later turned into industry stalwarts. Comedians like Eddie Murphy, Adam Sandler, and Tina Fey owe their big break to Michaels. He was not just a producer but also wrote for the show, which amplified its success across audiences. His remarkable work garnered him multiple Emmy Awards, securing his position in the Television Academy Hall of Fame. Beyond SNL, Michaels expanded his repertoire into film and theater. His production company, Broadway Video, has produced numerous successful films and TV series, including 30 Rock and Portlandia. His influence extended to Broadway, where he produced the musical Gilda Radner - Live from New York. Lorne Michaels's significant contributions to the entertainment industry have earned him various accolades, including the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor and an induction into the Order of Canada.
- Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, Robertson began to study acting, voice, and dance at age 10. She was still in her teens when she played Tina Edison, the genius daughter, in "Maniac Mansions," a TV series about a family of inventors which aired in the USA on "The Family Channel" (1990-93). In 1992, Robertson had a co-starring role in the Canadian feature "Lapse of Memory." After being invited to Los Angeles for its screening, she decided to remain and try her luck in Hollywood. At 19 years old, she acclimated quickly and within less than a year, had played a young woman threatened by the plague in "Quiet Killer" (CBS, 1992) and a young woman threatened by a street gang in "Survive the Night" (USA Network, 1993). But it was the role of the somewhat bitchy Clare Arnold on "Beverly Hills 90210" (Fox, 1990-99), added in part to fill the void created by the departure of Shannen Doherty, that brought her attention. During her tenure on the show, the character interacted with all the major regulars: she romanced Brandon (Jason Priestley) roomed with Kelly and Donna (Jenny Garth and Tori Spelling) and had liaisons with both David and Steve (Brian Austin Greene and Ian Ziering). Her decision to leave the series coincided with the release of "Nowhere" (1997), and Robertson hoped that the film might open new avenues in her career. While her film career did not immediately rocket her into stardom, she enjoyed a steady flow of roles throughout the rest of the nineties and beyond. She starred in the Sally Field-directed project "Beautiful" in 2000 and co-starred in the teen flick "Scary Movie 2" in 2001. In 2003, Robertson starred in the independent film "XX/YY" which premiered at Sundance. Perhaps signaling a desire to take on more challenging roles, Roberston played a woman who embarks on a three-way relationship with two male college friends, only to find it haunting her ten years later. More recently, Robertson had recurring roles in "The Business" (IFC, 2006-08), "Murder in the First" (TNT, 2013-16) and "Northern Rescue" (Netflix, 2019). All the while, making films such as "A Night for Dying Tigers" (2010), "Losing Control" (2012), and "The Vatican Tapes" (2015).
- Birthplace: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Born on December 17, 1946, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, Eugene Levy's journey into the limelight began at McMaster University where he joined The McMaster Film Board and met future collaborators like Ivan Reitman and Martin Short. After graduation, he quickly found his footing in the entertainment industry, becoming a part of the founding members of the now iconic Toronto-based improv group, The Second City. Levy's career took a significant leap forward with the sketch comedy show, Second City Television (SCTV), which aired from 1976 to 1984. His exceptional talent as a comedian and writer garnered him two Emmy Awards for writing during SCTV's run. However, it was his role in the American Pie film series as Jim's dad that catapulted him to international fame. Despite being known for his comedic roles, Levy's versatile acting skills allowed him to master a range of characters, making him a highly respected figure in Hollywood. Continuing with his streak of success, Levy co-created the critically acclaimed television series, Schitt's Creek, with his son, Daniel Levy. The show, which highlights Levy's knack for blending humor with heart, received numerous accolityes including a record-breaking sweep at the 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards, winning all seven major comedy awards. Outside of his professional achievements, Levy has been celebrated for his off-screen persona, often described as humble, gracious, and grounded. In recognition of his contributions to entertainment, he has been honored with several awards including The Governor General's Performing Arts Award, Canada's highest honor in the performing arts.
- Birthplace: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- 1Best in Show29 Votes
- 2Vacation28 Votes
- 3Splash27 Votes
- As an actor, DJ, and comedian, Canadian Russell Peters is certainly an eclectic talent. His career began in the late 1980s on Toronto's stand-up circuit, and he quickly developed a reputation as a charming comic: reveling in cultural observations and silly accents, often playing on his Anglo-Indian heritage. And while his momentum never slowed as a comedian (with a Comedy Central stand-up special and record-breaking shows in his native Canada), he also managed a smooth transition into the world of motion pictures, including roles in the 2011 sci-fi thriller "Source Code" and the Eva Mendes-starring 2012 dramedy "Girl in Progress."
- Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- A key figure in one of the most influential television comedies of the 20th century, Dave Thomas was the head writer and featured performer on "SCTV" (Global/CBC/NBC/Superchannel, 1976-1984) before enjoying a long and varied career as a writer, director, producer and actor in North American features and television shows. A gifted mimic, Thomas brought a distinctly acidic tone to his impersonations of Bob Hope, Richard Harris, G. Gordon Liddy and other famous and infamous characters on "SCTV," but his greatest contribution was undoubtedly Bob and Doug McKenzie, a pair of dense Canadians he created with co-star Rick Moranis. The characters were breakout stars on the show, and later enjoyed independent success with a hit record, as well as a cult feature, "Strange Brew" (1983). Thomas later divided his time between guest appearances on comedy specials, series regular work on "Grace Under Fire" (ABC, 1993-98), and directing and writing jobs on features "Spies Like Us" (1985) and "The Expendables." He later branched out into animation production with his own company, Animax, which provided content for major companies like Disney and ESPN. Still, it was his work on "SCTV" that made him an icon of Canadian comedy, and one of its primary architects in the halcyon 1970s and 1980s.
- Birthplace: St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
- Dave Foley, the renowned Canadian actor, stand-up comedian, director, producer, and writer, has etched his name in the annals of robust entertainment history. Born on January 4, 1963, in Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada, Foley's ambition to entertain was ignited from a young age. He embarked on his journey to fame by dropping out of high school to pursue improv comedy, a move that led him to establish The Kids in the Hall, an infamous comedy troupe. Foley's distinctive comedic genius shone through in The Kids in the Hall, a television series that aired from 1989 to 1995. The show, which became a cultural phenomenon in North America, enabled Foley to showcase his versatility as he often played multiple characters, each equally memorable and original. Post this significant achievement, Foley spread his wings further into television by co-starring in the sitcom NewsRadio from 1995 to 1999, where he portrayed the sensible station manager Dave Nelson, a role that earned him substantial acclaim and recognition. Despite his soaring success in television, Foley did not limit himself to one medium. He ventured into the film industry, lending his voice to iconic characters such as Flik in Disney/Pixar's A Bug's Life. In addition, Foley explored behind-the-scenes roles such as directing, producing, and writing, contributing to projects like The Wrong Guy, a film he co-wrote and starred in.
- Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Long before Charlie Chaplin ever met Mack Sennett, silent film actress Mary Pickford had become the first superstar of a burgeoning movie business with her collaboration with director D.W. Griffith. Having broken into movies in 1909, Pickford became such as a fast-rising star, that by 1916 she was making an unprecedented $10,000 a week and a percentage of the profits. She rode the wave to stardom as the curly blonde, elfin moppet in "Tess of the Storm Country" (1914), "Madame Butterfly" (1915), "The Poor Little Rich Girl" (1917) and "The Little American" (1917). She had big hits with "Stella Maris" (1918), "Daddy Long Legs" (1919) and "Little Lord Fauntleroy" (1921). In 1919, Pickford - along with Charlie Chapin, D.W. Griffith and future husband Douglas Fairbanks - formed their own studio, United Artists, in an effort to secure more artistic control over their films. Meanwhile, she developed a more mature persona with director Ernst Lubitsch and eventually segued into talkies, winning an Oscar for Best Actress - and kicking up a bit of controversy - for her performance in "Coquette" (1929). But she soon left acting altogether, making her last film, "Secrets" (1933), before settling into a strictly producer role. Living in Pickfair, her famous Beverly Hills estate, in near seclusion for the rest of her life, Pickford nonetheless basked in her legacy as a pioneering actress whose girl-next-door charm made her Hollywood's first true movie star.
- Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Alan Thicke, a Canadian born actor, songwriter, and game show host, was one of the most recognizable figures in the entertainment industry. Born on March 1, 1947, in Kirkland Lake, Ontario, Thicke began his career in entertainment as a writer and producer for many popular television shows, such as The Richard Pryor Show, Fernwood 2 Night, and The Wizard of Odds. However, it was his role as Dr. Jason Seaver on the hit ABC sitcom Growing Pains, where he charmed audiences with his portrayal of a loving, wise, and often humorous father figure that brought him international acclaim. As a songwriter, Thicke made significant contributions to the world of theme song composition. He co-wrote the theme songs for several well-known television shows, including Diff'rent Strokes and The Facts of Life. His knack for creating catchy and memorable tunes was widely recognized, confirming his versatility in the creative arts. Thicke also dabbled in the music industry, releasing several albums that veered towards the adult contemporary genre. Straying from acting and music, Thicke showcased his quick wit and charisma as a game show host. His most notable stint was on Pictionary, but he also hosted the Canadian game show First Impressions and the late-night talk show Thicke of the Night. As a host, Thicke was appreciated for his charming personality and his ability to engage with guests and audiences alike. Despite his sudden passing on December 13, 2016, Alan Thicke's legacy continues to thrive within the realm of entertainment, accentuating his indelible mark as a multi-talented artist.
