Actors You Probably Didn’t Know Are Canadian

Canada has produced a vast number of talented performers who have become icons in the global entertainment industry. While many of these men are associated with major Hollywood productions few people realize they were born or raised north of the border. From legendary veterans of the screen to rising stars in modern superhero franchises these actors have made significant contributions to film and television. This list explores several prominent male actors who you might not have known are actually Canadian.

Ryan Reynolds

Ryan Reynolds was born in Vancouver and began his professional career on the teen soap opera ‘Hillside’. He gained international superstardom for his portrayal of the title character in the ‘Deadpool’ film franchise. Beyond his superhero roles he has starred in successful comedies such as ‘The Proposal’ and ‘Free Guy’. The actor also maintains several high profile business ventures including ownership stakes in sports teams and spirits companies.

Keanu Reeves

Keanu Reeves grew up in Toronto and started his acting journey in local theater productions during his youth. He became a major action star through his lead roles in ‘Speed’ and ‘The Matrix’ trilogy. His career saw a significant resurgence with the ‘John Wick’ series which established him as a premier talent in the genre. Reeves is also known for his work in science fiction and cult classics like ‘Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure’.

Ryan Gosling

Ryan Gosling hails from London Ontario and first appeared on screen as a child star in ‘The Mickey Mouse Club’. He transitioned to mature roles in critically acclaimed films such as ‘The Believer’ and ‘Half Nelson’. The actor earned widespread recognition for his performances in the romantic drama ‘The Notebook’ and the musical ‘La La Land’. Gosling is also an accomplished musician and has performed with the indie rock band Dead Man’s Bones.

Seth Rogen

Seth Rogen is originally from Vancouver and started his career performing stand up comedy as a teenager. He moved to Los Angeles to join the cast of the short lived television series ‘Freaks and Geeks’. Rogen later became a central figure in modern comedy with hits like ‘Knocked Up’ and ‘Superbad’. He often works as a writer and producer on his projects including the successful series ‘The Boys’.

Jim Carrey

Jim Carrey was born in Newmarket Ontario and struggled through his early years as a stand up comedian in Toronto. He rose to massive fame in the nineties with starring roles in ‘Ace Ventura: Pet Detective’ and ‘The Mask’. While famous for his physical comedy he has received critical praise for dramatic roles in ‘The Truman Show’ and ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’. Carrey remains one of the most successful and recognizable comedic actors in history.

Michael J. Fox

Michael J. Fox was born in Edmonton and began his career in the Canadian television series ‘Leo and Me’. He became a household name playing Alex P. Keaton on the popular sitcom ‘Family Ties’. The actor achieved cinematic immortality as Marty McFly in the ‘Back to the Future’ trilogy. He continues to work in the industry while advocating for medical research through his personal foundation.

Will Arnett

Will Arnett is from Toronto and is widely recognized for his distinct gravelly voice. He gained massive popularity for his role as Gob Bluth in the comedy series ‘Arrested Development’. Arnett has provided his voice for numerous characters including the lead in ‘The Lego Batman Movie’ and the title character in ‘BoJack Horseman’. He also cohosts a successful podcast and appears in various comedic live action films.

Nathan Fillion

Nathan Fillion was born in Edmonton and pursued an acting career after attending the University of Alberta. He developed a dedicated fan base starring as Captain Malcolm Reynolds in the cult science fiction series ‘Firefly’. Fillion later found mainstream success as the lead in the long running crime drama ‘Castle’. He currently stars as John Nolan in the police procedural series ‘The Rookie’.

Michael Cera

Michael Cera is a native of Brampton Ontario and began his career in Canadian commercials and television. He rose to fame playing George Michael Bluth in the acclaimed comedy ‘Arrested Development’. Cera became a breakout star in films such as ‘Superbad’ and ‘Juno’ which highlighted his unique comedic style. He has also appeared on Broadway and performed in various musical projects throughout his career.

Donald Sutherland

Donald Sutherland was born in Saint John New Brunswick and became one of the most prolific actors of his generation. He starred in several cinematic classics including ‘M.A.S.H.’ and the psychological horror film ‘Don’t Look Now’. Younger audiences likely recognize him for his role as President Snow in ‘The Hunger Games’ franchise. His career has spanned more than six decades and includes numerous awards for his contributions to film.

Kiefer Sutherland

Kiefer Sutherland is the son of Donald Sutherland and was raised primarily in Toronto. He gained early fame as a member of the Brat Pack in films like ‘The Lost Boys’ and ‘Stand by Me’. The actor is best known for his iconic role as Jack Bauer in the thriller series ’24’. He has also pursued a career in country music and released several studio albums.

