Top 50 Most Popular Canadian Actors Of All Time

Christopher Plummer stands as one of the most iconic Canadian actors to grace the screen.

Throughout his illustrious career, he garnered numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, two Tony Awards, and two Primetime Emmy Awards. Plummer’s talent shone across film, stage, and television, earning him lasting global recognition.

His breakout role as Captain Georg von Trapp in the beloved musical drama The Sound of Music catapulted him to international fame. He continued to impress audiences with standout performances in acclaimed films like The Insider, A Beautiful Mind, Waterloo, and The Fall of the Roman Empire.

Christopher Plummer was honored with the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his outstanding work in Beginners.

Ryan Gosling stands as one of the most prominent movie stars to emerge from Canada. He first captured audiences' attention on television with his debut in The Mickey Mouse Club back in 1993, laying the foundation for a remarkable career in both film and television.

A Golden Globe Award winner, Gosling is admired for seamlessly transitioning between independent films and major mainstream blockbusters, showcasing his impressive range as an actor.

While his breakthrough came starring in the beloved romantic drama The Notebook, he quickly proved his talent with acclaimed performances in films such as Blue Valentine, Half Nelson, The Ides of March, Drive, The Big Short, The Place Beyond the Pines, and La La Land.

In 2023, Gosling won audiences around the world with his playful portrayal of Ken in Greta Gerwig’s live-action adaptation of Barbie. The film became a global sensation, grossing over $1.4 billion at the box office.

Although the story centered on Margot Robbie’s Barbie, Gosling’s performance was a highlight, demonstrating his comedic flair and versatility. His contribution helped make Barbie the highest-grossing film of the year.

Elliot Page first gained public recognition starring in the television series "Pit Pony," a role that earned him a Young Artist Award.

He continued to impress both critics and audiences with outstanding performances in acclaimed films such as "Hard Candy" and the Oscar-nominated "Juno."

Currently, Page stars in the popular Netflix series "The Umbrella Academy." His powerful work in the documentary series "Gaycation" also brought him two well-deserved Primetime Emmy Award nominations.

Brendan Fraser, an Academy Award-winning actor, has established himself as one of the most beloved Canadian stars in Hollywood. He has enjoyed tremendous success in both film and television, captivating audiences with his versatility and charm.

Fraser rose to international fame with his memorable role in The Mummy trilogy, solidifying his status as a Hollywood leading man. His talent continued to shine in other acclaimed films such as Journey to the Center of the Earth, Gods and Monsters, and Crash.

In addition to his film work, Fraser has earned praise for his performances in popular television series like Texas Rising, The Affair, and Trust. His powerful portrayal in the 2022 film The Whale brought him even greater critical acclaim and reaffirmed his remarkable acting prowess.

Jim Carrey stands as one of the most celebrated Canadian actors in Hollywood, earning widespread acclaim for his unique energy and remarkable versatility throughout his illustrious career.

Carrey first rose to prominence thanks to his recurring role on the iconic American sketch comedy series In Living Color, where his highly spirited slapstick performances captured audiences' attention.

He quickly became a household name after starring in a string of hit comedies, including Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, The Mask, Dumb and Dumber, and Liar Liar.

Though initially recognized for his comedic brilliance, Carrey shattered expectations by delivering critically acclaimed dramatic roles in cult classics like Man on the Moon, The Truman Show, and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

Eugene Levy has been a prominent figure in the entertainment industry since the early 1970s. Renowned as both an actor and comedian, he gained widespread recognition for his memorable role in the beloved American Pie film franchise.

Levy's career experienced a resurgence with the critical and commercial triumph of his acclaimed series, Schitt's Creek. This accomplishment brought him renewed attention and praise from audiences worldwide.

Throughout his career, Levy has been honored with numerous awards, including the Governor General's Performing Arts Award, Canada's highest distinction in the performing arts. In 2020, he also won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his performance in Schitt's Creek.

