Canadian actors who deceased in 2002
Here are 11 famous actors from Canada died in 2002:
Timothy Findley
Timothy Findley (October 30, 1930 Toronto-June 21, 2002 Brignoles) also known as Timothy Irving Frederick Findley, Tiffy or Tiff was a Canadian writer, novelist, playwright, screenwriter and actor.
His best-known works include "The Wars" (1977), which won the Governor General's Award for English-language fiction and was later adapted into a play and a film, and "Not Wanted on the Voyage" (1984), a reimagining of the biblical story of Noah's Ark.
Findley was also an accomplished actor, appearing in numerous stage productions and films, including the 1996 adaptation of Margaret Atwood's "The Robber Bride". In addition, he was a mentor to many aspiring Canadian writers and served as the Writer-in-Residence at several universities throughout his career.
Throughout his life, Findley was an advocate for social justice and LGBT rights, and openly discussed his own struggles with mental health and addiction. He received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to Canadian literature and culture, including the Order of Canada and the Canadian Authors Association Literary Award.
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Frank Shuster
Frank Shuster (September 5, 1916 Toronto-January 13, 2002 Toronto) also known as Frank Shuster, OC was a Canadian actor, screenwriter and comedian. His children are called Rosie Shuster and Steve Shuster.
Frank Shuster is perhaps best known for being a part of the comedy duo, "Wayne and Shuster," with his lifelong friend, Johnny Wayne. The pair formed their act in the late 1940s and gained popularity in radio and television in Canada and the United States. They became known for their witty and clever sketch comedy, often parodying popular culture and historical events. In addition to performing, Shuster also wrote many of the duo's sketches and later went on to write for other television programs. Shuster was recognized for his contributions to Canadian entertainment with numerous awards, including the Order of Canada.
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George Hall
George Hall (November 19, 1916 Toronto-October 21, 2002 Hawthorne) was a Canadian actor.
He was best known for his roles in films such as "The Rose Tattoo" (1955), "Pillow Talk" (1959), and "The Graduate" (1967). Hall began his career in the entertainment industry in the 1940s, initially working as a stage actor before transitioning to film and television. He appeared in numerous TV shows, including "Gunsmoke," "Perry Mason," "The Twilight Zone," and "The Andy Griffith Show." Hall also had a career as a voice actor, lending his voice to numerous animated TV series and films. In addition to his work as an actor, Hall was a decorated veteran of World War II, having served in the Royal Canadian Air Force. He passed away in 2002 at the age of 85.
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Harold Russell
Harold Russell (January 14, 1914 North Sydney, Nova Scotia-January 29, 2002 Needham) otherwise known as Harold John Russell was a Canadian actor.
He is best known for his role in the 1946 film "The Best Years of Our Lives", in which he played the character of Homer Parrish, a disabled US Navy veteran. The role was particularly significant as Russell himself was a real-life veteran and had lost both of his hands during World War II. As a result, he became the only actor to have ever received two Academy Awards for the same role - one for Best Supporting Actor and a special honorary award recognizing him for his inspirational achievement. After his acting career, Russell went on to work as an advocate for veterans' rights, including serving as the national commander of AMVETS.
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Jack Kruschen
Jack Kruschen (March 20, 1922 Winnipeg-April 2, 2002 Chandler) also known as Jack Joseph Kruschen was a Canadian actor and voice actor.
Kruschen began his acting career on radio shows in the 1940s before transitioning to film and television in the 1950s. He appeared in over 200 films and television episodes throughout his career and was best known for his roles in "The Apartment", for which he was nominated for an Academy Award, and "The War of the Worlds". In addition to his work on screen, Kruschen was also a successful voice actor and voiced several characters in popular cartoons such as "The Jetsons" and "The Flintstones". He continued to act well into his seventies, appearing in films such as "The Day of the Locust" and "Grumpy Old Men".
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Denis Forest
Denis Forest (September 5, 1960 Ottawa-March 18, 2002 Los Angeles) was a Canadian actor, painter, sculptor and writer.
He began his career in the late 1980s and appeared in numerous films, such as The Sword and the Sorcerer, which was his first major role. He also appeared in television shows such as Due South and Highlander: The Series. In addition to his acting career, Forest was also a prolific artist, showcasing his artwork in galleries in both Canada and the United States. He was also a published writer, with his short stories appearing in multiple anthologies. In 2002, Forest tragically passed away in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 41.
