Famous Canadian Actors: Now Disc. Alan Thicke

I'm a big fan of Hayden Christensen, obviously because he plays Anakin, but also because his performances in Life as a House and Shattered Glass were really good. I liked Awake and Jumper a lot as well. I think like Keanu Reeves his voice tends to get in the way of his performance at times, but he's still a good actor, and certainly not wooden like many critics suggest.

 

I agree with all of this wholeheartedly with one exception. I didn't think Hayden was very good in AWAKE, especially in his voice over narration when he was anesthesized. However, I think because he's been excellent in other roles, I would place the blame on the writer/director. The movie overall was quite flawed, though I could see what they were trying to accomplish. I don't think he was well-served by the script, or the direction of his performance. It just felt slightly "off."

He was pretty good in Factory Girl. His character in that is not the main focus of the movie, but he was convincing.

I'd like to see him disappear into his roles a little more.

I would disagree with Zaz though on Hayden's portrayal of Anakin. Especially in the confession scene in AOTC, where I thought he really shined. Also, I thought the climactic scene on the landing platform in ROTS where he force chokes Padme he was fantastic. When he screams "You will not take her from me!" to Obi-Wan, I really bought it. A friend of mine commented at that point in the film, "whoa! he's scarier OUT of the suit than IN it."

 

An actor with technique can rise above the dialogue. I would say, he has talent, but not much technique...

 

Well, Hayden's still fairly young, perhaps he'll develop more technique in time. He's got more than some young actors I've seen.

One problem which I alluded to earlier about wishing he would "disappear" more into his roles, is indeed related to technique. I wish he would invent more specific physical behavior for his characters...when he's got too much talking to do, you can tell he's preoccupied with the lines, when he shouldn't be "thinking" so much about what he's saying. It's like he's either a physical actor or a talking actor, when the two should be inseparable.

I just thought of something relating to his acting technique, from an old Star Wars movie:

He needs to let go of his conscious self, and ACT ON INSTINCT.

Yes, that's what I've been trying to say. That's right on target.

 

Yvonne DeCarlo.

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She is best known as Lily Munster, this versatile actress also starred in countless classic films from 1942 to 1993. Yvonne DeCarlo starred as Lily Munster from 1964 to 1966, Despite its two year run, the show still remains a cult favorite. Yvonne DeCarlo's list of credits is impressive, having also appeared in a movies ranging from Cecil B. DeMille's "The Ten Commandments", to B-Movies such as "Satan's Cheerleaders".

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Her real name was Peggy Middleton, and her home town was Vancouver...

 

James Doohan (March 3, 1920 ? July 20, 2005)

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He is best known for playing Saurian brandy afficionado, and proto-McGuyver engineer Montgomery Scott on the original Star Trek series. Mr. Doohan also appeared on McGuyver in 1990, and most surprisingly on daytime soap opera "The Bold and the Beautiful". Prior to his acting career, James Doohan was a Captain, and a pilot in the Canadian Armed Forces, He fought, and was wounded on D-Day. If all of those endeavors weren't enough, he's also co-authored several books with S.M. Stirling, has been giving lectures at various colleges throughout the U.S.

He was a Canadian character and voice actor best known for his role as Montgomery "Scotty" Scott in the television and film series Star Trek. Doohan's characterization of the Scottish Chief Engineer of the Starship Enterprise was one of the most recognizable elements in the Star Trek franchise. He also made several contributions behind the scenes for the Star Trek franchise. Many of the characterizations, mannerisms, and expressions that he established for Scotty and other Star Trek characters have become entrenched in popular culture.

Outside of his performances in Star Trek and other television shows and films, Doohan was also a wounded combat veteran of World War II. Following his success with Star Trek, he supplemented his income and showed continued support for his fans by making numerous public appearances. Doohan often went to great lengths to buoy the large number of fans who have been inspired to make their own accomplishments in engineering and other fields, as a result of Doohan's work and his encouragement. Doohan was considered by some to be one of the most giving and affable stars of the Star Trek franchise.

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I am your mother, Zaz.

 

David-James Elliott

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His most notable role was as the star of CBS series JAG, but what you may not know is that he didn't always want to be an actor... The Ontario native's original plan was to make it in the Rock n' Roll world; a plan that failed due to the lack of commitment from other band members. Perhaps this was a blessing in disguise, because David James Elliott returned to his studies, and was encouraged to take acting classes, and the rest as they say, is history.

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Never watched "JAG"

 

Watch it sometime. JAG can be a fun show.