Michael J. Fox is a celebrated Canadian actor who first gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Alex P. Keaton on the popular NBC sitcom Family Ties. His talent and charisma quickly made him a household name in television.

He is perhaps most iconic for his role as Marty McFly in the acclaimed Back to the Future trilogy, which achieved massive critical and commercial success and remains beloved by fans worldwide.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Fox starred in several notable films, including Teen Wolf, The Secret of My Success, Casualties of War, Doc Hollywood, and The Frighteners. These performances solidified his reputation as one of Canada's most popular and enduring actors.

William Shatner is best known for his iconic role as Captain Kirk in the Star Trek television series and feature films, which helped cement his status as one of Hollywood's most beloved Canadian actors.

Renowned for his self-deprecating humor, Shatner has authored several books that reflect on his extensive life experiences, spanning his journey before, during, and after his Star Trek years.

Beyond acting, Shatner has made his mark in television. He notably hosted the reality television series Rescue 911, which earned the People's Choice Award for Favorite New TV Dramatic Series.

Dan Levy is celebrated not only for his captivating performances but also for his impressive talent as a writer, director, and producer, consistently delivering meaningful content to audiences.

Levy began his career as a television host before skyrocketing to fame for his portrayal of the charming David Rose in the acclaimed sitcom Schitt's Creek.

A four-time Canadian Screen Award winner, Levy has also showcased his versatility in films such as Happiest Season and Admission.

Mike Myers is a talented actor, comedian, and filmmaker who has earned widespread acclaim, including seven MTV Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award.

While Myers made his television debut on King of Kensington in 1975, he truly rose to prominence in the early 1990s as a regular performer on Saturday Night Live.

His memorable work on Saturday Night Live even secured him a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series.

Beyond television, Myers received immense appreciation for his leading roles in iconic film franchises such as Wayne's World (1992–1993), Austin Powers (1997–2002), and Shrek (2001–2010).

Donald Sutherland is among the most distinguished actors to come from Canada. With a remarkable career spanning over six decades, he is widely regarded as one of the finest talents never to receive an Academy Award nomination.

Despite this, Sutherland has earned two Golden Globe Awards for his outstanding performances in television films such as Citizen X and Path to War.

Sutherland first rose to fame in the late 1960s, thanks to memorable roles in major films like The Dirty Dozen, M*A*S*H, and Kelly's Heroes. He quickly established himself as a versatile actor, taking on both leading and supporting roles in a wide variety of mainstream projects.

A deserving honoree on both the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Canadian Walk of Fame, Sutherland was recognized with a Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Movie/Miniseries for his compelling role in the acclaimed miniseries The Undoing.

Additionally, his performance in Citizen X received widespread praise and further cemented his reputation as an exceptional performer.

Ryan Reynolds, a celebrated actor with three People’s Choice Awards and a Critics’ Choice Movie Award, has captivated audiences with his dynamic performances for nearly three decades.

Internationally recognized for leading Marvel’s blockbuster Deadpool franchise, Reynolds has also showcased his diverse talent in films like National Lampoon’s Van Wilder, 6 Underground, Life, The Proposal, and Free Guy.

He began his career on television in the early 1990s, making his debut in the teen drama Fifteen. However, his true breakthrough arrived with the sitcom Two Guys and a Girl, where he portrayed a charismatic medical student.

In 2017, Reynolds was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Notably, he has been married twice and continues to be a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

Kiefer Sutherland is a British-Canadian actor renowned for his compelling portrayal of Jack Bauer in the acclaimed Fox drama series "24." His performance in the show has solidified his reputation as a versatile and powerful leading man.

Sutherland's contributions to the entertainment industry have earned him a star on both the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Canada's Walk of Fame. He has also received numerous accolades, including an Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and two Satellite Awards for his work in "24."

Beyond television, Sutherland has delivered memorable performances in a range of films such as "Stand by Me," "The Lost Boys," "Young Guns," "Flatliners," "A Few Good Men," "The Three Musketeers," "A Time to Kill," "Phone Booth," and "Melancholia."

