Here are 8 famous actors from Canada were born in 1926:
Leslie Nielsen (February 11, 1926 Regina-November 28, 2010 Fort Lauderdale) also known as Leslie William Nielsen, Leslie Nelson, Leslie Nielson or Leslie William Nielsen, OC was a Canadian comedian, actor, film producer, voice actor and disc jockey. His children are called Thea Nielsen Disney and Maura Nielsen Kaplan.
Leslie Nielsen started his entertainment career in the late 1940s, appearing in several live television shows and films. However, Nielsen became a household name in the 1980s with his comedic roles in the films "Airplane!" and "The Naked Gun" franchise. He was known for his deadpan humor and impeccable comic timing, which made him a favorite among audiences. Besides his success in comedies, Nielsen also appeared in several dramatic roles, including the science-fiction film "Forbidden Planet."
Nielsen was also an accomplished voice actor, providing his voice for several animated films and television shows. He even won a Gemini Award for his voice work on the animated series "The Raccoons."
Outside of his entertainment career, Nielsen was also a pilot and served in the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II. He was also actively involved in charity work and was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2003.
Leslie Nielsen passed away in 2010 at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest comedic actors of his generation.
Read more about Leslie Nielsen on Wikipedia »
Norman Jewison (July 21, 1926 Toronto-) also known as Norman Frederick Jewison or Norman Frederick Jewison, CC, O.Ont is a Canadian film producer, film director, actor, television producer and television director. His children are called Jennifer Jewison, Michael Jewison and Kevin Jewison.
Jewison began his career in Canadian television where he directed numerous shows before moving to Hollywood in the 1960s. He went on to direct some of the most iconic films of the era, including "In the Heat of the Night", "The Thomas Crown Affair", and "Jesus Christ Superstar".
Throughout his career, Jewison has been nominated for seven Academy Awards and has won three: one for producing "In the Heat of the Night", one for directing "Moonstruck", and one honorary award for his contributions to the film industry.
In addition to his work in film, Jewison is also a dedicated social and political activist. He has been involved in numerous causes over the years, including fighting for civil rights and promoting environmental conservation. He is also a staunch supporter of Canadian culture and has worked tirelessly to promote Canadian talent in film and television.
Read more about Norman Jewison on Wikipedia »
Paul Buissonneau (December 24, 1926 Paris-) is a Canadian actor, singer and theatre director.
He moved to Canada with his family in 1937 and grew up in Montreal. Buissonneau began his career in the arts as a cartoonist and illustrator for various newspapers and magazines. He later transitioned to theatre and became a founding member of the Théâtre de Quat'Sous in Montreal in 1955. Buissonneau also worked as a director at the National Theatre School of Canada from 1969 to 1989, and was instrumental in the development of its playwriting program. He is known for his performances in Quebec television shows such as "Les Brûlés" and "Le Temps d'une paix." Buissonneau was awarded the Prix Denise-Pelletier in 1988 for his significant contribution to Quebec theatre.
Read more about Paul Buissonneau on Wikipedia »
Jack Duffy (September 27, 1926 Montreal-May 19, 2008 Toronto) was a Canadian comedian, singer and actor.
He began his career in entertainment as a teenager, performing in community theatre productions in Montreal. He later moved to Toronto and became a popular performer on the nightclub circuit, known for his quick wit and improvisational skills.
Duffy's career highlights include appearances on the Ed Sullivan Show and the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. He also appeared in several films, including the Canadian comedy "Meatballs" and the horror film "Black Christmas."
In addition to his work in entertainment, Duffy was also a philanthropist and activist, supporting a number of causes related to education, healthcare, and the arts. He was awarded the Order of Canada in recognition of his contributions to Canadian culture.
Read more about Jack Duffy on Wikipedia »
Charlie Biddle (July 28, 1926 Philadelphia-February 4, 2003 Montreal) also known as Charles Biddle Sr or Charles Reed Biddle was a Canadian actor. His children are called Stephanie Biddle, Charles Biddle Jr. and Sonya Biddle.
Charlie Biddle was not only a successful Canadian actor but also an accomplished jazz bassist. He began playing the bass at the age of 16 and quickly gained recognition for his skills, becoming a part of the Philadelphia jazz scene. In 1948, Charlie moved to Montreal to become a part of the city's thriving jazz community. There, he formed his own band, the Charlie Biddle Trio, which quickly gained popularity across Canada and beyond.
Throughout his life, Charlie left an indelible mark on the Canadian jazz scene. In recognition of his contributions, he was inducted into the Order of Canada in 1993. After his death in 2003, the Charlie Biddle Jazz Suite was established in his honor as a performing arts space in Montreal, ensuring that his legacy lives on.
Read more about Charlie Biddle on Wikipedia »
Al Mulock (June 30, 1926 Toronto-May 1, 1968 Guadix) a.k.a. Alfred Mulok Rogers, Alfred Mulock, Alfred Muloc, Al Mulloch, Al Muloc or Alfred Mulock Rogers was a Canadian actor. He had one child, Robin Mulock.
Al Mulock is best known for his role as "The Man with No Name" in Sergio Leone's film "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly". He also appeared in several other notable films, including "The Magnificent Seven", "The Great Escape" and "The Dirty Dozen". Mulock had a successful career in both television and film, and was praised for his versatility as an actor. However, tragically, Mulock died by suicide on the set of his last film "The Sea Gull" in 1968, reportedly due to mounting personal and financial difficulties. Despite his short life and career, Al Mulock is still remembered today as a talented and versatile actor in the film industry.
Read more about Al Mulock on Wikipedia »
Stu Nahan (June 23, 1926 Los Angeles-December 26, 2007 Studio City) was a Canadian journalist, sports commentator, actor and newscaster. His children are called Kathleen Nahan, Mick Nahan, K.C. Nahan and Marcie Nahan.
Nahan began working in journalism in the 1940s, eventually landing a job as a sportswriter for the Los Angeles Examiner. He spent over a decade covering sports and later transitioned to sports announcing. Nahan is perhaps best known for his role as the boxing commentator in the Rocky movie franchise, a role that he reprised in each film. In addition to his work as a journalist and commentator, Nahan also appeared in numerous films and television shows. Some of his acting credits include appearances in CHiPs, Seinfeld, and Cheers. Nahan has been inducted into both the Southern California Sports Broadcasters Hall of Fame and the World Boxing Hall of Fame.
Read more about Stu Nahan on Wikipedia »
Stan Jones (October 23, 1926 Toronto-December 30, 1998 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Stanley Davis Jones, Gordon Stan Jones, G. Stanley Jones, Staley Jones, Stanley Jones, E. Stanley Jones or Gordon Stanley Jones was a Canadian actor and voice actor.
Throughout his career, Jones appeared in over 100 films and television shows, including popular series such as Gunsmoke, The Wild Wild West, and The Twilight Zone. He was also known for his voiceover work, lending his unique voice to characters in animated series including The Jetsons and Scooby-Doo, as well as commercials and video games. Jones was a versatile actor, often playing tough-guy roles but also showing his comedic chops in films such as The Wheeler Dealers and The Love Bug. He was also a talented musician and frequently incorporated his singing and guitar-playing into his on-screen performances. Jones passed away in 1998 at the age of 72.
Read more about Stan Jones on Wikipedia »