On 18th April, 1953 Rick Moranis was born...
It’s Rick Moranis’ 61st birthday today. One of the iconic faces of the 80s and 90s has given those who can remember the period much entertainment. From his slightly offbeat role in Ghostbusters (1984) to his zany professor character, Mr. Szalinski in the Honey, I (did something to someone) movies from (1989 onwards), Moranis was a staple for the comedy genre of that era.
But it wasn’t until I started researching his career that I realised he was born in Canada, Toronto in fact. Now, I imagine this wasn’t a surprise to many of you, but celebrity facts aren’t my forte! Having started my Twitter account @onthisdayinfilm I have begun to discover more and more facts about actors/actresses, directors, screenwriters and so on and my knowledge is broadening by a considerable amount. One thing that has struck me is the volume of ‘Hollywood’ actors that are born in Canada. Again, I hear the rumbles from North America and feel the eyes of 30 million plus Canadians glaring at me, but as an misinformed British film lover (and a tad naive) I assume actors acting in American movies are actually American.
Now, this sudden realisation of the Canadian influence on Hollywood and film could be to do with the fact that I emigrating to Canada in the next few weeks. Yep, another Brit is crossing the pond. So, as with these things when something, a name, a place or anything is at the forefront of your mind, it seems to pop up everywhere. Of course, Canada has been there for centuries, but I swear that every time I turn on the TV or open a book there is a reference to Canada. Everywhere I turn a maple leaf is staring at me! So during my research I have obviously noticed its influence and importance in the world of cinema and can’t wait to go and explore it even more.
So, Rick Moranis, happy birthday, and thank you for reminding me of Canada’s great film stars. Hope to see you when I’m over there!
For KP, you know who you are! xxx
by Russell Farnham
This is obviously as stupid as it sounds and I am aware that Hollywood is made up of many ethnicities and that is what helps to make it a successful film industry. But I was still surprised at how many stars come from Canada and looking at the history of cinema, this hasn’t just been a recent thing. Since the invention of film, Canadians have been at the forefront of the industry and some of the famous silent stars were Canucks: Mary Pickford, Florence Lawrence, Glenn Ford and Walter Huston amongst many others.