Seth Rogen is a talented Canadian-American actor, comedian, and filmmaker who made his debut on television with the cult favorite show Freaks and Geeks in 1999.

Although he began his career as a stand-up comedian, Rogen quickly established himself as both a skilled writer and performer, contributing to various projects in Hollywood.

Following a minor appearance in the thought-provoking drama Donnie Darko, Rogen landed prominent roles in hit films such as The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Knocked Up, Superbad, Pineapple Express, This Is the End, and The Interview, solidifying his place as one of the industry's leading comedic talents.

Martin Hayter Short has been a prominent figure in the entertainment industry for over five decades. He first made his mark on television with the show Right On and quickly established himself as a celebrated personality in Canada.

Recognized as an Officer of the Order of Canada, Short is known for his significant roles in acclaimed series like Mulaney, Maya and Marty, and The Morning Show.

His filmography features several standout movies, including Three Amigos, Innerspace, Three Fugitives, Captain Ron, and Clifford.

Short's comedic talents in the Hulu series Only Murders in the Building have earned him well-deserved nominations for the Primetime Emmy, Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild, and Critics Choice Television Awards.

Widely celebrated as the "nicest guy in Hollywood," Keanu Reeves began his acting journey with a minor role in the sitcom Hangin' In back in 1984.

He made his feature film debut in Youngblood, soon gaining recognition for his standout performance in the science fiction comedy Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure.

As an enthusiastic hockey fan, Reeves rose to motion picture stardom with acclaimed roles in Speed, My Own Private Idaho, and Point Break.

His international fame skyrocketed following the release of The Matrix series, solidifying his legacy throughout the film industry.

Despite facing a string of box office disappointments, Reeves staged a stunning comeback as the titular character in the blockbuster John Wick franchise.

Named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world in 2022, he also directed the martial arts film Man of Tai Chi, which premiered in 2013.

Although Reeves returned for the fourth installment of The Matrix in 2021, the film unfortunately underperformed at the box office.

Will Arnett has been captivating audiences since the mid-1990s, establishing himself not only as a talented screen actor, but also as a celebrated voice artist, comedian, and producer.

He is perhaps best known for his standout roles in acclaimed television series like Arrested Development, BoJack Horseman, and Murderville, where his unique comedic style shines.

Arnett’s impressive career also includes an Emmy Award nomination, and he has appeared in numerous comedy films such as Let’s Go To Prison, Blades of Glory, Semi-Pro, G-Force, Jonah Hex, and Show Dogs.

Beyond live-action, he has brought animated characters to life with his distinctive voice in projects including Ice Age: The Meltdown, Ratatouille, Monsters vs. Aliens, Despicable Me, and The Lego Movie franchise.

Jason Bradford Priestley is a celebrated actor and television director who rose to fame portraying the principled Brandon Walsh in the iconic series "Beverly Hills, 90210." His memorable performance transformed him into a teen idol and earned him two well-deserved Golden Globe nominations.

Beyond his breakout role, Priestley has appeared in popular television shows such as "Call Me Fitz" and "Private Eyes." He made his directorial debut with the film "Cas & Dylan" and was inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame in 2016, marking his significant impact on Canadian entertainment.

Nathan Fillion is widely recognized for his portrayal of Captain Malcolm "Mal" Reynolds in the cult-favorite television series Firefly. He also reprised this iconic character in the film continuation, Serenity. Fillion's charismatic performance won the hearts of sci-fi fans everywhere.

He first gained significant attention on the soap opera One Life to Live, earning a Daytime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series. This early recognition opened doors for his successful television career.

Beyond live-action roles, Fillion has contributed his voice to numerous animation and video game projects, further showcasing his diverse talent and appeal within the entertainment industry.

Finn Wolfhard has quickly become one of the most prominent young actors in recent years, making headlines with his impressive work in film and television.

Despite having spent less than a decade in the industry, Wolfhard has already earned a spot among the most popular Canadian actors today, which speaks to his rapid development and talent as a performer.

