A living icon of theatre, film, radio and television, he has become a champion of our national identity and has succeeded in capturing the hearts of legions of fans through his sensitive renditions of our folkways and endearing portrayals of the quintessential Canadian `Everyman'. He has served as one of Canada's best known ambassadors who has nurtured future generations of Canadian artists by his tireless promotion of our cultural scene for more than three decades. This is a promotion within the Order.
Officer of the Order of Canada
Awarded on: 1979-12-17
Invested on: 1980-04-16
Newfoundland actor, director, writer and singer of great versatility. He has indeed brought to Canada "A Gift to Last".