 

Brendan Fraser

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First, they dug him up as "Encino Man", and he later returned the favor by digging up "The Mummy". Brendan Fraser's star seems to be on the rise of late with credits such as "Gods and Monsters" and "Bedazzled". While not really a "Brat-Packer", Brendan Fraser's success is unique, being one of the few having had his career survive the Eighties. Perhaps this is due to his down to earth personality and surprising range as an actor.

Fraser's first film role was a brief cameo in an America's Most Wanted Reenactment (1988) he played friend to Rodney Mark Peterson, who was murdered. He has since garnered over 30 film credits. He had his first lead role in Encino Man (1992). That same year he played opposite Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and Chris O'Donnell in School Ties (1992). In 1994, he co-starred alongside Adam Sandler in the comedy Airheads. He went onto play supporting roles starring alongside Viggo Mortensen and Ashley Judd in Philip Ridley's The Passion of Darkly Noon (1995), and Jennifer Beals in The Twilight of the Golds (1997). In 1997, he got his breakthrough role with the hit comedy film George of the Jungle (1997). He went on to appear in several comedy films such as Blast from the Past (1999), Bedazzled (2000) and Monkeybone (2001).

Fraser also played a dramatic role in Gods and Monsters (1998), alongside Ian McKellen. The film was based on the life of the filmmaker James Whale (McKellen), who made the 1931 film Frankenstein. This film was written and directed by Bill Condon (Dreamgirls) and was a story about the loss of creativity, ambiguous sexuality and unlikely bonds between a heterosexual gardener and a gay, tortured and ailing filmmaker.

His biggest commercial success came with the action adventure horror film (co-starring Rachel Weisz) The Mummy (1999) and its sequel The Mummy Returns (2001), both of which were hugely successful at the box office. He has starred in two films based on Jay Ward creations, George of the Jungle and Dudley Do-Right although he did not reprise his role in the former's sequel.

In 2004, he appeared in the Academy Award-winning film Crash. He has also made guest appearances on the television shows Scrubs, King of the Hill, and The Simpsons.

In March 2006, he was inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame, the first American-born actor to receive the honor. However, as of 2006, he does not have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. After a six year hiatus in the franchise, Fraser returned for the second sequel to The Mummy released in August 2008 and titled The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor. Filming started in Montreal on July 27, 2007 and the movie also starred Jet Li as Emperor Han. The last Mummy film grossed over $100 million in the USA and over $400 million worldwide.

Fraser also starred as "Brick" in the West End production of Tennessee Williams's Cat on a Hot Tin Roof in September, 2001, directed by Anthony Page. Castmates included Ned Beatty, Frances O'Connor, and Gemma Jones. The show closed on January 12, 2002, with Fraser garnering many excellent reviews.

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I like Fraser a lot; especially in comedy.

 

Brendan Fraser was great in "Gods and Monsters".

 

I don't think Brendan Fraser has been "Great" in ANYTHING...

He's likeable enough, and has got to have one helluva an agent. How he gets into some of the projects he does i'll NEVER understand....

 

Not as good an agent as Keanu Reeves...

 

^I'm pretty sure it has to be the same guy. Believe his name is Luci....something...?

 

I've never understood the dislike of Brendan Fraser. He's great in every movie he's in, as far as I'm concerned, or is at least as great as the movie allows him to be. Tomb of the Dragon Emperor was awful, but not because of Fraser.

 

He has a nice ease, and he's not too serious about himself ("George of the Jungle" is one of my favorite dumb movies.)

 

I liked him in Crash.

 

Yes! His best serious role. People who haven't seen this should check it out. It's a terrific film and seeing Fraser act with Ian McKellen was fantastic.

 

perfectly cast in 'the quiet american'

 

..i dunno guys.. i'm curious as to when he's actually played someone who isn't just Brendan Fraser... I saw "The Quiet American' AND "Gods and Monsters"..Heck i remember his big breakthru in "School Ties"!


And i gotta say that i find his performances in "The Mummy" movies to be kinda forced and irritating...Maybe that's not entirely his fault.. The whole SERIES seems a forced attempt to try to recreate some of the flare of Indiana Jones, but honestly... They fail miserably..

Yes, he's likeable cause he doesn't take himself seriously... That's because, much like Keanu, i think he understands and accepts his place in the acting world..

 

That's about it. Frasier isn't an acting powerhouse or anything, but he makes a good affable action/adventurer lead, and has worked pretty well in some of his serious roles (Gods and Monsters and The Quiet American being the two obvious ones). He plays to his strengths, so I have no particular problem with him being out there doing his thing.