He began his acting journey with a role on the television series The 100, but his breakthrough came with starring roles in the hit Netflix show Stranger Things and the acclaimed horror movie franchise It.

Additionally, it may surprise you to learn that Wolfhard made his directorial debut in 2020 with the comedy short film Night Shifts, further showcasing his artistic versatility.

Hayden Christensen began his acting career on television. He is best known for playing the well-regarded character of Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader in the Star Wars prequel trilogy films.

After having played the main antagonist in the Disney+ series Obi-Wan Kenobi, he is all set to reprise his role in the forthcoming Disney+ series Ahsoka as well.

While Christensen can be seen in titles such as Awake, Jumper, Takers, and Little Italy, his performances in Life as a House and Shattered Glass are credited with bringing him critical acclaim.

Eric McCormack is an actor and singer who made his professional acting debut in the television film The Boys from Syracuse in 1987.

He started acting by continuously performing in high school plays at a young age, and is best known for participating in television shows such as Will & Grace, Travelers, and Perception.

For his much-acknowledged performance in Will & Grace, McCormack won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series in 2001.

Michael Cera is yet another Canadian mainstream performer who started his career as a child actor. An actor and musician, he can be seen participating in quite a few television and film productions.

The actor is best known for having played a role in television and movie projects such as Arrested Development, Superbad, Juno, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, and This Is the End.

Cera also went on to release his debut music album, titled True That, in 2014.

The talented and likable Jay Baruchel was first seen playing a role in the television series The Worst Witch in 1998.

Also a stand-up comedian and filmmaker, he is best known for having lent his voice to the character of Hiccup Haddock in the popular How to Train Your Dragon franchise of feature films.

That said, Baruchel can also be seen playing a key role in movies such as Blackberry, Knocked Up, Tropic Thunder, The Trotsky, Fanboys, She's Out of My League, and This Is the End.

Known for his work in film, television, and theatre, Victor Garber is one of the most distinguished Canadian actors in the history of motion pictures.

The actor is known to have appeared in feature films such as Titanic, Milk, Argo, Sleepless in Seattle, Legally Blonde, Sicario, and Happiest Season.

The magnificent performer has played a variety of roles on television as well. For his performance in the drama series Alias, Garber received three consecutive Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series nominations.

Bruce Greenwood is an experienced screen actor who is best known for his memorable appearances in projects such as Thirteen Days and the Star Trek reboot series.

For his performance as the American President John F. Kennedy in Thirteen Days, he won a well-deserved Satellite Award for Best Supporting Actor - Motion Picture.

Also, a quality voice actor, Greenwood can be seen in movies such as Kingsman: The Golden Circle, Capote, and The Post, among others.

Glenn Ford was among the most dependable box office stars during the Golden Age of Hollywood.

Often seen playing ordinary men caught up in odd circumstances, he had a screen career that spanned more than 50 incredible years.

Some of Ford's finest performances came in feature films such as Gilda, The Big Heat, Pocketful of Miracles, and 3:10 to Yuma.

Roy Dupuis is best known for his character projection of counterterrorism operative Michael Samuelle in the television series La Femme Nikita.

Courtesy of his involvement in English-language and bilingual projects, the actor has grown to be immensely popular in French-speaking areas of Canada over the years.

Dupuis has participated in several theater productions, television shows, and motion pictures throughout his career so far.

This Canadian-American actor made his acting debut in the feature film Crooked Hearts in 1991.

Not long after he first faced the camera, Joshua Jackson managed to make a name for himself by appearing in popular film and television projects such as Mighty Ducks, Shutter, Dawson's Creek, The Affair, Fringe, When They See Us, and Dr. Death.

For his performance in the Canadian independent feature film One Week, the actor received a well-deserved Genie Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role.

Among the most experienced screen performers to make it to our list, Leslie Nielsen is an actor who appeared in over 100 films in a career that spanned 60 years.

