Gordon Pinsent

...and not just as an actor, but in his unwavering belief in Canada, its artists and its potential to make seriously meaningful contributions to all art forms.



He has made the requisite nod to productions "from away", especially in his early days (remember "Banacek", "Hogan's Heroes" and "Marcus Welby, MD"??...OMG!) But largely, he stayed a home boy and has appeared in almost every Canadian TV production ever made, except maybe "Blood Ties"...and that's a bummer because he'd have made a great demon!!



My favourite of Pinsent's TV roles is that of slain Mountie "Robert Fraser", father of "Benton Fraser" (aka Paul Gross) on "Due South". His comedy was impeccable.



My favourite of his movie roles was that of "Grant Anderson" as the husband of an Alzheimer's victim in the recent and Oscar nominated (though not for Pinsent...Grrrr) "Away From Her". His dramatic prowess is unstoppable.



His range is amazing, and he did it all with grace, humility, with support to those coming along behind him, and he did it all from "home". You rule, Gordon Pinsent...