- Birthplace: Kirkland Lake, Ontario, Canada
- Aaron Seltzer could have followed in his family's shoe business if fate had not intervened. While attending college at the University of Santa Barbara, he met his writing partner Jason Friedberg, and they went on to launch a number of comedy spoofs, including the immensely popular and profitable "Scary Movie" series. Born on January 12, 1974 in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, Seltzer came from a family of shoe salesmen, and his future partner in comedy, Jason Friedberg, had family in the movie business, namely his father, Rick Friedberg, a director and producer. But neither of the friends initially wanted to go into the entertainment biz until their last year at the University of California Santa Barbara, where they were inspired by a film class on the work of Martin Scorsese. Seltzer and Friedberg wrote screenplays at night while working day gigs to pay for their schooling, and Friedberg's father liked a script they wrote, the broad espionage spoof "Spy Hard." Leslie Nielsen, whom Rick Friedberg had previously worked with, liked it as well, and it became a film in 1996. The team kept writing, and one spoof they wrote, "Scream If You Know What I Did Last Summer," eventually turned into "Scary Movie" (2000), the first film in what quickly became a vastly profitable comedy franchise. After growing tired of their projects languishing in development, the Seltzer / Friedberg team decided to direct their own films, with the help of their long time producer Peter Safran. Once they got into the director's chair, the comedies came at a fast pace, including "Date Movie" (2006), "Epic Movie" (2007), "Meet the Spartans" (2007), "Vampires Suck" (2010), "Best Night Ever" (2010), "Hunger Games" spoof "The Starving Games" (2013), and "Fast and Furious" parody "Superfast" (2014).
- Birthplace: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
- Glenn Herbert Gould (; 25 September 1932 – 4 October 1982) was a Canadian pianist who became one of the best-known and most-celebrated classical pianists of the 20th century. He was renowned as an interpreter of the keyboard works of Johann Sebastian Bach. Gould's playing was distinguished by a remarkable technical proficiency and a capacity to articulate the contrapuntal texture of Bach's music. Gould rejected most of the standard Romantic piano literature by Chopin, Liszt, and others, in favor of Baroque, Renaissance, late-Romantic, and modernist composers. Although his recordings were dominated by Bach and Beethoven, Gould's repertoire was diverse, including works by Mozart, Haydn, Brahms, pre-Baroque composers such as Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck, Orlando Gibbons and William Byrd, and such 20th-century composers as Paul Hindemith, Arnold Schoenberg, and Richard Strauss. Gould was known for his eccentricities, from his unorthodox musical interpretations and mannerisms at the keyboard, to aspects of his lifestyle and behaviour. He stopped giving concerts at the age of 31 to concentrate on studio recording and other projects. Gould was also a writer, broadcaster, and conductor. He was a prolific contributor to musical journals, in which he discussed music theory and outlined his musical philosophy. He performed on television and radio, and produced three musique concrète radio documentaries called the Solitude Trilogy, about isolated areas of Canada.
- Birthplace: Toronto, Canada
- oseph Flaherty (June 21, 1941 – April 1, 2024) was an American actor, writer, and comedian. He is best known for his work on the Canadian sketch comedy SCTV from 1976 to 1984 (on which he also served as a writer), and as Harold Weir on Freaks and Geeks, and for his role as Donald the heckler in Happy Gilmore (1996).
- Birthplace: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Harland Williams, a Canadian-born actor and comedian, has a multifaceted career that seamlessly spans the worlds of film, television, and stand-up comedy. Born on November 14, 1962, in Toronto, Ontario, Williams hails from a family that instilled an appreciation for creativity and artistic expression. His early interest in drawing, which later led to a successful career as a syndicated cartoonist, provided a strong foundation for his diverse artistic endeavors. A key figure in Hollywood, Williams has an impressive list of acting credits to his name. He is best known for his memorable roles in popular films such as Dumb and Dumber, Something about Mary, and Half Baked. His unique comedic style, characterized by his uncanny ability to improvise and his distinctive voice, has endeared him to audiences worldwide. Aside from his acting prowess, he has also lent his voice to several animated series, including Puppy Dog Pals and Skylanders Academy, further demonstrating his versatility. Beyond acting and voice-over work, Williams has made significant contributions to the world of stand-up comedy. His performances, marked by their spontaneity and unpredictability, have drawn critical acclaim and have established him as a force to be reckoned with on the comedy circuit. Notably, he has also written and illustrated a series of children's books, underscoring his commitment to fostering creativity and imagination in young minds.
- Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Actress-writer-producer-director Nia Vardalos' ticket to success was creating films inspired by her own Greek heritage, her lively extended family, and her appealing "everywoman" quality. As the screenwriter and star of the autobiographical comedy "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" (2002), Vardalos took the entertainment industry by storm when the film came virtually out of nowhere to become a top-grossing summer hit. Vardalos' sharp observational eye for such universal experiences as looking for love and dealing with relatives struck a note with audiences, in both "Greek Wedding" and the romantic comedy "My Life in Ruins" (2009). Vardalos also wrote and starred in the female buddy comedy "Connie and Carla" (2004), but her directorial debut "I Hate Valentine's Day" (2009) and sequel "My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2" (2016) proved that her strength for comedy lay not in slapstick and big premises but rather in her appealing perspective on love and the modern woman.
- Birthplace: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Perhaps the member of the Canadian comedy troupe The Kids in the Hall most identified with specific characters, the tall, blond and handsome Scott Thompson was actually the last to join the group. He had seen the other members perform at a Toronto club and invited them to see an act he was performing with another group. The Kids--Mark McKinney, Dave Foley, Bruce McCulloch and Kevin McDonald--saw Thompson's act and were impressed enough to ask him to join them.
- Birthplace: North Bay, Ontario, Canada
- Kenneth Joel Hotz (born May 3, 1967) is a Canadian producer and entertainer. Hotz is a former South Park staff writer, "Kenny" of the Comedy Central television series Kenny vs. Spenny, creator of the FX series Testees, and Kenny Hotz's Triumph of the Will. He has received numerous international awards for his film, television, and digital content. Hotz is an award-winning Vice personality. He began his career as a photographer and Gulf War photo-journalist
- Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Hume Cronyn, born on July 18, 1911, in London, Ontario, Canada, was a versatile actor recognized for his distinctive performances on stage, film, and television. His career spanned nearly six decades, providing audiences with unforgettable character portrayals. A graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Cronyn quickly established himself as a formidable talent in the performing arts world. Notably, Hume Cronyn's most acclaimed performances were often alongside his wife, Jessica Tandy, a distinguished actress herself. Together, they captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, becoming one of the most beloved acting duos of their time. Their chemistry was palpable, perhaps most memorably demonstrated in films like The Green Years (1946) and the Pulitzer Prize-winning play The Gin Game (1977). Cronyn's remarkable talent wasn't confined to acting alone. He was also lauded for his screenwriting, earning an Academy Award nomination for his work on Alfred Hitchcock's The Seventh Cross (1944). The breadth of his career was honored with several awards, including multiple Tony Awards and a special Lifetime Achievement Emmy award.
- Birthplace: London, Ontario, Canada
- Despite getting his start as a sitcom writer, writer-director Paul Haggis earned a hard-fought-for career in Hollywood which culminated in winning Academy Awards for his biting racial drama, "Crash" (2005). Prior to his Oscar triumph, Haggis spent years writing for popular sitcoms like "Diff'rent Strokes" (NBC/ABC, 1978-1986), "One Day at a Time" (CBS, 1975-1984) and "The Facts of Life" (NBC, 1979-1988). Eventually, he transitioned from sitcoms to one-hour dramas, adding "thirtysomething" (ABC, 1987-1991) and "L.A. Law" (NBC, 1986-1994) to his growing television resume. Haggis received an Oscar nomination for his brutal, honest drama, "Million Dollar Baby" (2004), starring Clint Eastwood and Hilary Swank. He continued working with director Eastwood on "Flags of Our Fathers" (2006) and its companion piece "Letters from Iwo Jima" (2006), the latter earning him another Academy Award nod.
- Birthplace: London, Ontario, Canada
- Paul Michael Gross, OC (born April 30, 1959) is a Canadian actor, producer, director, singer, and writer born in Calgary, Alberta. He is known for his lead role as Constable Benton Fraser in the television series Due South as well as his 2008 war film Passchendaele, which he wrote, produced, directed, and starred in. During Due South's final season, Gross acted as executive producer in addition to starring, wrote the season three opener and finale, the two part series finale and wrote and sang songs for the show, some of which can be found on the two Due South soundtracks. He later found success with another Canadian TV series, Slings and Arrows. He also produced one film with Akshay Kumar called Speedy Singhs starring Camilla Belle and Vinay Virmani.
