It is no secret Hollywood has had a major impact on culture in the United States and beyond. But Canada’s role in this success cannot be overlooked. Several of the most recognizable actors in the industry are Canadian born and bred. However, many of these actors moved to the United States in their youth or have lived there so long that people forget their Canadian roots. Similarity in accents across both countries also helps these Canadian actors blend in seamlessly with their American counterparts, so the truth of where these actors come from might actually surprise you. Their success stories show just how much Canadian talent has shaped what we watch today.
Sandra Oh
Ontario-born Sandra Oh was active in the arts throughout her youth, starring in countless school productions before graduating from Montreal’s National Theatre School in 1993. She first found success with the critically acclaimed Canadian drama Double Happiness, but really made her mark on American audiences when she landed the role of Christina Yang in hit medical drama Grey’s Anatomy. Since her departure from the show in its tenth season, Oh has continued to get roles in Hollywood and beyond, starring in the BBC series Killing Eve among others. Despite her big roles, Oh still has a fondness for Canadian indie films, though, never forgetting her roots.
Keanu Reeves
Though he was born in Beirut, Lebanon, Keanu Reeves was raised in Toronto, Ontario. Despite moving around a lot during his childhood, Reeves spent his formative years in Canada before moving to the US to pursue acting. He has lived in Los Angeles most of his adult life, though, tricking many into thinking he came from the United States. Reeves also rarely speaks about his time in Canada, leading many to forget his origins. Regardless, his reputation as a generous person, alongside his success, has made him beloved worldwide.
Rachel McAdams
A London, Ontario, native, Rachel McAdams has won over the hearts of American audiences with iconic roles in Mean Girls and The Notebook. Many people forget she got her start by studying theatre at York University in Toronto. Her natural good looks and charm made her a perfect fit for romantic comedies and teen movies at the start of her career, but she never forgot her roots. She even moved back to Canada to be closer to her family for several years before she returned to Hollywood.
Ryan Reynolds
Best known for the Deadpool films and his marriage to two American bombshells–– his former beau, Scarlett Johansson, and current wife, Blake Lively–– Ryan Reynolds has fooled many into thinking he’s American. From smaller, independent films like Mississippi Grind, where Reynolds plays a smooth-talking gambler who would never pass up a chance to claim an offer by depositing $10, to blockbuster hits like Deadpool and Deadpool 2, where he plays a wisecracking superhero, further that American image. But before he became a household name, Reynolds grew up in a working-class family in Vancouver, British Columbia. He got his start on Canadian television shows before he hit it big in American movies. Still, Reynolds always acknowledges his Canadian roots, often bringing it up during interviews. On top of that, he even owns a major stake in a Canadian mobile company!
Seth Rogen
A staple of many American buddy comedies, it might surprise you to learn Seth Rogen hails from Vancouver, British Columbia. His goofy laugh and easygoing personality made him a great fit for the type of buddy comedy films popular in the United States that helped Rogen’s rise to the top. Before he became known for his comedy there, though, Rogen got his start in Canadian comedy clubs. His ability to adopt American forms of humour and countless Hollywood productions have made most of his audience forget his British Columbia roots. Seth Rogen is not shy about his love for his home country, though, often talking about Vancouver and filming many of his movies there, earning awards for his work on both sides of the border.
Ryan Gosling
Often confused with Ryan Reynolds, this other Ryan also hails from Canada. Like his Notebook co-star, Gosling is a London, Ontario, native who got his start as an actor on The Mickey Mouse Club alongside future stars like Justin Timberlake. He moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting seriously, landing countless Hollywood leading man roles that have cemented him as an all-American heartthrob. But make no mistake, he is still one of Canada’s most famous exports.
Kim Cattrall
Best known for her role as Samantha Jones in Sex in the City, most might be surprised to learn that New York’s queen of sass is actually Canadian and British. Born in Liverpool, Cattrall’s family moved to British Columbia when she was only three months old. At age 18, the actress went to New York to pursue her acting dreams, but didn’t become a breakout star until she bagged her role on the hit HBO series. By then, she had been honing her Americanisms for years.
Jim Carrey
Another comedian people forget is Canadian? Jim Carrey. The man has made millions laugh with films like Dumb and Dumber and Liar, Liar. His ability to change appearances and facial expressions to fit any role is unmatched and led to many memorable performances throughout his career. Before he was a comedic powerhouse, though, Carrey grew up in Ontario. Since then, he made the permanent move to California, where years of living the lifestyle have led many to think he is a California native instead.
Cobie Smulders
Smulders’ run as Robin in the hit comedy series How I Met Your Mother might have fooled many into thinking she was a native-born United States citizen, but the actress was actually born in Vancouver. Prior to her career in acting, she worked in modelling but eventually scored roles in several series, including Smallville and The L Word. Her performance as Robin, however, gained her critical acclaim. Smulders also holds dual Canadian and American citizenship, having earned the latter in 2020.
Catherine O’Hara
Despite her success with films like Beetlejuice and the series Schitt’s Creek, veteran actress Catherine O’Hara was actually born in Toronto, Ontario. In fact, O’Hara had been working a decade in the Canadian television industry before her big break in 1998 with Beetlejuice. She was also a tenured member of the Canadian television sketch comedy Second City Television. She cemented her role as a beloved icon when she played Kevin McCallister’s mom in the first two installments of the Home Alone series.