Canada is known for it’s endless winters, delicious poutine, abundant natural resources and hockey. Canada is also known for it’s endless supply of entertainment talent. Sometimes referred to as Hollywood North, Canada has been pumping out successful star after star and we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite Canadian celebrities.
If we’ve missed one of your favorites or if you think we’ve got some of the details wrong, please let us know!
Without further ado…
Ryan Gosling
Born on November 12, 1980, in London, Ontario, he is known for several leading roles, including in the film Drive and the Notebook. He is also well known for a highly publicized romance with wife Eva Mendes. His family is of: Scottish, French-Canadian, English, and German descent.
Anna Paquin
The actress was born on July 24, 1982 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. She is well known for roles in True Blood, the X-Men films, and The Piano. She got her first acting role at the age of 9 (in The Piano).
Rachel McAdams
Born on November 17, 1978 in London, Ontario, Canada, the famous actress is most well known for star roles in the Notebook and Mean Girls. She is of English and Welsh descent, and began her acting career at the age of 13.
Jim Carrey
He was born on January 17, 1962 in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada. He is most known for comedic roles including: The Mask, Dumb and Dumber, and films like the Cableguy. Since 2004, he has had dual citizenship in Canada and the US.
Ellen Page
The famous actress was born on February 21, 1987 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Her roles in Juno, Inception, and Hard Candy put her on the map as a leading lady in film. She attended the Neptune Theater School and began her acting career at the ripe young age of 10 years old.
Seth Rogen
He was born on April 15, 1982 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He has starred in films including: Pineapple Express, and the popular TV series Freaks and Geeks. He began his career doing stand-up comedy as a teenager.
Pamela Anderson
Born on July 1, 1967 in Ladysmith, British Columbia Canada, she was discovered for her role in the popular TV show Baywatch. She was “first-discovered” as a teen while attending a British Columbia Lions football game.
Avril Lavigne
She was born September 27, 1984 in Belleville, Ontario, Canada. She is married to Nickelback singer Chad Kroeger, and her ex, Deryck Whibley (also Canadian) was a member of the band Sum 41. She is French-Canadian, and is of Scottish and German descent.
Hayden Christensen
The famous actor was born on April 19, 1981 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Well known for roles in Star Wars, Jumper, and Awake, he has several upcoming projects in the works. Hayden is of Swedish, English, Danish, and Italian descent.
Mike Myers
Born in May 25, 1963, he is originally from Scarborough, Ontario, Canada. He is most well known for films like Austin Powers, the Shrek series, and other popular comedies. Both of his parents served in the Royal Air Force and British Army.
Elisha Cuthbert
She was born on November, 30, 1982 in Alberta, Calgary, Canada. She starred on the show 24, and is married to Dion Phaneuf. She got her star as a child foot model before her career as an actress took off.
Drake
He was born on October 24, 1986 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Although today he is best known worldwide as a rapper, he got his start as an actor on Canadian show Degrassi the Next Generation. “Drake,” is a nickname as the singer/actor’s real name is Aubrey Graham.
Michael J. Fox
Born on June 9, 1961 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, the Back to the Future alum has had quite an extensive career over the years. Nowadays he is a Parkinson’s advocate. Micaehl J. Fox and landed his first role at age 10, after auditioning for the TV series Leo and Me and built his career on the show Family Ties.
Celine Dion
She was born on March 30, 1968 in Charlemagne, Quebec, Canada. Best known as a singer, she is also a songwriter and composer. She composed her first song at the age of 12, in her native tongue, French.
Evangeline Lily
Born on August 3, 1979 in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, the actress got her big break in the popular film series The Hobbit. She was also on the TV show Lost and in the recent Marvel release, Ant-Man. She was discovered on the street by the famous Ford Modeling Agency in Kelowna, BC.
Michael Cera
He was born June 7, 1988 in Brampton, Ontario Canada. He is highly recognized for roles in Arrested Development, Superbad, and co-starred in Juno as well. He co-starred with fellow Canadian Ellen Page as lead male role in Juno.
William Shatner
Born on March 22, 1931 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, he is well known for several big roles. He starred in Star Trek, and is today known for his Priceline commercials. His well documented career has spanned for over 50 years on TV and in film.
Donald Sutherland
He was born on July 17, 1935 in New Brunswick, Saint John, Canada. He recently starred in the Hunger Games Films. He is the father of popular actor Kifer Sutherland, and over his career has starred in 150 major TV and film roles.