Christopher Plummer

Christopher Plummer was born in Toronto and enjoyed a legendary career on both stage and screen. He is perhaps most famous for his role as Captain von Trapp in the musical film ‘The Sound of Music’. Plummer became the oldest actor to win an Academy Award for his performance in the drama ‘Beginners’. He remained active in the industry until his passing and appeared in hits like ‘Knives Out’.

William Shatner

William Shatner is a native of Montreal and started his career in theater and radio. He achieved worldwide fame for his portrayal of Captain James T. Kirk in the ‘Star Trek’ franchise. Beyond his work in science fiction he starred in the legal drama ‘Boston Legal’ for which he won multiple awards. Shatner is also an author and has released several spoken word albums over the years.

Matthew Perry

Matthew Perry was born in the United States but was raised in Ottawa Ontario. He gained international superstardom for his portrayal of Chandler Bing on the hit sitcom ‘Friends’. The actor also starred in several successful films including ‘The Whole Nine Yards’ and ’17 Again’. He was highly regarded for his sharp wit and physical comedy throughout his lengthy career in television.

Hayden Christensen

Hayden Christensen was born in Vancouver and grew up in Markham Ontario. He gained international recognition for his portrayal of Anakin Skywalker in the ‘Star Wars’ prequel trilogy. The actor has also starred in films such as the drama ‘Shattered Glass’ and the action thriller ‘Jumper’. He recently returned to his most famous role in the series ‘Obi Wan Kenobi’.

Joshua Jackson

Joshua Jackson was born in Vancouver and became a teenage icon in the late nineties. He first rose to prominence starring as Charlie Conway in ‘The Mighty Ducks’ film series. Jackson then moved into television where he played Pacey Witter on the hit teen drama ‘Dawson’s Creek’. He has continued to find success with lead roles in the science fiction series ‘Fringe’ and the drama ‘The Affair’.

Jay Baruchel

Jay Baruchel is from Ottawa and often incorporates his Canadian identity into his comedic work. He has appeared in several popular films including ‘Knocked Up’ and the fantasy comedy ‘This Is the End’. Baruchel is well known for voicing the lead character Hiccup in the ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ franchise. He also stars in the television series ‘Man Seeking Woman’ and has directed several feature films.

Eugene Levy

Eugene Levy was born in Hamilton Ontario and began his career as a member of the legendary sketch comedy troupe ‘SCTV’. He is widely recognized for his recurring role as Noah Levenstein in the ‘American Pie’ film series. Levy experienced a career resurgence as the cocreator and star of the hit sitcom ‘Schitt’s Creek’. He has received multiple awards for his contributions to comedy and television over several decades.

Dan Levy

Dan Levy was born in Toronto and is the son of fellow actor Eugene Levy. He began his media career as a host on MTV Canada before transitioning into acting and writing. Levy achieved massive success as the cocreator and star of the critically acclaimed series ‘Schitt’s Creek’. His work on the show earned him several historic Emmy Award wins in a single year.

Finn Wolfhard

Finn Wolfhard is a native of Vancouver and rose to prominence at a very young age. He is best known for his role as Mike Wheeler in the supernatural series ‘Stranger Things’. The actor also starred in the modern film adaptation of ‘It’ and its sequel. In addition to his acting work he is a musician who has performed in the bands Calpurnia and The Aubreys.

Jacob Tremblay

Jacob Tremblay was born in Vancouver and gained critical acclaim for his performance in the film ‘Room’. His role in the drama led to several award nominations and established him as a major young talent. He has since appeared in the hit movie ‘Wonder’ and provided voices for animated projects like ‘Luca’. Tremblay continues to take on complex roles in both independent films and major studio productions.

Alexander Ludwig

Alexander Ludwig is from Vancouver and began acting in commercials as a child. He gained significant attention for his role as Cato in the first installment of ‘The Hunger Games’. The actor is most famous for playing Bjorn Ironside in the historical drama series ‘Vikings’. He has also appeared in several action films including ‘Bad Boys for Life’ and the drama ‘Lone Survivor’.

Stephen Amell

Stephen Amell was born in Toronto and started his career with guest roles on various television programs. He achieved international fame for his portrayal of Oliver Queen in the superhero series ‘Arrow’. His performance helped launch a massive interconnected universe of television shows based on DC Comics characters. Amell has also appeared in the wrestling drama ‘Heels’ and several feature films.

Robbie Amell

Robbie Amell is a native of Toronto and is the cousin of actor Stephen Amell. He gained recognition for his roles in teen television shows such as ‘Life with Derek’ and ‘The Tomorrow People’. The actor starred in the romantic comedy ‘The DUFF’ and the science fiction film ‘Code 8’. He currently plays the lead role in the satirical science fiction series ‘Upload’.

