Canadian actors who were born in 1912
Here are 9 famous actors from Canada were born in 1912:
Jay Silverheels
Jay Silverheels (May 26, 1912 Six Nations of the Grand River First Nation-March 5, 1980 Calabasas) a.k.a. Harold J. Smith, Harry Smith, Harold Smith or Harry Silversmith was a Canadian actor. He had one child, Jay Silverheels Jr..
Jay Silverheels was best known for his portrayal of Tonto, the Lone Ranger's Native American companion in the popular TV series "The Lone Ranger". He played Tonto in over 220 episodes from 1949 to 1957, and also appeared in two of the show's theatrical films. Silverheels was an accomplished athlete and played professional lacrosse before turning to acting. He was also a member of the Mohawk Nation, and took pride in representing his Native American culture and heritage in his acting roles. Silverheels had numerous roles in film and television throughout his career, but his portrayal of Tonto remains his most iconic role to this day.
Art Linkletter
Art Linkletter (July 17, 1912 Moose Jaw-May 26, 2010 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Arthur Gordon Kelly, Linkletter, Art, Gordon Arthur Kelly or Arthur Gordon "Art" Linkletter was a Canadian presenter, radio personality and actor. He had five children, Robert Linkletter, Dawn Linkletter, Sharon Linkletter, Diane Linkletter and Jack Linkletter.
Art Linkletter is best known for his successful television shows including "House Party" and "Kids Say the Darndest Things". He also wrote several books, including "Kids Say the Darndest Things", which was based on his iconic segment. In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, Linkletter was actively involved in philanthropy and served as a trustee of the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA). He was awarded the Order of Canada in 1998 for his outstanding contributions to Canadian broadcasting and charitable work. Linkletter passed away at the age of 97.
Rod Rogers
Rod Rogers (August 21, 1912 Montreal-February 23, 1983 Tamarac) otherwise known as Roger Loic Le Gouriadec was a Canadian actor.
He began his career in radio in the 1930s before transitioning to acting on stage and later on screen. Rogers appeared in over 50 films and television shows in his career. He is perhaps best known for his roles in films such as "Sitting Pretty" (1948), "The Leopard Man" (1943), and "The Egg and I" (1947). Rogers was also known for his work in early television, including the series "Lights Out" and "Studio One". He retired from acting in the late 1960s and devoted his time to his passion for painting.
John Morley
John Morley (July 5, 1912 Chatham, Ontario-June 12, 1991 Los Angeles) a.k.a. John L. Morley was a Canadian actor.
With a career spanning three decades, Morley appeared in over 70 film and television productions. He started his career in Canada before moving to Hollywood in the 1940s. He appeared in a variety of genres including westerns, dramas, and comedies. Some of his notable films include "The Vicious Circle" (1948), "Last of the Badmen" (1957) and "The Story of Ruth" (1960). He also made numerous television appearances, guest-starring on popular shows such as "Gunsmoke," "The Twilight Zone" and "Perry Mason." Outside of acting, Morley was also a successful author, publishing several novels throughout his career.
Tom Palmer
Tom Palmer (October 26, 1912 Toronto-November 22, 1997 San Diego) a.k.a. Thomas Palmer was a Canadian actor.
He began his acting career on the stage in Canada and the United States before transitioning to film and television. Palmer appeared in over 70 films and TV shows, including "The Maltese Falcon," "The Great Gatsby," and "The Twilight Zone." He was also a prolific television actor, with guest appearances on shows such as "Perry Mason," "Gunsmoke," and "The Wild Wild West." Palmer was well-known for his deep, distinctive voice and commanding stage presence. In addition to his acting career, he was also an accomplished tennis player and coach.
Don Forbes
Don Forbes (June 9, 1912 Camrose-November 28, 1995 Los Angeles) otherwise known as Donald Telfer Forbes was a Canadian actor.
Don Forbes appeared in over 150 films throughout his career, most notably in western and adventure films. He was known for his deep voice and rugged looks, which earned him many roles as a tough guy character. Forbes began his career in radio before transitioning to film in the 1940s. Some of his most memorable roles were in films such as "Gone with the Wind," "Rio Grande," and "Gunfight at the O.K. Corral." Outside of his acting career, Forbes was also an accomplished writer, penning several western novels under the pseudonym "Frank Wynne." Despite spending the majority of his career in Hollywood, Forbes remained proud of his Canadian roots and often spoke fondly of his hometown of Camrose.
Jack Roberts
Jack Roberts (February 3, 1912 Toronto-March 13, 1980 Palm Springs) a.k.a. John R. Roberts or John Ross Roberts was a Canadian actor and screenwriter.
Born in Toronto, Ontario, Jack Roberts' career in the entertainment industry spanned over three decades. He appeared in a number of films and television shows, but is best known for his work as a screenwriter. Roberts wrote the screenplays for several movies including "The Outlaw" (1943), "Hellfire" (1949), and "Jubilee Trail" (1954). He also wrote for popular television shows such as "The Lone Ranger" and "Death Valley Days". Roberts passed away in Palm Springs, California in 1980 at the age of 68.
Lou Merrill
Lou Merrill (April 1, 1912 Winnipeg-April 7, 1963 Los Angeles) also known as Louis Merrill, Lou Merril or Louis D. Merrill was a Canadian actor.
He appeared in various television shows and films from the 1940s to the 1960s. Merrill had a distinctive deep and raspy voice, which made him a valuable asset in the entertainment industry. He was a regular performer on various radio shows, including "The Whistler" and "Escape". He also acted in films such as "Key Largo" and "The Blue Dahlia". In addition to his acting career, Merrill also worked as a writer and producer for radio and television. Despite his success in the industry, he struggled with alcoholism and died of a heart attack at the age of 51.
Robin Short
Robin Short (November 26, 1912 St. Boniface-October 4, 1980 Los Angeles) also known as Robin or Robert Price Short was a Canadian actor.
He appeared in several films and television shows throughout his career, including the films "Sunset Boulevard" and "Viva Zapata!" and the TV series "Perry Mason" and "The Twilight Zone". Short grew up in Winnipeg and began acting in local theatrical productions before moving to Hollywood in the 1930s. He was known for his versatility and ability to play a wide range of characters, from charming and suave to sinister and villainous. Despite his success in Hollywood, Short remained proud of his Canadian roots and often returned to perform in Canadian theatre productions.