Sandra Oh
She was born on July 20, 1971 in Nepean, Ontario, Canada. She is most well known as Dr. Yang in the popular Grey’s Anatomy series which she recently left. Oh was born to Korean parents where both attended graduate school at the University of Toronto.
Cobie Smulders
This actress was born on April 3, 1982 in Vancouver, British Columbia. She is most well known for roles in How I Met Your Mother (HIMYM) and the popular Avengers movie series. Although she settled into her career as an actress, as a young girl she had ambitions of becoming a doctor or marine biologist.
Alanis Morissette
She was born on June 1, 1974 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. She is a famous singer and songwriter. One of her most popular hits, You Oughta Know, was about Full House actor Dave Coulier, who is also a Canadian actor.
Cory Montieth
He was born on May 11, 1982 in Calgary, Alberta Canada. He is best known as Finn on Glee, and for his untimely death in July, 2013 after an apparent overdose. He also starred in Final Destination 3 and Monte Carlo. He is also well known for his publicized relationship with co-star Lea Michele.
Keanu Reeves
He was born on September 2, 1964 in Beirut, Lebanon but grew up primarily in Ontario. He is well known for his roles in the Matrix series, and starred in The Lakehouse as well as Something’s Gotta Give. He is of multiple origin descent including: Portuguese, Hawaiian, British, and Chinese ancestry.
Taylor Kitsch
Taylor was born on April 8, 1981 in Kelowna, British Columbia. He is most well known for roles in the popular Friday Night Lights and True Detective series. He initially got his big break upon moving to New York to purse modeling gigs with the top agency, IMG Models.
Will Arnett
He was born on May 4, 1970 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He is well known for roles in Arrested Development, the Lego Movie, and Despicable Me. He was famous to well known comedian Amy Poehler for one decade before their recent split.
Joshua Jackson
He was born on June 11,1978 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He got his major break on the TV show Dawson’s Creek and starred in films like Fringe as his career progressed. Josh spent the first eight years of his life in LA, before moving back to Canada.
Neil Young
Born on November 12, 1945 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, he is best known as a rockstar, and is one of the most respected guitarists in rock and the folk genre. His career took off when he was originally discovered playing for the band Buffalo Springfield.
Neve Campbell
She was born on October 3, 1973 in Guelph, Ontario, Canda. She starred in Party of Five and the Scream movie series. She was once described as: “TV’s most believable teenage actress.”
Michael Buble
He was born on September 9, 1975 in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. He is a famous singer and songwriter who wrote the soundtrack for the 2004 film Spider Man 2. Buble is married to a famous Argentine model.
Kiefer Sutherland
He was born on December 21, 1966 in London, England. He is son of famous actor Donald Sutherland, and starred on the TV show 24 and the Lost Boys. His grandfather was the Scottish born Canadian politician Tommy Douglas.
Rachelle Lefevre
The actress was born February 1, 1979 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. She is well known for roles in the Twilight film series. She got her break upon moving to LA, and landing a recurring role on the TV show What About Brian.
Nina Dobrev
She was born on January 9, 1989 in Sofia, Bulgaria and moved to Canada at the age of 2. She is known for roles in Degrassi Next Generation and The Vampire Diaries. She always had a passion for the arts, showing promise in theater, music, dance, and acting.
Dan Akroyd
Born on July 1, 1952 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Akroyd is one of the many popular SNL alums. He was in the original Ghostbusters film as well as Blue’s Brothers, and a cast member for several years on SNL. He attended college originally majoring in criminology and sociology.
Carrie Ann Moss
Born on August 21, 1967 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, she is best known for her role in the Matrix. She starred alongside fellow Canadian Keanu Reeves in the film. She moved to Spain early in her career to pursue modeling.
Kim Catrell
She was born on August 21, 1956 in Liverpool, England. Her family immigrated to Canada when she was only 3 months old. She is best known as Samantha on Sex and the City. At age 11 she returned home to her native country of birth, England.
Bryan Adams
He was born on November 5, 1959 in Kingston, Ontario Canada. He is a well known rock star, and became a popular name in the US in 1993 with his third album. His first Grammy nomination came in the 1980s from his album, Reckless, which also made him an international superstar.
Tatiana Maslany
She was born September 22, 1985 in Regina, Saskatchewan. She is most well known for her roles (clone life) in the popular TV show Orphan Black. She is also known for her role in a Canadian improv-show.
Chad Kroeger
He was born on November 15, 1974 in Hanna, Alberta, Canada. He is best known as the lead singer of Nickleback and is married to fellow Canadian singer Avril Lavigne. On TV, he has been referred to as “Scary Jesus Man,” by a number of sitcom shows.