Victor Garber

Victor Garber was born in London Ontario and has had a prolific career in theater and television. He is well known for his role as Jack Bristow in the action thriller series ‘Alias’. Garber has also appeared in major films such as ‘Titanic’ where he played the ship architect Thomas Andrews. He spent several years starring as Professor Martin Stein in the superhero series ‘Legends of Tomorrow’.

Martin Short

Martin Short was born in Hamilton Ontario and gained fame as a cast member on the comedy show ‘SCTV’. He later joined ‘Saturday Night Live’ where he introduced audiences to his unique comedic characters. Short has starred in classic comedies like ‘Three Amigos’ and the ‘Father of the Bride’ series. He currently stars alongside Steve Martin in the popular mystery comedy series ‘Only Murders in the Building’.

Rick Moranis

Rick Moranis is from Toronto and began his professional life as a radio disc jockey. He became a comedic legend through his work on ‘SCTV’ and his role as Bob McKenzie. Moranis starred in some of the most iconic comedies of the eighties including ‘Ghostbusters’ and ‘Honey I Shrunk the Kids’. After a long hiatus from acting he has recently begun returning to various voice and film projects.

Mike Myers

Mike Myers was born in Scarborough Ontario and developed his comedic skills with the Second City troupe. He rose to international stardom as a cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’ where he created many famous characters. Myers is the creator and star of the ‘Wayne’s World’ and ‘Austin Powers’ film franchises. He also provided the iconic voice for the title character in the ‘Shrek’ animated series.

Jason Priestley

Jason Priestley is a native of Vancouver and started his acting career in commercials and television guest spots. He became a global teen idol in the nineties for his role as Brandon Walsh on ‘Beverly Hills 90210’. Priestley has also worked extensively as a director and producer for various television series. He starred in the Canadian comedy drama ‘Private Eyes’ for several seasons.

Luke Macfarlane

Luke Macfarlane was born in London Ontario and studied acting at the Juilliard School in New York. He is best known for his role as Scotty Wandell in the television drama ‘Brothers and Sisters’. The actor has appeared in numerous television films and starred in the science fiction series ‘Killjoys’. More recently he played the lead role in the romantic comedy ‘Bros’.

Devon Sawa

Devon Sawa was born in Vancouver and emerged as a popular teen star in the nineties. He starred in several notable films during his youth including ‘Little Giants’ and ‘Casper’. Sawa later transitioned to horror and action roles with lead performances in ‘Final Destination’ and ‘Idle Hands’. He has maintained a steady career in television appearing in shows like ‘Nikita’ and ‘Chucky’.

Taylor Kitsch

Taylor Kitsch is from Kelowna British Columbia and began his career as a model before moving into acting. He gained critical praise for his breakout role as Tim Riggins in the sports drama series ‘Friday Night Lights’. Kitsch has starred in major blockbuster films such as ‘John Carter’ and ‘Battleship’. He also appeared in the second season of ‘True Detective’ and the miniseries ‘Waco’.

Barry Pepper

Barry Pepper was born in Campbell River British Columbia and spent much of his childhood traveling by sea. He gained widespread recognition for his role as Private Jackson in the war film ‘Saving Private Ryan’. Pepper has appeared in several acclaimed movies including ‘The Green Mile’ and ‘True Grit’. He won an Emmy Award for his portrayal of Robert F. Kennedy in the miniseries ‘The Kennedys’.

Brendan Fraser

Brendan Fraser holds dual citizenship and spent many of his formative years in Ottawa Ontario. He became a major film star in the nineties with roles in ‘Encino Man’ and ‘The Mummy’ trilogy. After a period away from the spotlight he made a massive career comeback in the drama ‘The Whale’. This performance earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor.

Pablo Schreiber

Pablo Schreiber was born in Ymir British Columbia and moved to the United States during his childhood. He is well known for his role as Nick Sobotka in the television drama ‘The Wire’. Schreiber also received an Emmy nomination for his performance in the series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. He currently stars as the Master Chief in the science fiction series ‘Halo’.

Simu Liu

Simu Liu was born in China but immigrated to Canada at a young age and grew up in Mississauga. He gained initial popularity for his role as Jung Kim in the sitcom ‘Kim’s Convenience’. Liu achieved global stardom when he was cast as the lead character in ‘Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’. He is a vocal advocate for Asian representation in the entertainment industry.

Mena Massoud

Mena Massoud was born in Egypt and raised in Markham Ontario after his family immigrated to Canada. He studied theater at Ryerson University before beginning his professional career in television. Massoud rose to international fame playing the title character in the live action remake of ‘Aladdin’. He has also starred in the series ‘Reprisal’ and the film ‘The Royal Treatment’.

