We literally knew that Gordon Pinsent wouldn't live forever. Does feel like he was around for a very long time.
The Canadian acting legend Gordon Pinsent passed away over the weekend at the age of 92.
Away From Her. The voice of Babar. The Rowdyman. Republic of Doyle. The Red Green Show. Due South. The Grand Seduction. Saint Ralph. This Hour Has 22 Minutes from his role as the Codfather to reading Justin Bieber's memoir. Even Big News at Grand Rock.
Pinsent was an actor long before there was a consistent film scene in Canada growing up in a part of Canada (Newfoundland) that wasn't Canada until he was 19 years old.
A check of his IMDb page shows an extensive list. Too many credits to list but Americans might be surprised than an episode of Hogan's Heroes is on that list.
Former Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams, @markcritch, @allanhawco, Sean McGinley, and Gordon Pinsent.
— Evan Streifel (@Evan_Streifel) February 26, 2023
Farewell, B'y.
🎥 22 Minutes pic.twitter.com/Hq6KPRgUUW
A lot of what Pinsent is known for came in the second half of his life. He wrote and starred in The Rowdyman in 1972, when he was over 40.
Pinsent knew when he could poke fun, such as the Codfather sketch on This Hour Has 22 Minutes. No one else could have been the Codfather.
"Gordon passionately loved this country and its people, purpose, and culture to his last breath." — statement from the Pinsent family from his son-in-law, actor Peter Keleghan. Leah Pinsent, a great actor, is married to Keleghan.
Canadian film review: The Rowdyman
If you've never seen Pinsent act without white hair, check out the classic Canadian film The Rowdyman.
Gordon Pinsent was our North Star. A true renaissance man. Actor, writer, director, painter and one time dance instructor. Gordon beat the path and made it possible for all that followed. The epitome of class & one hell of a funny guy. The Rowdy Man is gone but never forgotten. pic.twitter.com/TRpCCvK9mQ
— Rick Mercer (@rickmercer) February 26, 2023
Three Legendary Gords 🍁🎶🎥
— I AM Canadian (@honouringgord) February 26, 2023
~ Photo of Gord Downie, Gordon Lightfoot & Gordon Pinsent taken six years ago, February 2nd, 2017. #RestInPeace #GordonPinsent ❤️ pic.twitter.com/p7V8Q7lRWA
Pinsent was made an officer of the Order of Canada in 1979. He was promoted to Companion in 1998.
Pinsent was married for 45 years to actor Charmion King, who died in 2007.
Gordon had an enormous capacity for joy in absolutely everything he did. It was infectious and educational. There wasn’t a moment without a twinkle of mischief and a determination to enjoy the moment. pic.twitter.com/xEATSy4kZd
— @realSarahPolley (she/her) (@realsarahpolley) February 26, 2023
Polley pointed out in a later tweet that the young boy with Pinsent is her brother Mark. Pinsent was an ideal choice as Julie Christie's husband in Polley's directorial debut Away From Her.
Pinsent had 6 Genie Award nominations, winning 3 awards for Klondike Fever, John and the Missus, and Away From Her. He also directed John and the Missus.
CanadianCrossing.com Newfoundland and Labrador coverage
CanadianCrossing.com film coverage
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CanadianCrossing.com television coverage
The River of My Dreams is a 2016 documentary currently running on the Documentary Channel in Canada. Hope to see that really soon and then have a review. Would be a good watch if you are in Canada.
photo credit: The Rowdyman
Twitter captures: @Evan_Streifel; @rickmercer; @honouringgord; @realsarahpolley
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