- Birthplace: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Hailed as one of the most original and sophisticated horror filmmakers that came to prominence during the 1970s, David Cronenberg transcended the limitations of his somewhat disreputable genre to become one of the most respected directors of his generation. Cronenberg first gained notice for audacious sci-fi horror thrillers like "Shivers" (1975), "The Brood" (1979) and "Scanners" (1981), before scoring critical and commercial hits with "The Dead Zone" (1983) and his remake of "The Fly" (1986), starring Jeff Goldblum. Following the critically lauded "Dead Ringers" (1988), Cronenberg began branching out beyond horror to direct the adaptation of William S. Burrough's "Naked Lunch" (1991) and courted a great deal of controversy for "Crash" (1996), which focused on a group of people who derived sexual pleasure from car crashes. After years of earning a reputation - perhaps unfairly - as an exploitation director, Cronenberg gained wider respect for his Academy Award-winning thriller "A History of Violence" (2005) and his excellent crime drama, "Eastern Promises" (2007), both of which starred favored actor Viggo Mortensen. Having gone through many permutations throughout his career, Cronenberg attained the status of being one of the most intelligent and interesting contemporary auteurs working in English language films.
- Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- 1The Fly87 Votes
- 2Videodrome83 Votes
- 3Dead Ringers63 Votes
- Hailing from Canada, Jeremy Podeswa became one of the most successful and prolific non-American TV directors to work in Hollywood. He got an early start, diving straight into film work after graduating from the American Film Institute's Center for Advanced Film Studies (now the AFI Conservatory) in 1984. In the early part of his career, Podeswa spent much time on film sets and in the offices of production companies, doing a variety of jobs in addition to his chosen profession of director. Among other assignments, he was unit publicist on Canadian director David Cronenberg's 1988 medical horror-thriller, "Dead Ringers." He found his calling and started working steadily in TV in the mid 1990s, occupying the director's chair for episodes of Canadian series such as "Traders," a drama set in the world of finance. Before long, he was again drawn across the border and started directing American shows such as "Queer as Folk" (2001), an adaptation of the British drama series about a group of young gay men. Podeswa's reputation rapidly grew, and he quickly became a sought-after director in high demand. During this time, he helmed numerous episodes of such high-profile offerings as "Six Feet Under" (2001), a drama centering on a family of morticians, and the Steven Spielberg/Tom Hanks-produced HBO World War II miniseries "The Pacific" (2010).
- Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Daniel MacIvor was an accomplished actor who led an impressive career, primarily on the big screen. MacIvor kickstarted his acting career in comedies like "Dear John" (1988) starring Valerie Buhagiar, "My Addiction" (1994) with Caroline Gillis and Ellen-Ray Hennessey and the Daniel MacIvor film "House" (1996). His passion for acting continued to his roles in projects like the comedic drama "My Summer Vacation" (1996) with Clinton Walker, "The Last Supper" (1996) and the Jamie Shannon comedy "Hayseed" (1997). He also appeared in the Christopher Lloyd comedy "Dinner at Fred's" (1998), "Beefcake" (1999) and "Bubbles Galore" (1999). Film continued to be his passion as he played roles in the Michael Achtman experimental "Uncut" (1999), the Molly Parker dramatic comedy "The Five Senses" (2000) and the Simon McBurney dramatic biopic "Eisenstein" (2002). He also appeared in "Wilby Wonderful" (2004) and the dramedy "Whole New Thing" (2007) with Callum Keith Rennie. He also worked in television during these years, including a part on "Twitch City" (2000-01). MacIvor most recently wrote the foreign "Trigger" (2011) with Molly Parker.
- Birthplace: Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Described by his Kids in the Hall cohorts as "the socially retarded but lovable member" of the comedy troupe, sweet-faced, big-eyed Bruce McCulloch met Mark McKinney while working with the Loose Moose Theatre Company in his native Calgary. After forming 'The Audience' together, the duo moved to Toronto, eventually teaming with Kevin McDonald, Dave Foley and Scott Thompson as 'The Kids in the Hall' (the group's name coming from the description Jack Benny used for young writers who were trying to sell him gags). Through years of live performing, the quintet honed its shtick, a distinctive mix of zany antics, ribald humor, somewhat surreal moments and musings on life, before Lorne Michaels, a Toronto native best known for creating NBC's "Saturday Night Live," launched them in 1989, producing their Canadian TV show (aired in the USA on HBO, CBS and Comedy Central). Boyishly cute, but shorter and more muscular than his compatriots, McCulloch frequently appeared in women's clothing (as did the others), not just for drag novelty, but to create full-bodied female characters.
- Birthplace: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Timothy Irving Frederick Findley, (October 30, 1930 – June 20, 2002) was a Canadian novelist and playwright. He was also informally known by the nickname Tiff or Tiffy, an acronym of his initials.
- Birthplace: Toronto, Canada
- Brent Butt is an actor who appeared in "The X-Files," "Screwed," and "Dudley Do-Right."
- Birthplace: Tisdale, Saskatchewan, Canada
- Dwan's first job was as a lighting engineer for the Peter Cooper Hewitt Company, where he helped develop a forerunner of the neon tube known as the mercury vapor arc. He became intrigued by "those silly things called movies" while supervising the installation of some arcs at Essanay studios, asked about the stories the filmmakers used, and proceeded to sell them 15 he had written at college. Essanay then offered him a job as scenario editor.
- Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- The slim, boyishly cute member of the zany Canadian comedy troupe The Kids in the Hall, Mark McKinney went on to write and perform on NBC's "Saturday Night Live" (from 1995-97) and to play numerous roles in "The Kids in the Hall BRAIN CANDY" (1996).
- Birthplace: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Alfred Ernest Christie (23 October 1881 – 14 April 1951) was a Canadian-born film director, producer, and screenwriter.
- Birthplace: London, Canada
- Caroline Rhea (born April 13, 1964) is a Canadian stand-up comedian and actress who is best known for her role as Hilda Spellman on the ABC show Sabrina the Teenage Witch. She has performed numerous comedy specials, including three one-hour standup specials for HBO, Showtime, and Bravo. She is also known as the voice of Linda Flynn-Fletcher on the Disney Channel series Phineas and Ferb and as a regular on Hollywood Squares with her friend Whoopi Goldberg. Rhea was chosen by Rosie O'Donnell as the new hostess of her syndicated talk show, renamed The Caroline Rhea Show and hosted the reality television show The Biggest Loser on NBC for the first three seasons. She appears regularly on ABC's Match Game with Alec Baldwin and is reprising her roles as Eugenia Scrimmage in the Bruno & Boots movie franchise and Noleta Nethercott in A Very Sordid Wedding. She later returned to Disney Channel on the series Sydney to the Max playing the role of Judy.
- Birthplace: Westmount, Québec, Canada
- Actor-comedian Sean Cullen's long career began in the mid-1980s with Corky and the Juice Pigs, a quirky musical trio that served as the missing link between the nasal pop pastiche of Weird Al Yankovic and the tongue-in-cheek but radio-ready sounds of Barenaked Ladies--a band the Juice Pigs brought along as their opener for a Canadian tour in the early 1990s. Music has remained an important part of Cullen's act, which still includes impersonations of singers from Bob Dylan to R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe. His especially unhinged brand of comedy and ability to speak with a wide variety foreign accents has benefited him in the world of animation, where he has landed roles as the Devil's son on "Jimmy Two-Shoes," as an Southern-fried cyborg on Teletoon's anime-influenced high-school mystery, "Detentionaire," and as multiple characters on the Maurice Sendak-inspired children's show "Seven Little Monsters." Though Cullen is little-known outside of the Canadian entertainment industry, the Gemini-award winner did gain some attention from American audiences when he made it to the second-to-last round of NBC's "Last Comic Standing" in 2008. Cullen has found acclaim as an author of young-adult novels, including the Arthur Ellis-award winning "Hamish X and the Cheese Pirates," the first in a series of tongue-in-cheek mysteries. His writing style, which employs extensive footnotes and asides, suggests the influence of the late British humorist Douglas Adams.
- Birthplace: Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
- Quentin Lee (Chinese name: Chinese: 李孟熙; pinyin: Lǐ Mèngxī; Cantonese Yale: Lei5 Maang6 Hei1; born 1971 in Hong Kong) is a Chinese, Canadian and American film writer, director and producer. He is most notable for the television series he co-created Comedy InvAsian and feature films The Unbidden (2016), White Frog (2012), The People I've Slept With (2009), Ethan Mao (2004), Drift (2000), Flow (1996), and the film short To Ride a Cow (1993). Lee also co-directed Shopping for Fangs (1997) with Justin Lin, known for his controversial film Better Luck Tomorrow (2002). Lee's films are noticeable for containing male lead characters who are Asian and gay, two minority groups generally not seen as lead characters in mainstream Hollywood films. He attended UCLA graduate film school, Yale University for an M.A. in English and Literature and UC Berkeley for his B.A. in English.
- Birthplace: China, Hong Kong
- Mark Kenneth Woods (date of birth unknown) is a Canadian comedy writer, actor, producer, director and TV host.
