Canadian actors who were born in 1909
Here are 6 famous actors from Canada were born in 1909:
Robert Beatty
Robert Beatty (October 19, 1909 Hamilton-March 3, 1992 London) also known as Robert Rutherford Beatty was a Canadian actor.
Beatty was born in Hamilton, Ontario, but raised in Troon, Scotland. He began his acting career in the 1930s, performing on stage in London's West End before transitioning to film and television in the 1940s. Beatty appeared in over 150 film and television productions throughout his career, including roles in "2001: A Space Odyssey" and "Where Eagles Dare." He was also a distinguished voice actor, narrating various documentaries and providing the voice for numerous characters in animated series such as "Thunderbirds." In addition to his acting work, Beatty was a skilled pilot and served as a flight instructor during World War II. He was awarded the Order of Canada in 1986 for his contributions to the entertainment industry.
Beatty's early years were spent in Troon, Scotland. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before making his stage debut in 1936. He became a member of the prestigious Old Vic Company in 1942, and subsequently appeared in many West End productions.
Beatty's film career began in 1940 with a small role in the crime drama "Contraband". He went on to appear in many British films of the 1940s, including "Pink String and Sealing Wax" and "Prelude to Fame". He also had a recurring role in the long-running British TV series "The Adventures of Robin Hood".
In 1952, Beatty moved to Hollywood and began working in American films. He had a small role in the classic film "Singin' in the Rain" and later appeared in "Quo Vadis" and "The Longest Day".
Beatty's most famous film role was as Dr. Ralph Halvorsen in Stanley Kubrick's "2001: A Space Odyssey". He also appeared in several other films including "Where Eagles Dare" and "The Pink Panther Strikes Again".
Throughout his career, Beatty was also known for his work as a voice actor. He provided the voice of Captain Blue in the popular 1960s British TV series "Thunderbirds" and also narrated numerous documentaries and educational films.
In addition to his acting work, Beatty was a skilled pilot and served as a flight instructor during World War II. He was awarded the Order of Canada in 1986 for his contributions to the entertainment industry, and he continued to act in film and TV until his death in 1992.
Beatty's talent was not limited to acting and voice work. He was also a prolific writer, penning several books throughout his life. His memoir, "Sell the Monkey", chronicled his experiences as a pilot during World War II, while his book "The Flying Canadian" explored the history of aviation in Canada. Beatty was also a skilled artist and photographer, with his work on display in several galleries.
Despite his success in many fields, Beatty remained humble throughout his life. In interviews, he often spoke of his gratitude for his opportunities and his love of acting. He once said, "I always thought life was a bit of a lottery, and I feel very lucky that it's gone alright for me."
Today, Beatty is remembered as a versatile and talented actor whose work spanned many genres and mediums. His contributions to the entertainment industry continue to be celebrated and appreciated.
Gratien Gélinas
Gratien Gélinas (December 8, 1909 Saint-Tite-March 16, 1999 Deux-Montagnes) also known as Gratien Gelinas or Gratien Gélinas, CC CQ FRSC was a Canadian writer, playwright, actor, film director and film producer. He had two children, Pascal Gélinas and Yves Gélinas.
Gélinas is considered by many as the father of modern Canadian theatre. He was a pioneer in promoting the use of the French-Canadian vernacular in his plays, which helped to elevate the status of the French language in the English-speaking theatre world. Some of his most notable works include "Tit-Coq," "Bousille et les Justes," and "Hier, les enfants dansaient."
In addition to his work in theatre, Gélinas was a respected film director and producer. He directed several successful films in the 1950s and 60s, including "La petite Aurore l'enfant martyre" and "Les Brûlés." He was also an accomplished actor, appearing in numerous stage productions, films, and TV shows throughout his career.
Gélinas was the recipient of numerous awards and honors for his contributions to Canadian culture. He was made a Companion of the Order of Canada in 1989, and was also inducted into the Canadian Film Hall of Fame and the Royal Society of Canada.
In 1988, Gélinas was awarded the Governor General's Performing Arts Award, which is one of Canada's highest honors in the performing arts. He was also a member of the Order of Quebec, and was awarded the Prix Denise-Pelletier in 1974. Gélinas continued to work in the theatre and film industries well into his later years. He passed away in 1999 at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy as one of Canada's most important cultural figures. Today, his contributions to theatre and film are still celebrated and studied in Canada and around the world.