The actor is known to have enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force and served in the Second World War. He first gained prominence by playing a part in motion pictures such as Forbidden Planet and The Poseidon Adventure.

However, the utilization of his trademark deadpan humor in titles such as Airplane! and The Naked Gun franchise marked a turning point in his career.

Shawn Ashmore was first seen in an episode of the television show Katts and Dog in 1989. He is best known for playing the character of Bobby Drake/Iceman in the X-Men series of motion pictures.

The actor was also seen in the second season of the acclaimed Amazon Prime Video superhero series The Boys.

Ashmore has mostly been seen participating in television shows. Some of his other credits include The Following, Conviction, and The Rookie, to name a few.

Best known for playing the role of Xavier Laflamme in the 2011 ice hockey film Goon, Marc-André Grondin made his acting debut in 1989.

For his performance in Jean-Marc Vallée's coming-of-age drama C.R.A.Z.Y., he won a deserving Jutra Award for Best Actor.

The Chameleon actor also received a Best Actor nomination at the 8th Canadian Screen Awards for his commendable character play in Mafia Inc. He served as one of the judges at the Festival du Nouveau Cinéma Awards in 2010.

John Candy was an actor and comedian known primarily for his work in Hollywood movies. He rose to fame as a screen performer during the 1970s.

First seen in Class of '44, the actor had been seen appearing in feature films such as Stripes, Splash, Summer Rental, Spaceballs, The Great Outdoors, Only the Lonely, and JFK.

Even though he was an established actor, Candy was a competent businessman as well. He was a co-owner of the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League (CFL).

This award-winning Canadian actor was first seen playing a minor role in the popular television show 21 Jump Street in 1987.

Best known for his appearances in shows such as Supernatural, Stargate Atlantis, and Van Helsing, he has also had the fruitful experience of performing on stage.

That said, Heyerdahl is also well-known for having played the part of Marcus in the famous The Twilight Saga series of feature films.

Pablo Tell Schreiber made his feature film debut in 2001's Bubble Boy. He is well-known to the Canadian audience for his work in television, film, and stage.

While the actor can be seen in shows such as The Wire, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and American Gods, it was his performance in the prison drama Orange Is the New Black that earned him a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series.

Matthew Perry is an actor, comedian, and producer who made a name for himself by portraying the exciting character of Chandler Bing in one of the most loved sitcoms of all time, Friends.

The actor was also seen partaking in the short-lived television series Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. Furthermore, he can be noticed in feature films such as Fools Rush In, Almost Heroes, The Whole Nine Yards, and 17 Again.

Once an original member of the "Not Ready for Prime Time Players" on Saturday Night Live, Dan Aykroyd is not only a talented actor but also a comedian, producer, musician, and writer who has been making his presence felt within the entertainment industry since the mid-1970s. 

The Blues Brothers actor was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his character play of Boolie Werthan in the acclaimed 1989 drama film Driving Miss Daisy.

Aykroyd was also seen delivering a praiseworthy performance as the blueblood-turned-wretch in the comedy flick Trading Places in 1983.

Taylor Kitsch made his professional acting debut on television in 2006. He is best known for playing the role of Tim Riggins in the NBC television series Friday Night Lights.

Also seen in the second season of the acclaimed HBO series True Detective, the actor has appeared in feature films such as X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Battleship, John Carter, Savages, Lone Survivor, American Assassin, and 21 Bridges.

Raymond Burr had been a part of motion pictures since his debut in the mid-1940s.

The actor had a stretched and rich film career and was best known for his performances in television dramas such as Perry Mason and Ironside.

Some of his best film roles include playing the suspected villain in Alfred Hitchcock's cult classic Rear Window and Godzilla, King of the Monsters!.

For his character projection of Perry Mason, Burr won the Emmy Awards for acting in 1959 and 1961.

Besides being an actor, Phil Hartman was also a comedian, screenwriter, and graphic designer who had been making his presence felt in the film industry since the late 1970s.

