So, it’s hard to say what you would know Gordon Pinsent best for, considering he’s done pretty much everything, including becoming an Officer, and then a Champion of The Order of Canada.  Which is only right, because he’s always kind of seemed like the quintessential Canadian actor (and director, and writer). 

Well, on September 25th Pinsent is set to receive yet another accolade…

Pinsent will be awarded for lifetime achievement from The Company Theatre.  This will mark their inaugural Award of Excellence.

It seems appropriate since Pinsent kind of seems omni-present in the arts in Canada.  And, really, he’s not showing particular signs of retiring off into obscurity.  For example, personally, I really enjoyed the show he did on CBC Radio One this summer – The Late Show. 

The press release gives some nice detail on the award, and on Pinsent:

“THE COMPANY THEATRE AWARD OF EXCELLENCE is awarded to a Canadian actor who has shown a consistent dedication, passion and fearlessness in their pursuit of greatness in the art of performance. GORDON PINSENT represents all of these attributes and so much more,” said ALLAN HAWCO, Co-Artistic Director of THE COMPANY THEATRE.  “Mr. Pinsent exemplifies the art of risk taking and courage in his unique and passionate approach to his work. He has inspired Canadians through the purity and intensity of his performances and has shown himself as the perfect model for any actor in this country.”

A forty-year veteran of stage, screen, television and radio, GORDON PINSENT is one of Canada’s busiest, most recognizable and most beloved actors. After launching his successful stage career at age 17, Pinsent went on to star in The Rowdyman (writer/actor in both film and stage versions); the TV series Wind at my Back, Red Green Show and Due South; and feature films Away From Her, The Shipping News, and John and the Missus.  Over the course of his robust career, he’s received two ACTRA Awards, three Genie Awards, five Gemini Awards and a Dora Award. An Officer of the Order of Canada, Pinsent was promoted to Companion within the Order in 1998 and, in 2007, received a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame.

The award will be presented at a Gala celebration on Thursday, September 25 at the Windsor Arms Hotel.  Tickets aren’t cheap to be a part of this gala, at $500 a pop it’s no wonder The Company Theatre website says the guests will be “200 leaders in the business, entertainment and arts communities.”  Of course, it really isn’t about the gala, it’s more about honouring a Canadian legend.

And, to further honour Pinsent, in subsequent years the award will be called “The Gordon Pinsent Award of Excellent”

So, a great big congratulations to Gordon Pinsent for this well-deserved recognition.

Details:

THE COMPANY THEATRE’S AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Tribute to Gordon Pinsent • Thursday, September 25, 6:30pm
The Windsor Arms Hotel, 18 St. Thomas Street, Toronto, Ontario  
For tickets call: 416.237.1694 / email: diane@companytheatre.ca
Tickets $500 (with tax receipt)