Canadian actors who were born in 1917
Here are 6 famous actors from Canada were born in 1917:
Raymond Burr
Raymond Burr (May 21, 1917 New Westminster-September 12, 1993 Healdsburg) also known as Raymond William Stacey Burr, Raymond William Stacy Burr, Ray Burr or Ray was a Canadian actor, television director and teacher.
Burr started his acting career on Broadway before transitioning to film, where he starred in over 50 movies. However, he is best known for his work on television, especially for his portrayal of the titular character in the legal drama series "Perry Mason," which aired from 1957 to 1966. He also starred in the crime drama series "Ironside" as the titular character, a police detective who became paralyzed from the waist down after being shot on the job.
Burr was one of the first actors to publicly acknowledge his homosexuality, though he kept his private life guarded. He was an advocate for gay rights and served as the honorary chairman of the United States Committee for the United Nations World Refugee Year in 1959. In addition to his acting career, Burr was also a passionate philanthropist, supporting organizations such as the National Wildlife Federation and the American Cancer Society. Burr passed away from cancer at the age of 76 in 1993.
Jacques Lorain
Jacques Lorain (July 1, 1917 Paris-July 3, 2006 Montreal) was a Canadian actor. His children are called Sophie Lorain and Daniele Lorain.
Jacques Lorain was born in Paris, France, and at a young age, his family moved to Quebec, Canada. He began acting in the 1940s and had a successful career in both French and English-language films and television shows. Lorain was part of the founding members of the National Theatre School of Canada in Montreal and taught there for over twenty years. He also directed several plays and was known for his passion for promoting Canadian culture. In addition to his acting career, Lorain was a distinguished radio announcer and voiceover artist. His daughter Sophie Lorain followed in his footsteps and became a well-known actress and director in Canada. Lorain remained active in the entertainment industry until his death in 2006 at the age of 89.
Jacques Labrecque
Jacques Labrecque (June 8, 1917 Saint-Benoît, Quebec-March 18, 1995) a.k.a. Labrecque, Jacques was a Canadian actor.
In addition to his acting career, Jacques Labrecque was also a singer and songwriter. He is best known for his performances in the films "Les Mains Nettes" and "Le Grand Remous". Labrecque was a prominent figure in Quebec's cultural scene and was highly respected for his contributions to the development of Quebec's arts and culture. Throughout his career, he earned many honors, including the Order of Canada and the National Order of Quebec. In 1982, he was also inducted into the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's Hall of Fame.
John Meredith
John Meredith (December 1, 1917 Toronto-February 6, 1990 London) was a Canadian actor.
Meredith was best known for his work on the stage, appearing in numerous productions in Canada and England. He also appeared in several films and television shows, including the British series Doctor Who. Meredith was a founding member of the Stratford Festival in Ontario, Canada, and was awarded the Order of Canada for his contributions to the arts. In addition to his acting career, Meredith was an accomplished painter and writer, publishing several books on art and theatre. He continued to work in the arts until his death in London at the age of 72.
Gordon Handforth
Gordon Handforth (August 24, 1917 Toronto-August 24, 1917 Toronto) was a Canadian actor.
Although Handforth had a brief acting career, he is best known for his role in the 1962 film "The Longest Day", in which he played Brigadier General Theodore Roosevelt Jr. Handforth also appeared in several television shows, including "The Twilight Zone" and "Perry Mason". Prior to his acting career, Handforth served in the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II. After retiring from acting, he worked as a voice-over artist for documentaries and commercials. Handforth passed away on July 30, 1994 in Toronto, Canada.
Alex Finlayson
Alex Finlayson (October 2, 1917 Sydney Mines-March 24, 2000 Los Angeles) was a Canadian actor.
He began his acting career in the 1940s, performing in various theater productions before transitioning to film and television. Finlayson appeared in over 100 film and TV credits throughout his career, including roles in popular shows such as "The Twilight Zone," "Star Trek," and "The Fugitive." He was also a prolific voice actor and lent his voice to several animated television series, including "The Jetsons" and "The Flintstones." Finlayson was known for his versatility as an actor, and he often played a wide range of roles from comedic to dramatic. In addition to his acting work, Finlayson also served as a drama teacher and mentor to aspiring actors. He passed away in 2000 at the age of 82.