Before joining Saturday Night Live (SNL) as one of its cast members, the celebrity had co-written the feature film Pee-wee's Big Adventure.

For his undeniable contribution to SNL, Hartman won a Primetime Emmy Award in 1989 and was given the nickname "Glue" courtesy of his ability to hold the show together.

This actor and musician kick-started his acting career as a child and gained prominence as a teenager after having participated in motion pictures such as The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising and Race to Witch Mountain.

However, it can be said that Ludwig's breakout role came in 2012's The Hunger Games. Some of his other popular features are Lone Survivor and Bad Boys For Life.

In addition, he can also be seen playing the character of the legendary Viking Björn Ironside in the famed History Channel series Vikings.

Rick Moranis is an actor, comedian, musician, songwriter, writer, and producer.

He started his career in the entertainment industry by appearing in the sketch comedy series Second City Television (SCTV) in 1980.

Soon after, one could see him delivering decent performances in Hollywood feature films such as Strange Brew, Ghostbusters, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, Parenthood, and The Flintstones, to mention a few.

Cory Monteith was an actor and musician who had made a name for himself by playing the role of Finn Hudson on the Fox television series Glee.

His successful stint on the show had allowed him to confidently act in films such as Monte Carlo and Sisters & Brothers.

However, due to his drug addiction, his family and friends had to intervene and convince him to go to rehab to recover quite early in his career.

Unfortunately for him, things didn't work out in the long run.

Corey Haim made his feature film debut in 1984's Firstborn and continued to rise as a performer throughout the 1980s.

The actor was seen in feature films such as Lucas, Silver Bullet, Murphy's Romance, License to Drive and Dream a Little Dream during the initial years of his career.

However, his performance in the supernatural dark comedy horror film The Lost Boys made him a household name and brought him a decent amount of fame.

Tommy Chong started appearing in motion pictures in the second half of the 1970s. He became a naturalized citizen of the United States of America during the late 1980s.

Best known for playing the popular and recurring character of Leo in the much-loved sitcom That '70s Show, he was seen playing the guitar for a Calgary soul group called the Shades during the 1960s.

Even though he is an actor, he has become a mini-cult personality of sorts courtesy of his affinity for marijuana-themed comedy albums and roles.

Alan Thicke was inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame in 2013. He was an actor, songwriter, and game and talk show host who made his acting debut in the late 1960s.

The actor was recognized for playing the character of Dr. Jason Seaver in the 1980s sitcom Growing Pains. Even though he hosted a variety of TV events, Thicke could also be seen in television and film projects such as Hope & Gloria, The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard, and Not Quite Human, among others.

Actor Patrick J. Adams is known to the mainstream audience for playing the character of Mike Ross in the popular series Suits.

For his character projection in the aforementioned show, he was nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series at the 18th Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Adams has also made an appearance in other renowned television shows such as Pretty Little Liars, NCIS, and Legends of Tomorrow.

Robbie Amell is an actor and producer who is best known for having participated in quite a few television shows.

Some of his better performances came in series such as The Tomorrow People, The Flash, and Upload.

Also, Amell can be seen playing a part in movies such as Code 8, Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Begins, and Scooby-Doo! Curse of the Lake Monster, among others.

Aaron Ashmore made his debut in the feature film Married to It in 1991. He's perhaps best known for playing the character of Jimmy Olsen on Smallville.

The identical twin brother of actor Shawn Ashmore, he has also participated in films such as A Separate Peace and A Bear Named Winnie, among others.

An ardent fan of Star Trek, one can also find Ashmore performing in series such as Warehouse 13 and Killjoys.

Stephen Amell, who, aside from acting, has also been a professional wrestler, shot to instant fame after having headlined the popular superhero series Arrow.

Also known for portraying Casey Jones in the superhero film Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows, the actor was even seen making appearances for the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and Ring of Honor in 2015 and 2017, respectively.

The character that Amell played in Arrow allowed him to appear in several other superhero shows as well.