Gélinas began his career as an actor in the 1930s, performing in various stage productions in both English and French. He eventually transitioned to playwriting, and his first major success came with "Tit-Coq" in 1948, which he also starred in. The play was a critical and commercial success, and helped to establish Gélinas as a leading figure in Canadian theatre.
Throughout his career, Gélinas remained dedicated to promoting Canadian culture and identity through his work. He was a strong advocate for the use of Canadian actors, writers, and directors in the film and theatre industries, and he worked to champion the French-Canadian language and culture.
Beyond his artistic work, Gélinas was also involved in political activism, particularly in the realm of Quebec separatism. He was a member of the Parti Québécois, a political party dedicated to the independence of Quebec from Canada.
Today, Gélinas is remembered as a trailblazer in Canadian theatre and film, and his works continue to be studied and performed by artists around the world. His legacy remains an important part of Canada's cultural heritage.
George Beverly Shea
George Beverly Shea (February 1, 1909 Winchester, Ontario-April 16, 2013 Asheville) a.k.a. Bev or Beverly Shea was a Canadian writer, songwriter, singer and actor. He had two children, Ronnie Shea and Elaine Shea.
George Beverly Shea is best known for his gospel music performances and for his association with evangelist Billy Graham. He began his music career as a choir director and soloist in the early 1920s, and later became known for his rich bass-baritone voice. Shea was a regular performer at Graham's crusades from the 1940s through the early 2000s, and recorded more than 70 albums throughout his long career. He was also a prolific songwriter, penning such famous tunes as "I'd Rather Have Jesus" and "The Wonder of It All." Shea received numerous awards and honors throughout his life, including a Lifetime Achievement Grammy in 2011. In addition to his music work, he also acted in small roles on television and in films. Shea passed away at the age of 104 in Asheville, North Carolina.
In addition to his work with Billy Graham, Shea also performed at other high-profile events, including several presidential inaugurations and at the funeral of President Richard Nixon. He was inducted into the Gospel Music Association's Hall of Fame in 1978, and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2011. Shea was a devout Christian and was known for his unwavering faith and dedication to spreading the Gospel through music. He was married to Karlene Aceto Shea for 59 years until her death in 1976. In his later years, Shea continued to record music and perform, even in his 90s. He was widely regarded as one of the most beloved and influential figures in gospel music history.
Shea's musical talents were apparent from a young age. He began singing in church at the age of five and later learned to play the piano and organ. In his early twenties, he joined the staff of a Chicago-based radio station, where he served as a staff announcer and choir director. After a few years, Shea made the decision to pursue a full-time career in music, and he began performing at churches and other events across the country.
Throughout his career, Shea remained dedicated to his faith and shared his love of Christ through his music. He was a mentor and friend to many in the gospel music industry and inspired countless people with his messages of hope, love, and redemption. Despite his fame and success, Shea remained humble and committed to serving others, often working with charitable organizations and causes.
Upon his death, Billy Graham praised Shea as "one of the finest men I ever knew" and called him "a great warrior of the faith." Shea's contributions to gospel music and his impact on the lives of countless people will continue to be celebrated and remembered for generations to come.
Robert Carson
Robert Carson (June 8, 1909 Carman-June 2, 1979 Atascadero) a.k.a. Robert Samuel Carson, Robert S. Carson or Bob Carson was a Canadian actor.
Carson was born in Carman, Manitoba, Canada and he started his acting career in the 1930s. He appeared in over 100 films and TV shows throughout his career, including "Gone with the Wind" in 1939 and "Mildred Pierce" in 1945. He was often cast as a supporting character or in small roles, but he occasionally landed leading roles as well.
In addition to his work onscreen, Carson also worked as a writer and producer, and even hosted his own television show called "The Bob Carson Show" in the 1950s. Carson retired from acting in the 1970s and passed away in Atascadero, California at the age of 69.
Carson worked with some of Hollywood's biggest stars throughout his career, including Clark Gable, Bette Davis, and Joan Crawford. His work in "Gone with the Wind" and "Mildred Pierce" earned him critical acclaim and helped to establish him as a respected character actor. In addition to his acting work, Carson was also involved in politics, and was a member of both the Republican Party and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He was married multiple times and had two children, including a son who followed in his footsteps and became an actor. Despite his success in Hollywood, Carson remained proud of his Canadian heritage and often spoke of his love for his home country. He is remembered as a talented actor and writer who made his mark on the entertainment industry during its golden age.