Avan Jogia

Avan Jogia is a native of Vancouver and began his career with roles in television movies. He is best known for his portrayal of Beck Oliver in the series ‘Victorious’. Jogia has since appeared in several independent films and the television series ‘Now Apocalypse’. He is also an author and has published a book of poetry and personal essays.

Diego Klattenhoff

Diego Klattenhoff was born in French River Nova Scotia and moved to Toronto to study acting. He gained significant attention for his role as Mike Faber in the thriller series ‘Homeland’. The actor is also recognized for his performance as Donald Ressler in the long running drama ‘The Blacklist’. He has appeared in several feature films including the science fiction movie ‘Pacific Rim’.

Elias Koteas

Elias Koteas was born in Montreal and studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. He is well known to fans for his portrayal of Casey Jones in the original ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ film. Koteas has appeared in many acclaimed movies such as ‘The Thin Red Line’ and ‘Shutter Island’. He also spent several seasons starring as Alvin Olinsky in the police drama ‘Chicago P.D.’.

Graham Greene

Graham Greene is an Oneida actor born on the Six Nations Reserve in Ontario. He achieved critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for his role in ‘Dances with Wolves’. Greene has appeared in numerous high profile projects including ‘The Green Mile’ and ‘Wind River’. He has had a prolific career in both Canadian and American television and film.

Leslie Nielsen

Leslie Nielsen was born in Regina Saskatchewan and began his career as a serious dramatic actor. He appeared in the science fiction classic ‘Forbidden Planet’ and many television dramas during the fifties. Nielsen later reinvented his career as a comedic star in films like ‘Airplane!’ and ‘The Naked Gun’ series. He is remembered as one of the legendary masters of deadpan comedy.

John Candy

John Candy was born in Newmarket Ontario and became a major figure in the comedy world through ‘SCTV’. He moved into feature films and starred in classics such as ‘Uncle Buck’ and ‘Planes Trains and Automobiles’. Candy was known for his warmth and comedic range which made him a beloved figure in Hollywood. He appeared in several successful films throughout the eighties and early nineties.

Alan Thicke

Alan Thicke was born in Kirkland Lake Ontario and worked as a television host and songwriter. He became a household name playing Dr. Jason Seaver on the popular sitcom ‘Growing Pains’. Thicke also composed the theme songs for several famous game shows and television series. He remained a prominent figure in the entertainment industry until his passing.

Cory Monteith

Cory Monteith was born in Calgary and grew up in Victoria British Columbia. He gained international fame for his portrayal of Finn Hudson in the musical series ‘Glee’. The actor was known for his singing ability and his performance as a high school athlete who joins the choir. He also appeared in several films and was a drummer for the band Bonnie Dune.

Justin Chatwin

Justin Chatwin is a native of Nanaimo British Columbia and started his career in Canadian television. He gained recognition for his role as Robbie Ferrier in the science fiction film ‘War of the Worlds’. Chatwin is also known for playing Goku in ‘Dragonball Evolution’ and Jimmy Lishman in the series ‘Shameless’. He has appeared in various independent films and television dramas throughout his career.

Jared Keeso

Jared Keeso was born in Listowel Ontario and initially played junior hockey before turning to acting. He is the creator and star of the hit comedy series ‘Letterkenny’ where he plays the character Wayne. Keeso has also starred in the drama series ‘Nineteen Two’ for which he received critical acclaim. He continues to expand the universe of his popular comedy projects.

Giacomo Gianniotti

Giacomo Gianniotti was born in Italy but moved to Toronto at a young age and holds Canadian citizenship. He is best known for his role as Dr. Andrew DeLuca on the long running medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. The actor has also appeared in the series ‘Reign’ and the film ‘Race’. He often works in both the Canadian and American entertainment industries.

Kevin Zegers

Kevin Zegers was born in Woodstock Ontario and began acting professionally as a child. He gained attention for his lead role in the ‘Air Bud’ film series during his youth. Zegers later transitioned to more mature roles in films like ‘Transamerica’ and ‘The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones’. He has appeared in several television series including ‘Gossip Girl’ and ‘Fear the Walking Dead’.

Shawn Ashmore

Shawn Ashmore is from Richmond British Columbia and began his career alongside his twin brother Aaron. He gained fame for his portrayal of Iceman in the ‘X Men’ film franchise. Ashmore also starred in the thriller series ‘The Following’ and the supernatural drama ‘The Rookie’. He has appeared in numerous films and provided voice work for several video game projects.

Tell us which of these Canadian stars surprised you the most in the comments.