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Sheldon Allman
Sheldon Allman (June 8, 1924 Chicago-January 22, 2002 Culver City) also known as Allman, Sheldon was a Canadian singer, songwriter, actor, film score composer and composer. He had one child, Anne Allman Huddleston.
Allman began his music career in the 1950s, releasing several albums and successful singles such as "Crawl Out Through the Fallout" which was featured in the video game Fallout 3. He also sang the theme song for the popular TV show "George of the Jungle" in 1967. As an actor, he appeared in numerous TV shows and films, including "Let's Make Love" (1960) and "In Cold Blood" (1967). Allman also composed music for many films and TV shows such as "The Outer Limits" and "The Andy Griffith Show". In addition to his career in music and acting, Allman was a talented painter and sculptor.
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Michael Kirby
Michael Kirby (February 20, 1925 Sydney-May 25, 2002 Laguna Niguel) also known as Michael J.R. Kirby was a Canadian actor and figure skater.
Born in Sydney, Australia, Kirby began his career as a figure skater and was a three-time Canadian men's singles champion in the 1940s. He then transitioned to acting, beginning with a role in the 1951 film "The Lavender Hill Mob." Kirby went on to have a successful career in both film and television, appearing in productions such as "The Saint," "The Avengers," and "Doctor Who." In addition to his acting work, Kirby was a skilled writer and frequently contributed articles to newspapers and magazines. He passed away in Laguna Niguel, California at the age of 77.
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Zal Yanovsky
Zal Yanovsky (December 19, 1944 Toronto-December 13, 2002 Kingston) also known as Zalman Yanovsky, Yanovsky, Zal, Zalman "Zal" Yanovsky, Lovin' Spoonful or The Lovin' Spoonful was a Canadian songwriter, musician, singer, actor, film score composer and restaurateur. He had one child, Zoe Yanovsky.
Zal Yanovsky is best known as the lead guitarist and co-founder of the 1960s rock band, The Lovin' Spoonful. Yanovsky co-wrote some of the band's biggest hits including "Do You Believe in Magic" and "Did You Ever Have to Make Up Your Mind?" He was also known for his distinctive guitar solos that helped to shape the sound of the era. In addition to his music career, Yanovsky also acted in films and television shows, and composed film scores. Later in life, he opened a popular restaurant in Kingston, Ontario called Chez Piggy. Yanovsky passed away in 2002 at the age of 57 from a heart attack.
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Marvin Goldhar
Marvin Goldhar (September 5, 1934 Ontario-March 31, 2002 Toronto) was a Canadian actor.
Born and raised in Ontario, Marvin Goldhar was passionate about acting from an early age. He began his career in the theatres of Toronto and quickly made a name for himself as a talented and versatile performer. His breakthrough came in 1960 when he landed a recurring role in the popular Canadian TV series "The Forest Rangers." Over the next several decades, he appeared in numerous stage productions and television shows, including "The Littlest Hobo," "Street Legal," and "Due South."
In addition to his work as an actor, Goldhar was also a dedicated teacher and mentor to many aspiring performers. He served as a drama instructor at various schools and universities, including the University of Toronto and Sheridan College.
Despite his success and acclaim, Goldhar remained humble and committed to his craft throughout his career. He was widely admired for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering passion for the performing arts. He passed away in 2002 at the age of 67, leaving behind a legacy as one of Canada's most beloved actors and educators.
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Maurice Manson
Maurice Manson (January 31, 1913 Toronto-September 21, 2002 Los Angeles) also known as Moritz Levine was a Canadian actor.
Maurice Manson started his acting career in Toronto where he worked with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and appeared in several productions in the city's vibrant theater scene. In the 1940s, he moved to the United States and settled in Los Angeles where he began appearing in films and television shows, including notable appearances in "The Twilight Zone," "M*A*S*H," and "Star Trek."
In addition to his acting career, Manson was an active member of the Screen Actors Guild and served on its board of directors for several years. He was also involved in various charitable organizations throughout his career, including the Motion Picture & Television Fund.
Manson was married twice and had two children. He passed away in 2002 at the age of 89 in Los Angeles.
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