 

Michael J. Fox

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He wanted to avoid confusion with another actor named Michael Fox, so he added a J.
He dropped out of high-school to pursue fame and fortune in Hollywood at the age of 18, landing a string of small parts in various films before he would win the part of Alex on the popular 80's sitcom Family Ties. Today, Michael J. Fox lives in New York, spending most of his time at home with his family, and keeping his TV appearance few- and-far-between. Michael's awards list include 3 Emmys for "Family Ties", along with 3 Golden Globes for "Spin City".

Filmography
Film
Year Film Role Other notes
1980 - Midnight Madness - Scott
1982 - Class of 1984 - Arthur
1985 - Back to the Future - Marty McFly
1985 - Teen Wolf - Scott Howard
1987 - Light of Day - Joe Rasnick
1987 - The Secret of My Succe$s - Brantley Foster/Carlton Whitfield
1988 - Bright Lights, Big City - Jamie Conway
1989 - Casualties of War - PFC. Eriksson
1989 - Back to the Future II - Marty McFly, Marty McFly Sn, Marty McFly Jr, Marlene McFly
1990 - Back to the Future Part III - Marty McFly, Seamus McFly
1991 - The Hard Way - Nick Lang/Ray Casanov
1991 - Doc Hollywood - Dr. Benjamin Stone
1993 - Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey - Chance - Voice
1993 - Life with Mikey - Michael "Mikey" Chapman
1993 - For Love or Money - Doug Ireland
1994 - Where the Rivers Flow North - Clayton Farnsworth
1994 - Greedy - Daniel McTeague
1995 - Blue in the Face - Pete Maloney
1995 - Coldblooded - Tim Alexander - Also Producer
1995 - The American President - Lewis Rothschild
1996 - Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco - Chance - Voice
1996 - The Frighteners - Frank Bannister
1996 - Mars Attacks! - Jason Stone
1999 - Stuart Little - Stuart Little - Voice
2001 - Atlantis: The Lost Empire - Milo James Thatch - Voice
2002 - Interstate 60 - Mr. Baker
2002 - Stuart Little 2 - Stuart Little - Voice
2005 - Stuart Little 3: Call of the Wild - Stuart Little - Voice
Direct-to-DVD

Television
Year Title Role Notes
1973 - The Beachcombers - Episode: Truck Logger
1977 - The Magic Lie - Episode: The Master
1979 - Letters from Frank - Ricky - CBS TV-Movie
1979 - Lou Grant - Paul Stone - Episode: Kids
1980 - Palmerstown, U.S.A. - Willy-Joe Hall
1980 - Family - Richard Topol - Episode: Such a Fine Line
1980 - Trouble in High Timber Country - Thomas Elston - ABC TV-Movie
1981 - Trapper John, M.D. - Elliot Schweitzer - Episode: Brain Child
1981 - Leo and Me - Jamie
1982?1989 - Family Ties - Alex P. Keaton
1983 - The Love Boat - Episode: I Like to Be in America...
1983 - High School U.S.A. - Jay-Jay Manners - NBC TV-Movie/TV-Pilot
1984 - Night Court - Eddie Simms - Episode: Santa Goes Downtown
1984 - The Homemade Comedy Special - Host - NBC TV-Special
1985 - Poison Ivy - Dennis Baxter - NBC TV-Movie
1986 - David Letterman's 2nd Annual Holiday Film Festival - NBC TV-Special - Segment: The Iceman Hummeth
1988 Mickey's 60th Birthday Alex P. Keaton TV-Special
1990 - Sex, Buys & Advertising - TV-Special
1991 - Saturday Night Live - Host - Episode: Michael J. Fox/The Black Crowes
1991 - Tales from the Crypt - Prosecutor - Episode: The Trap
1994 - Don't Drink the Water - Axel Magee - ABC TV-Movie
1996?2001 - Spin City - Mike Flaherty
2002 - Clone High - Gandhi's Remaining Kidney - Voice Role - Episode: Escape to Beer Mountain: A Rope of Sand
2004 - Scrubs - Dr. Kevin Casey - Episode: My Catalyst, Episode: My Porcelain God
2006 - Boston Legal - Daniel Post
2007 - The Magic 7 - Marcel Maggot - Voice Role - TV-Movie
2009 - Rescue Me - paralyzed man in a wheelchair (name of character played unknown at this time) - upcoming early in the year

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