Canadian actors who were born in 1915
Here are 6 famous actors from Canada were born in 1915:
Lorne Greene
Lorne Greene (February 12, 1915 Ottawa-September 11, 1987 Santa Monica) otherwise known as Lyon Chaim Green O.C., LL.D., Lyon Himan Greene, The Voice of Doom, The Voice of Canada, Lyon Himan "Chaim" Green, Lyon Chaim Green, Chaim, Lyon Himan Green, Lyon Himan "Chaim" Greene, Lorne Green, Hyman or Lyon Himan Green, OC was a Canadian actor and musician. He had three children, Gillian Greene, Belinda Susan Bennet and Charles Greene.
Greene was best known for his roles in the TV series Bonanza, where he played the patriarch Ben Cartwright, and Battlestar Galactica, where he played Commander Adama. He was also an accomplished radio personality and hosted several programs, including The New Adventures of Nero Wolfe and CBS Radio Mystery Theater.
Before his acting career, Greene studied at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario and received his bachelor's degree in chemical engineering. He then worked briefly as a radio broadcaster for CBC before pursuing his passion for acting.
In addition to his acting and broadcasting work, Greene was involved in various philanthropic efforts throughout his life. He was a supporter of Canada's Sick Children's Hospital and helped raise money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada.
Greene passed away from pneumonia at the age of 72 in Santa Monica, California.
In addition to his acting work in Bonanza and Battlestar Galactica, Lorne Greene was also a regular collaborator with filmmaker Walt Disney. He served as the narrator for Disney's TV series "The Wonderful World of Color" and "The Legend of Lobo." In the music world, Greene released several albums over the years, including "Portrait of the West," which featured his spoken-word renditions of cowboy poetry. He also recorded a few singles, one of which, "Ringo," became a surprise hit in 1964. Greene was also an accomplished author and wrote several books throughout his life, including his autobiography titled "Welcome to the Ponderosa." In 1983, he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada for his contributions to Canadian broadcasting and the arts.
Lionel Murton
Lionel Murton (June 2, 1915 London-September 28, 2006 Basingstoke) also known as William Lionel Murton or Murt was a Canadian actor.
He began his acting career in the 1930s in Canada before moving to England in the 1950s. Murton appeared in numerous British films and television shows, including "The Avengers," "Doctor Who," and "Z-Cars." He also had a recurring role on the hit ITV sitcom "Mind Your Language" in the 1970s. Murton was beloved by his colleagues for his wit and professionalism on set, and he continued to act well into his 80s. In addition to his acting work, he was also an accomplished painter and photographer.
Murton was born in London, England in 1915 but grew up in Vancouver, Canada. He made his stage debut at the age of 18 and later moved to radio and television work. His breakthrough role in the UK came in the 1960s with the television series "No Hiding Place." Throughout his career, he worked with many prominent directors and actors, cementing his reputation as a highly talented character actor. Murton was known for his distinctive voice and was often cast in roles that required a posh British accent. He was also a passionate sports fan, following hockey and soccer closely, and was an avid golfer. Murton remained active in the entertainment industry until the end of his life and passed away peacefully in his home in Basingstoke, England at the age of 91.
Mickey Bennett
Mickey Bennett (January 28, 1915 Victoria-September 6, 1950 Hollywood) a.k.a. Little Mickey Bennett was a Canadian actor.
He began his acting career as a child actor in silent films in Hollywood. Bennett's career spanned two decades and he acted in more than 70 films, primarily in supporting roles. He is best known for his work in films like "The Last Gangster" (1937), "Boys Town" (1938), and "They Drive by Night" (1940). Bennett's last film was "Kim" (1950) in which he played a small role. He died later that year at the age of 35 due to liver disease. Despite his short career, Bennett's talent as an actor was widely recognized in Hollywood.
He was praised for his natural acting abilities and his ability to convey emotion through his performance. Bennett was also known for his dedication to his craft, and he often worked long hours on the set to perfect his performances. In addition to his film work, Bennett also acted on stage and appeared in several radio programs. He was also a talented athlete and enjoyed playing football and baseball in his spare time. Despite his success in Hollywood, Bennett remained humble and dedicated to his craft until the end of his life. His contributions to the film industry continue to be celebrated today, and he is remembered as a talented actor who left a lasting impact on the world of cinema.