- Birthplace: Montreal, Canada
- Dean DeBlois was an accomplished animated film director whose works included the Oscar-nominated movies "Lilo & Stitch" (2002) and "How to Train Your Dragon" (2010) and its sequels. DeBlois was born on June 7, 1970 in Aylmer, Quebec. After graduating from high school, he attended Sheridan College's three-year Classical Animation program in Oakville, Ontario. During those three years, he worked as an assistant animator on such projects as the Canadian animated television series "The Raccoons" (CBC 1985-1991) and "The Nutcracker Prince" (1990), a Warner Bros. animated adaptation of the famous Russian ballet "The Nutcracker." DeBlois graduated from Sheridan College in 1990, the same year he was hired by the animated film production company Sullivan Bluth Studios, where he worked on two more Warner Bros. animated feature films, "A Troll in Central Park" (1994) and "Thumbelina" (1994). Both films were box office disappointments, and DeBlois jumped ship into the offices of Walt Disney as a storyboard artist. In 1998, DeBlois got his first big opportunity when he was assigned to replace Chris Sanders as Head of Story on Disney's 36th animated feature "Mulan" (1998). DeBlois and Sanders became frequent collaborators shortly thereafter. Sanders became DeBlois' co-director and co-writer on the 2002 Disney animated feature "Lilo & Stitch," which told the story about an oddly cute extraterrestrial creature adopted by a young Hawaiian girl. "Lilo & Stitch" was both a commercial and critical success, earning a nomination for Best Animated Feature at the 2002 Academy Awards. It also spawned two direct-to-video sequels, "Stitch! the Movie" (2003) and "Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch" (2005), as well as a TV series titled "Lilo & Stitch: the Series" (Disney Channel 2003-06). In 2007, DeBlois took a break from animation to work on his first live-action film, the musical documentary "Heima." The film followed the popular Icelandic post-rock band Sigur Rós during their homecoming tour in the summer of 2006. DeBlois and Sanders teamed up again in 2008 to take over the troubled production of DreamWorks Animation's adaptation of author Cressida Cowell's beloved children's book "How to Train Your Dragon." The two heavily re-tooled the film's story, centered around Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, an unusually scrawny teenage Viking who went against his family's tradition of dragonslaying to befriend a dragon. With an all-star cast the included Jay Baruchel as Hiccup, Gerard Butler as Hiccup's fearless father, and Scottish comedian and late night talk show host Craig Ferguson, "How to Train Your Dragon" was another commercial and critical success for the DeBlois-Sanders duo. With the success of "How to Train Your Dragon," DreamWorks Animation tapped DeBlois and Sanders to direct the film's sequel. "How to Train Your Dragon 2" (2014) featured many of the first film's original cast and also included Academy Award-winner Cate Blanchett as Hiccup's long-lost mother. The film first premiered at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival, and received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike.
- Birthplace: Aylmer, Quebec, Canada
- Claude Jutra (French pronunciation: [klod ʒytʁa]; March 11, 1930 – November 5, 1986) was a French Canadian actor, film director and writer.The Prix Jutra, and the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television's Claude Jutra Award, were named in his honor because of his importance in Quebec cinema history. The awards were renamed in 2016 following the publication of allegations that he had sexually abused children during his lifetime, as were streets named for him.
- Birthplace: Montreal, Canada
- Allan Kroeker (born April 10, 1951 in Winnipeg, Manitoba) is a Canadian film and television director, cinematographer, screenwriter, film editor and film producer. He has the distinction of directing the series finales for Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Star Trek: Voyager and Star Trek: Enterprise. He has also directed several Chuck episodes from 2007 to 2009.
- Birthplace: Winnipeg, Canada
- Mack Sennett (born Michael Sinnott; January 17, 1880 – November 5, 1960) was a Canadian-American film actor, director, and producer, and studio head, known as the King of Comedy. Born in Melbourne, Quebec, in 1880, he started in films in the Biograph company of New York, and later opened Keystone Studios in Edendale, California in 1912. It was the first fully enclosed film stage, and Sennett became famous as the originator of slapstick routines such as pie-throwing and car-chases, as seen in the Keystone Cops films. He also produced short features that displayed his Bathing Beauties, many of whom went on to develop successful acting careers. Sennett's work in sound-movies was less successful and he was bankrupted in 1933. He was presented with an honorary Academy Award for his contribution to film comedy.
- Birthplace: Canada
- Rick Mercer is a writer and actor who is known for writing "The Industry."
- Birthplace: St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
- The whippet-thin, wild-haired member of the Canadian comedy troupe The Kids in the Hall, McDonald also played Chris Cooper, the scientist hero of their 1996 film, "The Kids in the Hall BRAIN CANDY"
- Birthplace: Montréal, Québec, Canada
John Greyson
Age: 64John Greyson (born March 13, 1960) is a Canadian director, writer, video artist, producer, and political activist, whose work frequently deals with gay themes. Greyson is also a professor at York University's film school, where he teaches film and video theory, film production, and editing. He was part of a loosely-affiliated group of filmmakers to emerge in the 1980s from Toronto known as the Toronto New Wave. Greyson has won accolades and achieved critical success with his films—most notably Zero Patience (1993) and Lilies (1996). His outspoken persona, activism, and public image have also attracted international press and controversy.- Birthplace: Nelson, Canada
- Sydney Cecil Newman, OC (April 1, 1917 – October 30, 1997) was a Canadian film and television producer, who played a pioneering role in British television drama from the late 1950s to the late 1960s. After his return to Canada in 1970, Newman was appointed Acting Director of the Broadcast Programs Branch for the Canadian Radio and Television Commission (CRTC) and then head of the National Film Board of Canada (NFB). He also occupied senior positions at the Canadian Film Development Corporation and Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, and acted as an advisor to the Secretary of State.During his time in Britain in the 1950s and 1960s, he worked first with the Associated British Corporation (ABC, now Thames Television), before moving across to the BBC in 1962, holding the role of Head of Drama with both organisations. During this phase of his career, he was responsible for initiating two hugely popular television programmes, the spy-fi series The Avengers and the science-fiction series Doctor Who, as well as overseeing the production of groundbreaking social realist drama series such as Armchair Theatre and The Wednesday Play. The Museum of Broadcast Communications describes Newman as "the most significant agent in the development of British television drama." His obituary in The Guardian declared that "For ten brief but glorious years, Sydney Newman ... was the most important impresario in Britain ... His death marks not just the end of an era but the laying to rest of a whole philosophy of popular art."In Quebec, as commissioner of the NFB, he attracted controversy for his decision to suppress distribution of several politically sensitive films by French Canadian directors.
- Birthplace: Toronto, Canada
- Robert Alexander Amiel "Rob" Buckman was a British doctor of medicine, comedian and author, and president of the Humanist Association of Canada. He first appeared in a Cambridge University Footlights Revue in 1968, and subsequently presented several television and radio programmes about medicine, as well as appearing on comedy programmes such as Just a Minute. He was also the author of many popular books on medicine.
- Birthplace: England, London
- Throughout her entertainment career as an accomplished actress, Mary Walsh graced the silver screen many times. Walsh started her entertainment career by acting in comedies like "The Adventure of Faustus Bidgood" (1986) starring Andy Jones, "The Divine Ryans" (1998) with Jordan Harvey and "Extraordinary Visitor" (1999) with Andy Jones. She also appeared in the Liane Balaban film "New Waterford Girl" (2000). She also appeared in the TV movie "Major Crime" (Lifetime, 1997-98). She continued to act in productions like the Peter MacNeill comedy "Violet" (2000) and "Mambo Italiano" (2003) with Luke Kirby. She also starred in the TV movies "Bleacher Bums" (Showtime, 2001-02) and "Behind the Red Door" (Showtime, 2002-03). She also worked in television during these years, including a part on "Rookie Blue" (ABC, 2009-2015). She also was featured in the TV movies "The Wind in the Willows" (PBS, 2006-07) and "Gossip" (Lifetime, 2007-08). Walsh most recently acted in the comedy "The Grand Seduction" (2014) with Brendan Gleeson.
- Birthplace: St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
- Douglas Coupland is a writer who is known for writing "Everything's Gone Green."
- Birthplace: Baden-Sollingen, West Germany
- Charlie David is an actor, writer, and producer who appeared in "A Four Letter Word," "Reefer Madness," and "Kiss the Bride."
- Birthplace: Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
- Lionel Chetwynd (born January 29, 1940) is an English-born Canadian–American screenwriter, motion picture and television film director and producer.
- Birthplace: London Borough of Hackney, London, United Kingdom
- Charles Leslie McFarlane (October 25, 1902 in Carleton Place, Ontario – September 6, 1977 in Oshawa, Ontario) was a Canadian journalist, novelist, screenwriter, and filmmaker, who is most famous for ghostwriting many of the early books in the very successful Hardy Boys series, using the pseudonym Franklin W. Dixon.
- Birthplace: Carleton Place, Canada
- Kevin Roderick Sullivan (born c. 1955) is a Canadian writer, director and producer of film and television programs. Kevin Sullivan is best known for detailed period movies such as the Anne of Green Gables series of films, his movie adaptation of Timothy Findley's novel The Piano Man's Daughter, feature films and TV-movies such as Under the Piano, Butter Box Babies, Sleeping Dogs Lie and the CBS mini-series Seasons of Love, as well as long-running television series such as Road to Avonlea and Wind at My Back. His films have been broadcast in over 150 countries. His production company Sullivan Entertainment has produced movies, mini-series and specials for CBS, PBS, Disney, Lifetime, Ion, INSP, Channel 4, BBC, ITV, ZDF and NHK.