Corey Haim
He was born on December 23, 1981 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Although he died in Burbank, CA on March 10, 2010, he did have a fairly well known career. He starred in the Lost Boys, and broke into the film industry in 1984 in the film Firstborn.
Matthew Perry
He was born on August 19, 1969 in Massachusetts but has dual citizenship as a Canadian. He is best known as Chandler Bing on the popular TV show Friends. His ancestry includes: German, Swiss, Irish, English,, and French-Canadian.
Jason Priestley
He was born on August 28, 1969 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. His biggest role came in 90210 as lead man Brandon Walsh. Today he does most of his work behind the camera, and works as a producer. Priestley is also known for his ties to the world of Stock Racing.
Kathleen Robertson
She was born on July 8, 1973 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. She became well known after landing a spot on the popular 1990s TV show 90210 as Clare Arnold and also starred in Maniac Mansion. She showcased an early interest in acting, as she began taking lessons at the age of 10.
Phil Hartman
He was born on September 24, 1948 in Brantford, Ontario. He died in 1998 in CA, but had an illustrious career as one of the top SNL alum. Phil also has a successful run on the hit show News Radio. Hartman was one of 8 children growing up in his home as a child.
Deadmau5 / Joel Thomas Zimmerman
He was born on January 5, 1981 in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. He is best known for electronic music work. He produced the soundtrack for Fast 5. In case you were wondering, Deadmau5 is pronounced deadmouse
Evelyne Brochu
She was born in Quebec, Canada in 1983. She is best known as Delphone Cormier on Canadian hit show Orphan Black. She began her career early on as a theater actress prior to moving onto TV and film.
Tom Green
He was born on July 30, 1971 in Pembroke, Ontario, Canada. Best known as a comedian, he has also done work in acting. He produced his self titled show, Tom Green Show as well. He was shortly married to Drew Barrymore for a short period of time.
Tommy Chong
He was born on May 24, 1938 in Edmonton Alberta, Canada. He is best known as Chong, from the popular show Cheech and Chong. He also starred in That 70s Show as Leo. He has been married to wife Shelby Chong since 1975 and has 4 children.
K.D. Lang
She was born on November 2, 1961 in Consort, Alberta, Canada. She is a famous singer and songwriter. She performed on Glee, So you Think You Can Dance, and the Tonight Show, in addition to producing music for several other TV shows and films.
Caroline Rhea
Caroline was born April 13, 1964 in Westmount, Quebec, Canada. She is known for her role on Sabrina the Teenage Witch. She also produced popular children’s show Phineas and Ferb, and later appeared on popular TV show the Biggest Loser as a contestant.
Fefe Dobson
She was born on February 28, 1985 in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada. She is a well known singer and songwriter, and has done work in acting as well. She has written and produced for shows like: So You Think You Can Dance, Hannah Montana, and One Tree Hill.
Malin Akerman
Malin was born on May 12, 1978 in Stockholm, Sweden but grew up in Ontario. She is a popular actress, and is well known for her role in Watchman, and has done work as a model. In fact, at the age of 5 she got her first gig when she began appearing in TV commercials.
Gregory Smith
He was born on July 6, 1983 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He is well known for roles in Everwood, as well as Canadian cop-drama Rookie Blue. During the course of his career he has starred in over 25 feature films.
Feist
Leslie Feist was born on February 13, 1976 in Amherst, Nova Scotia, Canada. The Canadian indie-pop singer and songwriter performs as a solo artist as well as with her rock band, Broken Social Scene. As a high school student Feist aspired to be a writer and early on spent time as a member of her church choir group.
Dwayne Johnson / The Rock
He was born on May 2, 1972 in Hayward, CA. His father was a Canadian born professional wrestler. In his illustrious career, Dwayne was well known early on as a professional wrestler for WWE, where he went under alias name “The Rock.” Recently he has transitioned to film and starred in Fast & Furious 6 and Furious 7. Before wrestling, he had immense success as a football star at the University of Miami.
Justin Bieber
Justin was born on March 1, 1994 in London, Ontario, Canada.He is a popular singer/songwriter who was discovered as a Youtube sensation online. He really took off in popularity after appearing on the Ellen Degeneres show early in his career.
Jonathan Adam Saunders Jay Baruchel
Starring in Popular Mechanics for Kids and Undecalred, Jay got an early start in the industry. Moving into film, Jay has appeared in films including Knocked Up, Tropic Thunder and This is The End. Born in Ottawa on April 9, 1982, Jay now spends most of his time in Montreal, Quebec.
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