Canadian actors who were born in 1911
Here are 8 famous actors from Canada were born in 1911:
Marshall McLuhan
Marshall McLuhan (July 21, 1911 Edmonton-December 31, 1980 Toronto) a.k.a. Herbert Marshall McLuhan was a Canadian educator, philosopher, futurist, writer, author and actor. He had six children, Teri C. McLuhan, Eric McLuhan, Mary McLuhan, Stephanie McLuhan, Elizabeth McLuhan and Michael McLuhan.
McLuhan is best known for his groundbreaking theories on media and communication, especially the way technology shapes our understanding of the world. His most famous work, "Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man," was published in 1964 and explored the effects of different media on human perception and behavior. McLuhan was regarded as a controversial figure in his time, and his ideas were often met with skepticism and criticism. However, his influence on the fields of media theory and cultural studies has been profound, and his legacy continues to influence scholars and thinkers today.
McLuhan was raised in a strict Catholic family in western Canada and attended college at the University of Manitoba and the University of Cambridge. He later taught English at several universities, including the University of Toronto, where he became known for his charismatic, unorthodox teaching style. McLuhan's work inspired a generation of scholars and artists, ranging from media theorist Neil Postman to musician David Bowie. His theories were also seen as prescient, predicting the impact of the internet and other technologies before they had even been invented. McLuhan died of a stroke in 1980 at the age of 69.
Hume Cronyn
Hume Cronyn (July 18, 1911 London-June 15, 2003 Fairfield) a.k.a. Hume Blake Cronyn, Hume Cronin, Hume Blake Cronyn Jr. or Hume Blake Cronyn, OC was a Canadian actor, television producer and screenwriter. His children are called Christopher Cronyn and Tandy Cronyn.
Cronyn began his acting career in the 1930s and went on to have a successful career in film, television and stage. He was known for his roles in films such as "Shadow of a Doubt," "The Postman Always Rings Twice," and "Lifeboat." He also appeared in numerous television shows and stage productions, earning multiple Tony Awards for his performances.
In addition to his acting career, Cronyn was also a co-founder of the Stratford Festival in Ontario, Canada, one of the most prestigious Shakespearean festivals in the world. He was also a decorated World War II veteran, having served in the Canadian Army.
Cronyn was married to fellow actress Jessica Tandy for over 50 years until her death in 1994. The two were a beloved acting couple, appearing together in numerous productions including the film "Cocoon" for which they both received Academy Award nominations.
Throughout his career, Hume Cronyn was widely respected and praised for his acting talent, as well as his contributions to the world of theater and film. He passed away in 2003 at the age of 91.
In addition to his successful career as an actor, producer, and screenwriter, Hume Cronyn was also an accomplished author. He published several books throughout his life, including his memoirs "A Terrible Liar," which was released in 1991, and "The Lost World," a collection of short stories that was published in 1993. Cronyn was also known for his love of sailing and was an experienced sailor. He often enjoyed spending time on his sailboat, which he named "Toad." In honor of his contributions to Canadian theatre and culture, Cronyn was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1988, one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a Canadian citizen.
Brian Farnon
Brian Farnon (November 27, 1911 Toronto-May 28, 2010 Sacramento) also known as Brian Felix James Farnon was a Canadian actor and musician. He had three children, Charmian Carr, Darleen Carr and Shannon Farnon.
Brian Farnon began his career as a trumpet player in various bands and orchestras in Canada before moving to Hollywood in the late 1930s. He worked as a composer, arranger, and conductor for various film studios and television networks, contributing to the scores of several popular films and TV shows. Some of his most notable works include the theme for "The Lone Ranger" and the score for the film "Mighty Joe Young."
In addition to his work in music, Farnon also appeared as an actor in several films and television shows throughout his career. He had small roles in films such as "The Time Machine" and "Gidget Goes Hawaiian," as well as TV shows such as "Maverick" and "Perry Mason."
Farnon lived a long and varied life, passing away at the age of 98 in Sacramento, California. His children have continued to work in the entertainment industry, with Charmian Carr famously playing the role of Liesl von Trapp in the film "The Sound of Music."