- Birthplace: Toronto, Canada
- Jeremy Hotz (born May 31, 1963) is a Canadian actor and stand-up comedian. He has appeared on Comedy Central Presents, the Just For Laughs comedy festival, the Late Show with David Letterman, and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. He has also worked as a staff writer for Paramount's The Jon Stewart Show and has appeared in various American and Canadian motion pictures including: My Favorite Martian, Speed 2: Cruise Control, and Married Life.
- Birthplace: South Africa, Cape Town
- Kai Pindal is a film director, screenwriter and production designer.
- Birthplace: Copenhagen, Denmark
- Michael Shanks is a Canadian-born TV actor, writer, and director best known for his role as archeologist Dr. Daniel Jackson on the popular science fiction series "Stargate SG-1." A Vancouver native, Shanks earned his BFA in theater from the University of British Columbia and apprenticed at Ontario's famed Stratford Shakespearean Festival. In the early 1990s, as Shanks entered the film and television industry, many syndicated and cable television series were filmed in Canada as a result of the country's comparatively low production costs; Shanks soon began appearing on Canadian-made TV series like "Highlander," based on the popular 1986 action film and its sequels, and reboots of the classic science-fiction anthologies "The Outer Limits" and "The Twilight Zone" before gaining his breakout role on "Stargate SG-1" in 1997. Shanks's character, Dr. Daniel Jackson, was an Egyptologist who joined the Stargate team as an archaeologist and translator. A major character for the show's first five seasons, Shanks left the series in 2002, but returned as a full cast member after only one season off and continued in the role until the show finally ended in 2007. Following the end of "Stargate SG-1," Shanks appeared as a corrupt Washington lobbyist in the sixth season of the action drama "24" and as an antagonist to disgraced former spy Michael Westen (Jeffrey Donovan) in the stylish espionage series "Burn Notice."
- Birthplace: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- David Secter is a Canadian film director. He is best known for the 1965 film Winter Kept Us Warm, the first English Canadian film ever screened at the Cannes Film Festival. Widely considered a key milestone in the development of Canadian film, Winter Kept Us Warm was a gay themed independent film written, directed and funded entirely by Secter, who is gay, while he was a student at the University of Toronto. Secter subsequently released a second film in Canada, The Offering in 1966, and entered discussions with CBC Television to produce a drama series for the network. However, before that series was launched, he moved to New York City to pursue opportunities in the much larger American film and theatre industry. He was initially slated to direct Cher's 1969 film Chastity, but dropped out of the project. In New York, he lived with several other experimental filmmakers in a clothing-optional, drug and sex-friendly commune, and worked as a theatre director. He released the low-budget sex comedy Getting Together (also titled Feelin' Up in some releases) in 1976, and subsequently moved to Los Angeles. He did not work on another film until Cyberdorm in 1997. In the early 1990s, Secter's nephew Joel rented Getting Together from his local video store in Winnipeg, not knowing that his uncle had directed films. After discovering his uncle's name in the credits, Joel contacted David to discuss his career in film. These discussions culminated in Joel Secter's own debut as a filmmaker, the 2005 documentary The Best of Secter & the Rest of Secter. In the film, David also revealed that he is HIV-positive.Also in 2005, David Secter directed and released a documentary film on the Gay Games, Take the Flame! Gay Games: Grace, Grit, and Glory.He is interviewed in Matthew Hays' Lambda Literary Award-winning 2007 book The View from Here: Conversations with Gay and Lesbian Filmmakers.
- Birthplace: Canada
- Chris Williams (born December 19, 1968) is a Canadian-American animator, film director, screenwriter, and voice actor. He directed the short film Glago's Guest and co-directed Bolt, which was nominated for the Oscar for Best Animated Feature in 2009; Big Hero 6, which won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature in 2015 and Moana, which was nominated for two Oscars for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song in 2016.
- Birthplace: USA, Missouri
- A stylish and highly assured filmmaker, Egyptian-born Canadian filmmaker Atom Egoyan produced work that combined self-reflexive meditations on the nature of film and video, examinations of psycho-sexual behavior and a black, ironic sense of humor. Often ruminating on the themes of fractured families, voyeurism, obsession and technology, Egoyan emerged in the mid-1980s as a director to watch with early films like "Next of Kin" (1984), "Family Viewing" (1987) and "Speaking Parts" (1989). He made a big splash with the highly-charged erotic drama, "Exotica" (1994), which was a favorite at the Cannes Film Festival before earning an art house release in the United States. But it was his exemplary drama "The Sweet Hereafter" (1997) that earned him some of the greatest acclaim of his career, as well as two nominations at the Academy Awards. From there, he earned wider attention for "Felicity's Journey" (1999), "Ararat" (2002) and the Palme d'Or-winning "Where the Truth Lies" (2005). Egoyan remained one of the most challenging and talked-about directors on the international scene.
- Birthplace: Cairo, Egypt
Karen Dianne Baldwin
Age: 61Karen Dianne Baldwin (born September 6, 1963) is a Canadian actress, TV host and beauty queen who was crowned Miss Universe 1982. She is the first Canadian to win the Miss Universe title.- Birthplace: London, Canada
- Frédéric Back, (April 8, 1924 – December 24, 2013) was a Canadian artist and film director of short animated films. During a long career with Radio-Canada, the French-language service of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, he was nominated for four Academy Awards, winning two, for his 1981 film Crac and the 1987 film The Man Who Planted Trees.
- Birthplace: Saarbrücken, Germany
- Charles Dennis (born December 16, 1946) is a Canadian actor, playwright, radio actor, journalist, author, director, and screenwriter.
- Birthplace: Toronto, Canada
William Whitehead
Age: 94William Frederick (Bill) Whitehead (August 16, 1931 – February 1, 2018) was a Canadian writer, actor and filmmaker. Whitehead is best known as a writer of radio and television documentaries and as the former partner of the late Canadian writer Timothy Findley.- Birthplace: Canada
- Canada's Stuart Gillard first emerged as an actor in Peter Carter's Newfoundland-based independent film "The Rowdyman" in 1972. Over the next few years he continued to hone his craft, and in 1974 he delivered an award-winning performance in the subtle and endearing romantic comedy "Why Rock the Boat?" Although given a Canadian Film Award for best lead actor, Gillard suffered backlash from the film community, who assumed he would suddenly be too expensive to hire. He responded by relocating to Los Angeles, where he landed guest roles on the hit TV shows "Eight is Enough" and "Three's Company" and a small film role in the Sylvester Stallone teamster drama "F.I.S.T.." Around the same time, Gillard started writing for television. As a part of the writing team for "The Sonny and Cher Show," he was nominated for an Emmy in 1976. Gillard also wrote for "Three's Company" and for a young Robin Williams on "Mork and Mindy." In 1982 he made his directorial debut with the "Blue Lagoon" knockoff film, "Paradise," a romantic teen action movie with "Eight is Enough" star Willie Aames and Phoebe Cates in her first film role. Gillard's other well-known films as a director include the kids' adventure "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III" and the Walt Disney sci-fi family comedy "RocketMan." In 2009 he directed eight episodes of "90210," a remake of the popular teen series from the '90s.
- Birthplace: Coronation, Alberta, Canada
- Michael Grant Ignatieff (; born May 12, 1947) is a Canadian author, academic and former politician. He was the leader of the Liberal Party of Canada and Leader of the Official Opposition from 2008 until 2011. Known for his work as a historian, Ignatieff has held senior academic posts at the universities of Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard and Toronto. While living in the United Kingdom from 1978 to 2000, Ignatieff became well known as a television and radio broadcaster and as an editorial columnist for The Observer. His documentary series Blood and Belonging: Journeys into the New Nationalism aired on BBC in 1993, and won a Canadian Gemini Award. His book of the same name, based on the series, won the Gordon Montador Award for Best Canadian Book on Social Issues and the University of Toronto's Lionel Gelber Prize. His memoir, The Russian Album, won Canada's Governor General's Literary Award and the British Royal Society of Literature's Heinemann Prize in 1988. His novel, Scar Tissue, was short-listed for the Booker Prize in 1994. In 2000, he delivered the Massey Lectures, entitled The Rights Revolution, which was released in print later that year. In the 2006 federal election, Ignatieff was elected to the House of Commons as the Member of Parliament for Etobicoke—Lakeshore. That same year, he ran for the leadership of the Liberal Party, ultimately losing to Stéphane Dion. He served as the party's deputy leader under Dion. After Dion's resignation in the wake of the 2008 election, Ignatieff served as interim leader from December 2008 until he was elected leader at the party's May 2009 convention. In the 2011 federal election, Ignatieff lost his own seat in the Liberal Party's worst showing in its history. Winning only 34 seats, the party placed a distant third behind the Conservatives and NDP, and thus lost its position as the Official Opposition. On May 3, 2011, Ignatieff announced that he would resign as leader of the Liberal Party, pending the selection of an interim leader, which became effective May 25, 2011. Following his electoral defeat, Ignatieff taught at the University of Toronto. In 2013, he returned to the Harvard Kennedy School part-time, splitting his time between Harvard and Toronto. On July 1, 2014, he returned to Harvard full-time. In 2016, he left Harvard to become president and rector of the Central European University in Budapest. He continues to publish articles and essays on international affairs as well as Canadian politics. In December 2016, Ignatieff was named a Member of the Order of Canada.