George Whalley
George Whalley (July 25, 1915 Kingston-May 27, 1983 Kingston) otherwise known as Arthur George Cuthbert Whalley was a Canadian literary scholar and actor. He had three children, Katharine, Christopher and Emily.
Whalley was known for his studies on the works of Romantic poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and his book "Coleridge and Sara Hutchinson", which explored the relationship between Coleridge and his love interest. He also wrote extensively on the works of William Shakespeare, and edited several editions of Shakespeare's plays.
In addition to his academic work, Whalley was also an accomplished actor, and appeared in productions in both Canada and England. He was a founding member of the Stratford Festival in Ontario, and performed in several of their early productions.
Whalley was an active member of the Canadian literary scene, and was a founding member of the League of Canadian Poets. He also served as the President of the Royal Society of Canada from 1979 to 1980.
Whalley passed away at the age of 67 from a heart attack, leaving behind a legacy of scholarship and artistic creativity.
Whalley was born into a wealthy family and attended the private boarding school, Trinity College School in Port Hope, Ontario. He then went on to study at Queen's University in Kingston, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in 1937, and his Master's degree in 1940. During his time at Queen's, he became friends with fellow scholar Northrop Frye, and the two would go on to have a lasting intellectual collaboration.
During World War II, Whalley served in the Royal Canadian Navy, and was involved in the critical naval battle of the St. Lawrence River in 1942. After the war, he continued his academic pursuits and earned a Ph.D. from the University of London in 1950, with a dissertation on the 18th-century poet William Collins.
Whalley's literary scholarship was internationally recognized, and he was awarded the prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship in 1960 for his research on Coleridge. He also received many other awards throughout his career, including the Lorne Pierce Medal from the Royal Society of Canada in 1970.
Aside from his academic and artistic work, Whalley was known for his dapper style and his love of fast cars. He was also an avid traveler, and visited destinations all over the world, including India, Burma, and Africa.
Whalley's papers and personal effects can be found at the Queen's University Archives, and his legacy continues to inspire scholars and artists alike.
Jack Mather
Jack Mather (December 8, 1915 Mountain Park, Alberta-January 25, 2006 Toronto) also known as Jack Hallett Mather was a Canadian actor.
He was best known for his work in old-time radio shows, particularly his portrayal of the character of the Cisco Kid in the radio series of the same name. Mather started his career in radio in 1941 working for the CBC and later moved to the U.S. where he landed several roles in radio dramas until the late 1950s. He also had a successful career in television and film, appearing in a number of popular shows and films over the years. Despite his impressive acting career, Jack Mather remained humble and grounded throughout his life, and was known for his kindness and generosity to all those around him.
In addition to his work in radio, television, and film, Jack Mather was also an accomplished stage actor. He began his stage career in Canada before moving to California in the late 1940s to work in Hollywood. Throughout his career, he appeared in over 300 different radio programs, including The Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok, The Lone Ranger, and Gunsmoke. He also played a variety of roles on television, including appearances on The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin, Perry Mason, and The Twilight Zone.
Despite his busy acting career, Jack Mather also found time to give back to his community. He was a passionate advocate for the Canadian Olympic team and helped to raise funds to support their efforts for many years. He was also active in various humanitarian causes and supported organizations such as the Canadian Cancer Society and the United Way. Jack Mather passed away in 2006 at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy as one of Canada's most beloved actors.
Godfrey Craig
Godfrey Craig (January 20, 1915 Copper Cliff, Ontario-May 26, 1941 Los Angeles) also known as Duffy was a Canadian actor.
Craig started his career in acting in the late 1930s and quickly gained popularity for his role in the 1940 film "The Grapes of Wrath". He was known for his strong, masculine on-screen presence and starred in several films including "The Devil's Pipeline" and "Santa Fe Trail".
In 1941, at the age of 26, Craig died tragically in a car accident in Los Angeles. Despite his short career, he left a lasting impact on Hollywood and is remembered as a talented actor who left this world too soon.
In addition to his film career, Godfrey Craig also acted in several stage productions in both Canada and the United States. He was praised for his versatility as an actor, able to play both heroic and villainous roles with ease. Craig was also an avid athlete and was known to participate in sports such as hockey and boxing. His tragic death in the car accident cut short a promising career, leaving fans and colleagues mourning the loss of a rising star. In his memory, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences donated $1,000 to the Canadian Red Cross Society, his hometown's branch.