In addition to his work as a composer and actor, Brian Farnon also worked in radio broadcasting. He was the musical director for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's popular radio program "The Happy Gang" in the late 1930s. Farnon went on to work for NBC Radio in the United States, conducting the orchestra for the popular show "The Fred Allen Show."
He was a prolific composer, arranger, and conductor, and his work was featured in many popular films and TV shows throughout the 1940s and 1950s. Farnon also conducted for notable artists such as Frank Sinatra, Sarah Vaughan, and Judy Garland.
Later in his career, Farnon moved to Sacramento, California and continued to work as a composer and arranger. He also taught music at Sacramento State University and the University of California, Davis.
Despite his many accomplishments in the entertainment industry, Farnon remained relatively unknown to the general public for much of his career. However, he continued to have a lasting impact on the industry through his musical contributions to some of the most iconic films and TV shows of the 20th century.
John McLaren
John McLaren (October 10, 1911 Keoma, Alberta-May 10, 1970 Los Angeles) also known as John MacLaren was a Canadian actor.
He began his career in the late 1920s as a stage actor in Canada, eventually transitioning to a successful career in Hollywood films in the 1940s. Some of his most notable roles include playing the father of Audrey Hepburn's character in "My Fair Lady" (1964), and appearing in two Alfred Hitchcock movies, "Topaz" (1969) and "The Birds" (1963). In addition to his film work, McLaren was also a prolific television actor, appearing in popular series such as "Rawhide," "Gunsmoke," and "The Twilight Zone." Despite being a successful and respected actor, he died in relative obscurity at the age of 58.
McLaren was born in a rural part of Alberta and began acting at a young age, performing in local theater productions. He eventually moved to Toronto to pursue a career in acting and quickly found success on the stage. In the early 1940s, he moved to Los Angeles with his wife and continued his career in Hollywood. In addition to his acting work, McLaren was also a skilled carpenter and mechanic. He loved working with his hands and often took on building and repair projects in his spare time. Despite his success in the entertainment industry, McLaren remained grounded and dedicated to his craft throughout his career. He was especially known for his ability to bring depth and nuance to his performances, even in small supporting roles. To this day, he is remembered as a talented and versatile actor who left an indelible mark on Hollywood.
Edmund Glover
Edmund Glover (June 17, 1911 Vancouver-November 25, 1978 New York City) a.k.a. Ed Glover was a Canadian actor. He had one child, Helen Yuill.
Glover began his acting career on stage in British Columbia in the 1930s before moving to New York City to pursue film and television roles. He appeared in a variety of films throughout the 1940s and 1950s, including "So Proudly We Hail!" (1943), "Objective, Burma!" (1945), and "Slaughter on Tenth Avenue" (1957).
In addition to his film work, Glover had a successful career in television, appearing in popular shows such as "Alfred Hitchcock Presents," "Perry Mason," and "The Twilight Zone." He also made several guest appearances on "The Jack Benny Program."
Glover was known for his versatility as an actor, playing a wide range of characters from villains to sympathetic figures. He continued to work in the entertainment industry until his death in 1978 at the age of 67.
Glover's acting career spanned over four decades, during which he appeared in over 100 films and numerous TV shows. Some of his other notable film credits include "The Story of Dr. Wassell" (1944), "The Brigand" (1952), and "The Bamboo Prison" (1954). In addition to his work as an actor, Glover was also a skilled pilot and served as a flight instructor during World War II. He was known for his love of flying and often incorporated his passion for aviation into his acting roles. Glover also had a talent for writing and was an accomplished playwright. His works were performed in theaters across Canada and the United States. Despite his success as an actor, Glover was known for his humble and down-to-earth personality. He was highly respected by his colleagues in the entertainment industry and fondly remembered by fans of his work.
Wallace Douglas
Wallace Douglas (August 15, 1911 Winnipeg-August 8, 1990 Sussex) a.k.a. Wallace Stuart Douglas was a Canadian actor. He had two children, Louise Finlayson and Sally Finlayson.