- Birthplace: Toronto, Canada
Toby Hargrave
Age: 50Toby Hargrave is an actor and a screenwriter.- Birthplace: Edmonton, Canada
Robert Tinkler
Age: 51Rob Tinkler is an actor who appeared in "My Little Pony: Make Your Mark," "The Snoopy Show," and "Snoopy in Space."- Birthplace: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Peter New
Age: 53Peter New (born October 30, 1971) is a Canadian actor, voice actor and screenwriter. He received a 2002 Leo Award for Best Screenwriter (Music, Comedy, or Variety Program or Series), for episode #112 of the TV series Point Blank. In 2007, New's script "The Bar" won the first annual Hot Shot Shorts Film Contest. His short film "Woodman" is a 2017 selection at the LA Shorts Fest.- Birthplace: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Frank Peppiatt
Dec. at 85 (1927-2012)Frank Peppiatt is a television producer and screenwriter.- Birthplace: Toronto, Canada
- Through the run of one of the biggest cult hits in television history, William B. Davis put a new face on villainy, an institutional, eerily real incarnation of evil identified ominously by wafting smoke and the glow of a cigarette. A native Ontarian, Davis trained as an actor in esteemed company in the U.K. during the 1960s before returning to Canada to work as a theatrical director and drama teacher, eventually relocating to Hollywood North, Vancouver, BC. The 1980s saw him garnering small parts in inauspicious Canadian-shot television and movie projects, but he would establish a regular imprint in 1993 with a new science fiction series, "The X-Files" (Fox, 1993-2002). Davis played the shadowy, stoic intelligence operative predominantly known only by his credited billing, Cigarette Smoking Man. The show became a cultural phenomenon, with CSM ending up one of the most speculated-over villains in the buzz-happy realm of sci-fi fandom. It also made him a frequent guest star on a flurry of sci-fi and horror TV shows and movies through the 1990s and early 2000s. He would remain one of Canada's best-renowned thespian talents, both under the lights and behind them, yet be irrevocably identified as one of the creepiest personas in TV history, a gray-suited archetype of cold-blooded Machiavellianism.
- Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Edward Graydon Carter, CM, (born 14 July 1949) is a Canadian journalist who served as the editor of Vanity Fair from 1992 until 2017. He also co-founded, with Kurt Andersen and Tom Phillips, the satirical monthly magazine Spy in 1986. In 2019, it was announced he is launching a new weekly newsletter called Air Mail, which is for "worldly cosmopolitans."
- Birthplace: Toronto, Canada
- Luba Goy (Ukrainian: Люба Ґой; born November 8, 1945) is a Canadian actress, comedian and one of the stars of Royal Canadian Air Farce.
- Birthplace: Germany
- Marina Anderson is an actress, voice actor, screenwriter, producer, makeup artist, acting coach, personal manager and a career consultant.
- Birthplace: Burbank, USA, California
- Best known for playing Kiefer Sutherland's long-suffering wife during the first season of the hit drama "24," (Fox, 2001-10), Canadian actress Leslie Hope seems on the cusp of finally becoming a star in her own right. A familiar face to American television audiences since the 1990's, Hope was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia and attended St. Michael's University in British Columbia. Though she had originally studied to become a lawyer, Hope was bitten by the acting bug during her graduate year of college when she won a small role in a movie called "Ups & Downs" (1981), a little-seen Canadian comedy about private school life.
- Birthplace: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Catherine Theresa Mary Andrea "Cathy" Jones (born April 6, 1955, in St. John's, Newfoundland) is a Canadian actress, comedian and writer.
- Birthplace: St. John's, Canada
- Effectively cast as both amiable heroes and imposing figures of evil, Italian-born actor Nick Mancuso established himself as a new and valuable performer on stage in productions put on by the Stratford Festival and the Toronto Free Theater. He made his Hollywood motion picture debut in the horror outing "Nightwing" (1979), which proved to be a failure, but Mancuso quickly bounced back with one of his finest performances in "Ticket to Heaven" (1981) as a downtrodden man seduced into joining a cult. From that point onward, he alternated between working in the United States and Canada, including the fondly remembered "Stingray" (NBC, 1985) and its short-lived series offshoot, and such major studio pictures as "Under Siege" (1992) and "Rapid Fire" (1992). Moving back and forth from lead roles to more character-oriented assignments, Mancuso's dark good looks and multilingual abilities also made him the perfect choice to play different ethnicities. Although he was rarely at a loss for employment, Mancuso launched a new career path later in life as an enthusiastic advocate for healthy life choices and homeopathic alternatives to conventional medication. While never a bona fide star by Hollywood standards, Mancuso commanded a great deal respect amongst both his peers and the public for an impressively lengthy and varied acting history in three mediums.
- Birthplace: Mammola, Calabria, Italy
Tracey Forbes
Tracey Forbes is a Canadian television writer and producer. She has worked on numerous Canadian and American television shows including Flashpoint, The Bridge, Spider-Man: The New Animated Series and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. In 2012/2013, she co-created, wrote and executive produced the TV drama series "Cracked" on CBC in Canada. Forbes also wrote the made-for-TV movie Booky's Crush in 2009, based on the Booky novels by Bernice Thurman Hunter, and Girlfriend in a Coma based on Douglas Coupland's novel.- Birthplace: Toronto, Canada
- Sergio Di Zio (born September 20, 1972) is a Canadian actor. He starred in the television series Flashpoint as Michelangelo "Spike" Scarlatti until the show concluded on December 13, 2012. His other works include The Lookout, Cinderella Man, Senior Trip; the television series This is Wonderland, Northern Town; as a voice actor for the animated series Stoked and Babar and the Adventures of Badou. He also appeared in the stage debut of Léo written by Rosa Labordé for which he received a Dora Award nomination in 2006. Di Zio was recently part of an animated show called Grojband, until the show concluded in May 2015.
- Birthplace: Toronto, Canada
- This Emmy-winning British director, whose work includes landmark '70s miniseries "Roots" and "Rich Man, Poor Man," was born in Manchester, England. He began his showbiz career as an actor, appearing in the Stateside tour of "Antony and Cleopatra" with Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh in 1951. After the production's close, he stayed in North America, pursuing work as a helmer in Canada and later the U.S.
- Birthplace: Manchester, England, UK
- Gary Burns (born 1960) is a Canadian film writer and director. Burns studied drama at the University of Calgary before attending Concordia University, where he graduated in 1992 from the Fine Arts film program. Born in Calgary, Alberta, many of Burns' films are shot in Calgary, and contain references to the particularities of living in the city. The Plus 15 system becomes the habitrail of urban semi-professionals in waydowntown and the public transportation system becomes a node where lives intersect in The Suburbanators. Radiant City examines the seemingly endless amount of suburban neighbourhoods that has overtaken Calgary. Burns is an alumnus of the University of Calgary's television program.
- Birthplace: Calgary, Canada
- Spencer Nolan "Spenny" Rice (born April 14, 1963) is a Canadian writer, director, producer, musician and comedian. He was the co-star of Kenny vs. Spenny along with Kenny Hotz.
- Birthplace: Toronto, Canada
- Jon Dore was an accomplished actor, noted for his comedic timing in his roles for television shows. His acting career in television began with credits on "Comedy Central Presents..." (1998-2011), "Wild Card" (Lifetime, 2002-04) and "Hart of Dixie" (CW, 2011-15). He continued to work steadily in sitcoms throughout the 2010s, appearing on "How to Live With Your Parents for the Rest of Your Life" (ABC, 2012-13), "Inside Amy Schumer" (Comedy Central, 2012-) and "Kroll Show" (Comedy Central, 2012-15). Dore focused on film in more recent years, appearing in "Expecting" (2013) with Michelle Monaghan and "Stag" (2013) with Donald Faison. He also worked in television during these years, including a part on "Mash Up" (Comedy Central, 2012-13). Dore most recently acted in the Jesse Carere comedy "Teen Lust" (2015).
- Birthplace: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Joseph J. Stone
Dec. at 87 (1914-2001)Joseph J. Stone was a writer and screenwriter.- Birthplace: Carstairs, Canada
- With a sterling reputation as an artist, filmmaker, and member of the avant garde, Guy Maddin began steadily increasing his place in the public consciousness as soon as he started his career in the early '80s. Born in Winnipeg, Canada in 1956, Maddin's early life was marked by tragedy when his teenage brother Cameron committed suicide in 1963 and his father passed away in 1977. After studying economics at the University of Winnipeg, Maddin held down a series of odd jobs before re-enrolling at school to take film classes. There, he met his future collaborator John Paizs, and became interested in the films of Salvador Dali and David Lynch. Soon Maddin was appearing in Paizs' films and on the satirical cable access talk show "Survival," in which he discussed the supposedly impending apocalypse under the pseudonym "Concerned Citizen Stan" while wearing a mask. In 1985, he made his directorial debut with the short film "The Dead Father" (1985), a surrealistic look at a son's feelings of anger and despair about his recently deceased father, who returns from the dead to cause his family additional struggle. He would continue to produce critically acclaimed works over the coming years, including the feature films "Archangel" (1990) and "The Saddest Music in the World" (2003), both of which won the Best Experimental Film award from the National Society of Film Critics, and "My Winnipeg" (2008), which won Best Canadian Film at the 2008 Toronto Film Critics Association Awards. Maddin would also create "Cowards Bend the Knee" (2003), a film that was originally commissioned as part of an installation art project by Toronto art gallery The Power Plant. He would also produce the films "Hauntings" (2010), "Only Dream Things" (2012), and "Seances" (2012) as art installations. With these projects, Maddin began collaborating with partner Evan Johnson. Maddin and Johnson then co-directed and co-wrote the feature film "The Forbidden Room" (2015), which became an underground sensation, meeting with near universal acclaim.