Carson's interest in writing never waned, and he went on to write several episodes of television shows, including "The Loretta Young Show" and "The Lone Ranger". Carson also produced several films and served as a producer on a few television shows. He was known to be a modest and down-to-earth man who never let the fame get to his head. In fact, Carson once said, "I have never been a star, I have always been an actor". In his later years, Carson suffered from poor health and retired from the entertainment industry. He spent his remaining years in Atascadero with his last wife. Today, Carson is remembered as a versatile actor who gave many memorable performances in his career.
Jack Reynolds
Jack Reynolds (June 2, 1909 Claresholm-September 30, 1990 Escondido) a.k.a. John Wesley Reynolds was a Canadian actor. He had one child, Linda Reynolds.
Jack Reynolds was most famous for his roles in Western movies and TV shows. He started his acting career in the 1930s and appeared in over 200 films throughout his career, often playing the tough guy with a heart of gold. However, in the 1960s and 1970s, he transitioned into TV roles, making appearances in shows like Gunsmoke, The Virginian, and Bonanza. In addition to his acting career, Reynolds was also interested in aviation and owned his own private plane. He passed away in Escondido, California at the age of 81.
Despite Jack Reynolds being of Canadian origin, he spent most of his career working in Hollywood, California. Some of his notable film credits include "The Lone Ranger" (1938), "Guns of the Pecos" (1951), and "The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp" (1955-1956). Reynolds was also known for his work in various TV commercials, including the famous Hamm's Beer commercials in the 1960s. In his later years, he was a judge for the Miss Universe Canada pageant. Reynolds was known for his tough exterior and deep, commanding voice, which helped him secure many roles as a menacing villain or a hard-edged hero. Despite his gruff exterior, he was known to be a kind and generous man behind the scenes, respected and admired by his colleagues in the film industry.
In addition to his career in acting, Jack Reynolds had a passion for aviation. He owned his own private plane and was known to take flying lessons in his free time. Reynolds was also a member of the Screen Actors Guild and was active in advocating for actors' rights. He believed in helping aspiring actors and gave back to the industry by teaching acting classes. Reynolds was married twice, and he had one daughter, Linda Reynolds, who followed in her father's footsteps and became an actress. Reynolds is remembered for his memorable performances in Western movies and TV shows and for being a respected and well-liked member of the film industry.
Sydney Smith
Sydney Smith (November 25, 1909 Bedford-March 4, 1978 Seattle) also known as Sidney Smith or Sydney G. Smith was a Canadian actor.
He appeared in over 100 films, television shows, and stage productions throughout his career. Born in Bedford, Nova Scotia, Smith moved to New York City in the early 1930s to pursue a career in acting. He started out in vaudeville before transitioning to film and television roles. Smith was best known for his performances on the popular TV show "The Ed Sullivan Show" and his recurring role on the series "The Jackie Gleason Show." He also appeared in several films, including "The Disorderly Orderly" and "The Nutty Professor." Later in his career, Smith moved to Seattle and worked in local theater productions until his death in 1978.
In addition to his successful acting career, Sydney Smith was also a talented writer and musician. He wrote comedy sketches and music for various productions, and even played the piano on "The Ed Sullivan Show" during his performances. Smith was a well-respected figure in the entertainment industry and was known for his kind and generous nature. He often mentored and supported young actors and performers. Smith was married to actress Edith Atwater for over 40 years until her death in 1977. He passed away just a year later from heart failure at the age of 68. Smith's legacy continues to live on through his memorable performances and contributions to the entertainment industry.
Smith's early years were marked by financial struggles, as his family did not have much money. Despite this, he was able to attend Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he developed his passion for acting. After graduation, he moved to New York City, where he found work in a number of theater productions before breaking into film and television.
Throughout his career, Smith was known for his versatility as an actor. He had a natural talent for comedy, but was equally adept at playing serious dramatic roles. His work on "The Ed Sullivan Show" helped to make him a household name, and he became a regular fixture on the show for many years.
Despite his success, Smith remained humble and down-to-earth, and was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. His warm personality and infectious sense of humor made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
In addition to his work as an actor, Smith was also a dedicated philanthropist. He was involved with a number of charitable organizations, and donated generously to causes such as children's health care and education. He was also a strong supporter of the arts, and used his influence to help emerging artists and performers.
Overall, Sydney Smith was a talented and respected actor who left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. His legacy continues to inspire and entertain audiences to this day.