During his career, Wallace Douglas appeared in more than 35 films and television shows. Some of his notable film credits include "The Neptune Factor" (1973), "The 27th Day" (1957), and "Fury at Showdown" (1957). He also appeared on various television shows including "Alfred Hitchcock Presents", "Perry Mason", and "Bonanza".
In addition to acting, Douglas was also a writer and director. He wrote the script for the film "The Men" (1950) and directed the TV movie "Monkeys in the Attic" (1974).
Douglas served in the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II before pursuing his career in acting. He was also a member of the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television.
Wallace Douglas began his acting career in local theater productions in Winnipeg before he moved to New York City to study at the prestigious Neighborhood Playhouse. After serving in the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II, he resumed his passion for acting and began his career in film and television in the 1950s. During his career, he worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood such as Henry Fonda, James Stewart, and Lionel Barrymore. In addition to his work as an actor, Douglas was also an accomplished stage director and theater producer. He established the Open Stage Theater in Sussex, New Brunswick in 1979, where he continued to work and teach until his death in 1990 at the age of 78. Douglas was a respected member of the Canadian acting community and was posthumously inducted into the Canadian Walk of Fame in 2015.
Jerry Ambler
Jerry Ambler (May 19, 1911 Minburn-November 5, 2014 San Juan County) also known as Jerry Clarkson Ambler was a Canadian actor and cowboy.
Born in Minburn, Alberta, Ambler developed a love for horses and the outdoors at a young age. He began his career as a cowboy, working on ranches in Saskatchewan and Alberta, before transitioning to acting in the 1940s.
Ambler appeared in several films, including "North of the Border" (1946) and "Stampede" (1949). He also had a successful career in television, with roles on shows like "The Lone Ranger" and "Rawhide".
In addition to his acting work, Ambler was also a rodeo rider and trick roper, performing in rodeos across North America. He was inducted into the Canadian Rodeo Hall of Fame in 1994.
Ambler passed away in San Juan County, Utah in 2014, at the age of 103.
Ambler was a true cowboy at heart and his passion for the rodeo was evident throughout his life. In addition to his induction into the Canadian Rodeo Hall of Fame, he was also honored with a star on the Canadian Walk of Fame in 1998. Despite his success in the entertainment industry, Ambler never forgot his roots and continued to live a simple life, spending much of his time on his ranch in Alberta. He was known for his kind heart and often used his celebrity status to raise awareness and funds for various charities. Ambler's legacy as a beloved actor, cowboy, and humanitarian lives on to this day.
Frederick W. Elvidge
Frederick W. Elvidge (November 4, 1911 Ottawa-December 23, 1988 Los Angeles) also known as Frederick Elvidge or Ted Howard was a Canadian actor.
He began his acting career in the 1930s working in radio dramas and later appeared in films and television shows. Elvidge played a variety of roles throughout his career, including both comedic and dramatic characters. He appeared in popular films such as "The Philadelphia Story" (1940) and "National Velvet" (1944). In addition to his work in film and television, Elvidge also performed in stage productions. He was known for his versatility as an actor and his ability to portray a wide range of characters. Later in his career, he became a drama coach and worked with actors on improving their skills. Elvidge passed away in 1988 at the age of 77 in Los Angeles.
Born in Ottawa, Canada, Elvidge moved to the United States in the 1930s to pursue his acting career. His first role was in the radio drama universe and he performed in over 2,500 radio shows. He eventually transitioned to television and film in the 1940s and went on to appear in numerous popular shows including "Perry Mason," "The Twilight Zone," and "Alfred Hitchcock Presents." As an actor, Elvidge was skilled in adapting to different roles, from his comical character in "The Philadelphia Story" to his serious performance in "Angel on My Shoulder." Elvidge was a member of the Screen Actors Guild and after his acting career slowed down, he continued to be involved in the industry by managing and promoting fellow actors. He was survived by his wife and daughter.