- Birthplace: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Daniel Mannix Petrie (November 26, 1920 – August 22, 2004) was a Canadian television and film director.
- Birthplace: Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada
- A former reporter of the punk-rock scene whose entree to filmmaking came via British TV documentaries, Mary Harron made the jump to features with the much-awaited "I Shot Andy Warhol" (1996), the story of Valerie Solanas, who in 1968 shot and wounded the art-world legend. A Canadian raised in London, Harron moved to New York in 1976, delighted to leave the stuffiness of her Oxford education behind to work for an alternative film company running its kitchen. She began writing for Legs McNeil's PUNK magazine and in 1977 penned a lengthy piece for VILLAGE VOICE that explained and explored the London punk scene, introducing what had been a somewhat underground movement to mainstream America. Seemingly a constant presence on pop culture's cutting edge throughout her career, Harron, who participated in and observed the Studio 54 era, the last chapter of the sexual revolution before drugs fell out of favor and AIDS and other STDs prompted more circumspect behavior, remained fascinated by the Warhol "Factory" scene of the late 60s that had so intrigued her as a teenager.
- Birthplace: Bracebridge, Ontario, Canada
Shawn Alex Thompson
Age: 73Shawn Alex Thompson (born January 13, 1958, Berwick, Nova Scotia) is a Canadian actor, screenwriter, television producer, and television director, as well as a professional magician. Notably he is one of the producers of Puppets Who Kill, which aired on Canada's The Comedy Network. From December 1985 to April 1987, Shawn Thompson was cast as Simon Hall, a fictional character on the CBS series Guiding Light. It was the first daytime role for the Canadian born actor. Simultaneously during this period, Thompson also hosted the Toronto regional edition of the CBC Television teen-oriented weekend talk/variety show Switchback, as well as appearing alongside Howard Busgang in the short-run comedy series We Don't Knock, in which Busgang and Thompson performed improvised pranks on real people. In 1985 Thompson was arrested in the United States for illegal dumping after throwing a doll over Niagara Falls as part of a Switchback stunt.In 1988, he played dance television host Corny Collins in John Waters' film Hairspray. He has directed episodes of the series Puppets Who Kill, winning a Canadian Comedy Award for Best Director in 2003, and a Gemini Award for Best Direction in 2004. Recently, he has directed shows such as "The Next Step" and "Murdoch Mysteries", and is currently acting in a upcoming gymnastics show for BBC kids.- Birthplace: Canada, Berwick
- Throughout her impressive career, Anne Wheeler served as a director on a variety of great films. Wheeler started off her entertainment career directing independent films like "A War Story" (1982), the Kenneth Welsh drama "Loyalties" (1987) and the Ron White sports drama "Cowboys Don't Cry" (1988). She also appeared in the dramatic biopic "Bye Bye Blues" (1990) with Rebecca Jenkins, "Angel Square" (1991) and the Shannon Lawson drama "The War Between Us" (1996). Additionally, she directed a variety of TV movies including "Mail Order Bride" (Hallmark Channel, 2008-09) and "Living Out Loud" (Hallmark Channel, 2008-09). Wheeler most recently directed "Strange Empire: Rise of the Women" (Lifetime Movie Network, 2014-15).
- Birthplace: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Bruce McDonald is one of Canada's most inventive and eclectic directors, marrying a love of punk rock immediacy with an interest in formalist techniques. After attending the film program at Toronto's Ryerson University, McDonald began his career with the whimsically strange "Roadkill," which he followed with the road trip comedy "Highway 61." Both films featured actress Valerie Buhagiar, at the time McDonald's girlfriend. The second co-starred and was written by Don McKellar, a fellow Toronto filmmaker who would prove to be one of McDonald's most frequent collaborators. Most notably, the pair co-created "Twitch City," an absurdist sitcom set in downtown Toronto's Kensington neighborhood that starred McKellar as an agoraphobic TV addict. McDonald's other TV work includes several directing credits on the popular teen series "Degrassi: The Next Generation," which brought him several awards from the Directors Guild of Canada. He has developed an interest in experimental film techniques over the years. After the bleak mockumentary "Hard Core Logo," he directed the emotionally and visually complex "The Love Crimes of Gillian Guess," the claustrophobic horror film "Pontypool," and perhaps his best-known work, the visually stunning "The Tracey Fragments," a film about a teenage girl's mental breakdown starring a pre-"Juno" Ellen Page and filmed entirely using split-screen techniques that at times featured over a dozen simultaneous images. Most of these films had original soundtracks by McDonald's favorite band, Broken Social Scene. In 2010, McDonald directed "This Movie Is Broken," a romantic comedy with a Broken Social Scene concert as its centerpiece.
- Birthplace: Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Carole Laure O.C. (born August 5, 1948) is an actress and singer from Quebec, Canada.
- Birthplace: Shawinigan, Canada
Jack Roberts
Dec. at 68 (1912-1980)Jack Roberts was an actor.- Birthplace: Toronto, Canada
- George Mark Paul Stroumboulopoulos (; Greek: Γεώργιος Μάρκος Παύλος Στρουμπουλόπουλος; born August 16, 1972) is a Canadian media personality. He is best known as formerly being a VJ for the Canadian music television channel MuchMusic and being the host of the CBC Television talk show George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight (formerly The Hour) from 2005 to 2014. From 2014 to 2016, Stroumboulopoulos worked for Rogers Media, anchoring Hockey Night in Canada and the NHL on Rogers. He is currently a radio host on CBC Music.
- Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Pierre Francis de Marigny Berton (July 12, 1920 – November 30, 2004) was a noted Canadian author of non-fiction, especially Canadiana and Canadian history, and was a television personality and journalist. He won many honours and awards for his books. An accomplished storyteller, Berton was one of Canada's most prolific and popular authors. He wrote on popular culture, Canadian history, critiques of mainstream religion, anthologies, children's books and historical works for youth. He was also a founder of the Writers' Trust of Canada, a non-profit literary organization that seeks to encourage Canada's writing community. Berton's 50 books became popular in part due to his light and fast-paced writing style.
- Birthplace: Whitehorse, Canada
- Canadian-American writer, producer, and occasional director and actor Graham Yost has a broad range of high-profile credits across film and television. For most of his career he was most well known as a writer, with major Hollywood hits like "Speed" (1994), "Broken Arrow" (1996), and "Hard Rain" (1998) on his resume. He then gravitated towards television work, as a writer and executive producer on big-budget, critically-acclaimed shows including World War II drama "The Pacific" (HBO 2010), Elmore Leonard revenge drama "Justified" (FX 2010-15), alien-invasion drama "Falling Skies" (TNT 2011- ) and Cold War spy drama "The Americans" (FX 2013- ). Born in Etobicoke, Ontario, Yost was the son of popular Canadian broadcaster Elwy Yost. He started out as a writer on shows like children's cowboy caper "Hey Dude" (Nickelodeon, 1989-1991) and high-concept sitcom "Herman's Head" (Fox 1991-94) before his script for an action thriller called "Speed" turned into an enormous hit. Along with his big-screen work, Yost returned to TV as the supervising producer and writer (and also director, for one episode) of the Ron Howard-produced miniseries "From the Earth to the Moon" (HBO 1998). Yost then wound down his film career following the hit "Mission To Mars" (2000), creating the ambitious procedural crime drama "Boomtown" (NBC 2002-03) and the quirky detective comedy-drama "Raines" (NBC 2007). Those shows did not last, but the critical success of Yost's "Justified" established him as a successful cable writer-producer.
- Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- The multi-talented David Steinberg first gained notoriety with his cutting edge comedy on television programs like "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour" (CBS/ABC, 1967-1970), only to find a second career later in life as a director on series such as "Curb Your Enthusiasm" (HBO, 2000-2011). After learning his craft with Chicago's venerated comedy troupe Second City, Steinberg made the move to New York City where he landed roles on Broadway and headlined a successful nightclub act at Manhattan's Bitter End. The young comedian ruffled more than a few feathers with his religion-skewering routine on "The Smothers Brothers," although it led to a fruitful relationship with Johnny Carson, on whose "Tonight Show" (NBC, 1962-1992) he made frequent visits for decades. He headlined his own comedy series, "The David Steinberg Show" (CBS, 1972), and co-starred with Susan Sarandon in the film "Something Short of Paradise" (1979) prior to launching his directorial career with the Burt Reynolds feature "Paternity" (1981). Steinberg found his niche in the 1980s when he began helming episodes of series such as "Newhart" (CBS, 1982-1990) and "Designing Women" (CBS, 1986-1993), and his stint as the host of "Sit Down Comedy with David Steinberg" (TV Land, 2005-07) provided him a forum in which he conversed with television's brightest comedic talents. Years of experience as a comedian, actor, writer and director all served to make Steinberg one of the most respected comedic talents in film and television, both in front of and behind the camera.
- Birthplace: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Robert Morin
Age: 75Robert Morin is a Canadian film director, screenwriter, and cinematographer.- Birthplace: Montreal, Canada
- Virtually ubiquitous in Canadian film, actor-director-screenwriter Don McKellar has established recurring creative partnerships with famed fellow countrymen Francois Girard, Atom Egoyan, Bruce McDonald and David Cronenberg. McKellar first gained notice on the big screen with "Roadkill," McDonald's 1989 rowdy road comedy about a woman on the trail of a missing rock band. In addition to writing the dryly humorous screenplay, McKellar played Russel, a thoughtful serial killer who sees crime as a valid career option. He teamed up with McDonald frequently, also penning and appearing in the director's acclaimed "Highway 61" (1992), writing the screenplay of the gemlike drama "Dance Me Outside" (1994) and starring in the short "Elimination Dance" (1998), based on the writings of Michael Ondaatje. McDonald also served as director of McKellar's CBC series "Twitch City" (1998-2000), an understated comedy chronicling a man (McKellar) living just above the poverty level in Toronto's Kensington Market, who rarely leaves his apartment and lives through television. Dourly comical with a realistic edge (including characters whose clothing and belongings had the uncommon flavor of authentic underprivilege), the series won many fans, and scored an order for a second set of episodes in 1999. Additional small screen appearances by McKellar include a guest shot as a bike messenger on the popular CBC sketch comedy series "The Kids In the Hall" and co-starring roles in two Showtime telefilms: 1997's adaptation of Rod Serling's riveting holocaust drama "In the Presence of Mine Enemies" and 1999's biopic "The Passion of Ayn Rand."
- Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- This son of noted character actor Lloyd Bochner made his film debut as the oldest son of George C Scott in "Islands in the Stream" (1976), adapted from the unfinished Hemingway novel. His chiseled good looks, thick dark hair and soulful brown eyes made him a natural to play charming cads, and Hart Bochner began honing that screen persona as the preppie nemesis to Dennis Christopher in the Oscar-nominated sleeper "Breaking Away" (1979). Along those same lines, he went on to portray Doc, the sinister and scheming medical student in the Canadian thriller "Terror Train" (1980) before "Rich and Famous" (1981), George Cukor's remake of 1943's "Old Acquaintance," allowed him to display a sexier side as the journalist lover of the slightly older Jacqueline Bisset. Unfortunately, "Supergirl" (1984) reduced him to beefcake, and his other film that year, "The Wild Life," was an unsuccessful attempt to clone "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" and did nothing for his career.
- Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Pedro Pires is a film director, cinematographer, film editor, screenwriter and film producer.
- Birthplace: Nantes, France
- Albert Howell is a Canadian improv comedian and poet. He has appeared in several films and television shows, and has received recognition for his screenwriting as well as for his improv work. and he is part of second city on the Norwegian breakaway
- George Bloomfield was an actor, film director, screenwriter, television director and producer.
- Birthplace: Montreal, Canada
- Miranda Kwok is screenwriter, actress, and film producer born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Birthplace: Toronto, Canada
- Ever since he began making films at the age of 10 with a Kodak camera his father gave him for his birthday, David Winning has dedicated his professional life to the filmmaking process. He made short films in high school with his friends, leading to a Canada Council Exploration grant for his first 16mm project (later blown up to 35mm for screenings in the U.K.), entitled "Sequence." This success led the then 22-year-old director to expand his vision into the feature-length drama "Storm." It too garnered praise after its 1987 release. Winning turned to television in the '90s, helming multiple episodes of shows like the action series"Street Justice," the spooky family mysteries "Are You Afraid of the Dark?," and "Goosebumps." He hit big in 1997 with the feature- length film version of the kids' action phenomenon "Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie" and continued exploring youth themes in two teen comedy programs for TV, "Breaker High" and "Sweet Valley High." Winning has turned his attention to the horror and science fiction genres in the 2000s, directing several episodes of "Earth: Final Conflict," "Andromeda," and "Dinotopia." Winning also helmed the horror films "Black Swarm" and "Swamp Devil." He has won numerous directorial awards from film festivals throughout the United States and Canada. In 2011, Winning directed two episodes of the horror comedy series "Todd and the Book of Pure Evil ."
- Birthplace: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Alfred Elton van Vogt (; April 26, 1912 – January 26, 2000) was a Canadian-born science fiction author. His fragmented, bizarre narrative style influenced later science fiction writers, notably Philip K. Dick. He is one of the most popular and influential practitioners of science fiction in the mid-twentieth century, the genre's so-called Golden Age, and one of the most complex.
- Birthplace: Gretna, Canada
- Pierre Curzi (born February 11, 1946 in Montreal, Quebec) is an actor, screenwriter and politician in Quebec. He is a former Member of the National Assembly of Quebec (MNA) for the riding of Borduas in the Montérégie region south of Montreal. Elected under the Parti Québécois (PQ) banner, he later sat as an independent.
- Birthplace: Montreal, Canada
- Zenas Winsor McCay (c. 1866–71 – July 26, 1934) was an American cartoonist and animator. He is best known for the comic strip Little Nemo (1905–14; 1924–26) and the animated film Gertie the Dinosaur (1914). For contractual reasons, he worked under the pen name Silas on the comic strip Dream of the Rarebit Fiend. From a young age, McCay was a quick, prolific, and technically dextrous artist. He started his professional career making posters and performing for dime museums, and in 1898 began illustrating newspapers and magazines. In 1903 he joined the New York Herald, where he created popular comic strips such as Little Sammy Sneeze and Dream of the Rarebit Fiend. In 1905 his signature strip Little Nemo in Slumberland debuted—a fantasy strip in an Art Nouveau style about a young boy and his adventurous dreams. The strip demonstrated McCay's strong graphic sense and mastery of color and linear perspective. McCay experimented with the formal elements of the comic strip page, arranging and sizing panels to increase impact and enhance the narrative. McCay also produced numerous detailed editorial cartoons and was a popular performer of chalk talks on the vaudeville circuit. McCay was an early animation pioneer; between 1911 and 1921 he self-financed and animated ten films, some of which survive only as fragments. The first three served in his vaudeville act; Gertie the Dinosaur was an interactive routine in which McCay appeared to give orders to a trained dinosaur. McCay and his assistants worked for twenty-two months on his most ambitious film, The Sinking of the Lusitania (1918), a patriotic recreation of the German torpedoing in 1915 of the RMS Lusitania. Lusitania did not enjoy as much commercial success as the earlier films, and McCay's later movies attracted little attention. His animation, vaudeville, and comic strip work was gradually curtailed as newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, his employer since 1911, expected McCay to devote his energies to editorial illustrations. In his drawing, McCay made bold, prodigious use of linear perspective, particularly in detailed architecture and cityscapes. He textured his editorial cartoons with copious fine hatching, and made color a central element in Little Nemo. His comic strip work has influenced generations of cartoonists and illustrators. The technical level of McCay's animation—its naturalism, smoothness, and scale—was unmatched until the work of Fleischer Studios in the late 1920s, followed by Walt Disney's feature films in the 1930s. He pioneered inbetweening, the use of registration marks, cycling, and other animation techniques that were to become standard.
- Birthplace: Michigan, USA, Spring Lake
- Lance Kinsey (born June 13, 1954) is a Canadian actor and screenwriter, best known for his role as Lt. Proctor in the Police Academy film series. He also played the male lead in Club Fed.
- Birthplace: Canada, Calgary
- Arthur Hailey (April 5, 1920 – November 24, 2004) was a British-Canadian novelist whose plot-driven storylines were set against the backdrops of various industries. His meticulously researched books, which include such best sellers as Hotel (1965), Airport (1968), Wheels (1971), The Moneychangers (1975), and Overload (1979), have sold 170 million copies in 38 languages.
- Birthplace: Luton, United Kingdom
- G. B. Jones is a Canadian artist, filmmaker, musician, and publisher of zines based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Her art work has been featured at galleries around the world, and her films screened at numerous film festivals, both in Canada and abroad. Her most recent musical project is Opera Arcana, founded in collaboration with Minus Smile of Kids on TV.
- Birthplace: Bowmanville, Canada
- Arthur Stringer (February 26, 1874 – September 13, 1950) was a Canadian novelist, screenwriter, and poet who later moved to the United States. He published 45 works of fiction and 15 other books, in addition to writing filmscripts and articles. Society, my dear, is like salt water, good to swim in but hard to swallow.
- Birthplace: Chatham, Ontario, Chatham-Kent, Canada
- Burt Metcalfe (born March 19, 1935 in Saskatchewan, Canada) is a Canadian American television and film producer, director, actor, and writer.
- Birthplace: Saskatchewan, Canada
Marian Waldman
Dec. at 60 (1924-1985)Marian Ann Waldman (16 December 1924 – 5 July 1985) was a Canadian actress. She was also a veteran stage actress for Toronto for many decades of her career.- Birthplace: Toronto, Canada
- Edward J. "Eddie" Doherty (October 30, 1890 – May 4, 1975) was an American newspaper reporter, author and Oscar-nominated screenwriter. He is the co-founder of the Madonna House Apostolate, and later ordained a priest in the Melkite Greek Catholic Church.
- Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois