Prime Ministers of Canada in popular culture
Encyclopedia
Real
- John A. Macdonald: in 1979 TV movie RielRiel (film)Riel is a 1979 Canadian biographical television movie about Métis leader Louis Riel.-Plot:* Louis Riel leads the Red River and North-West Rebellions against the Canadian government's expansionist ideas leading up to his capture, trial and execution in 1885.-Cast:* Raymond Cloutier ... as Louis...
, played by Christopher PlummerChristopher PlummerArthur Christopher Orne Plummer, CC is a Canadian theatre, film and television actor. He made his film debut in 1957's Stage Struck, and notable early film performances include Night of the Generals, The Return of the Pink Panther and The Man Who Would Be King.In a career that spans over five...
(Note: Plummer is a great-grandson of John AbbottJohn AbbottSir John Joseph Caldwell Abbott, PC, KCMG, QC was the third Prime Minister of Canada. He served in the office for seventeen months, from June 16, 1891 to November 24, 1892. - Life and work :...
) - Pierre Trudeau: in the 1980 film The Kidnapping of the PresidentThe Kidnapping of the PresidentThe Kidnapping of the President is a 1980 political thriller film made by Presidential Films and Sefel Films and distributed by Crown International Pictures. It was produced and directed by George Mendeluk and co-produced by John Ryan from a screenplay by Richard Murphy and Charles Templeton,...
, played by Aubert PallascioAubert PallascioAubert Pallascio is a Canadian actor. He is best known for having portrayed Pierre Trudeau in the 1980 film The Kidnapping of the President. He was nominated in 1996 for a Genie Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role for his role in Liste noire .- External links :... - In the 2002 CBCCBC TelevisionCBC Television is a Canadian television network owned by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the national public broadcaster.Although the CBC is supported by public funding, the television network supplements this funding with commercial advertising revenue, in contrast to CBC Radio which are...
mini series Trudeau, four Prime Ministers were portrayed- Pierre Trudeau, played by Colm FeoreColm FeoreColm Feore is an American-born Canadian stage, film and television actor.-Early life:Feore was born in Boston, Massachusetts to Irish parents who lived in Ireland for several years during Feore's early life. The family subsequently moved to Windsor, Ontario, where Feore grew up.After graduating...
- Jean Chrétien, played by Guy RicherGuy RicherGuy Richer is a Canadian actor. Aside from a few other roles, he is notable for his portrayal of Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien in the 2002 television miniseries Trudeau.- External links :...
(during the film's time frame, Chrétien was a cabinet minister under Trudeau) - Lester Pearson, played by William ParsonsWilliam ParsonsWilliam Parsons may refer to:*William Parsons , Master of the King's Music*William Parsons , English writer associated with the Della Cruscan movement*William Barclay Parsons , American civil engineer...
- John Turner, played by Karl PrunerKarl PrunerKarl Pruner is a Canadian actor whose most notable work is in portraying Canadian Prime Minister John Turner in the 2002 mini-series Trudeau. He did not play Turner in the sequel Trudeau II: Maverick in the Making but did portray Frank Scott. Amongst his other work, he did voice acting as Beta Ray...
- Pierre Trudeau, played by Colm Feore
- Pierre Trudeau: in 2005 CBCCBC TelevisionCBC Television is a Canadian television network owned by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the national public broadcaster.Although the CBC is supported by public funding, the television network supplements this funding with commercial advertising revenue, in contrast to CBC Radio which are...
mini series Trudeau II: Maverick in the Making, played by Stéphane DemersStéphane DemersStéphane Demers is a Canadian actor best known for having portrayed Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau in the television mini-series Trudeau II: Maverick in the Making... - In the 2006 CBCCBC TelevisionCBC Television is a Canadian television network owned by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the national public broadcaster.Although the CBC is supported by public funding, the television network supplements this funding with commercial advertising revenue, in contrast to CBC Radio which are...
mini series Prairie Giant: The Tommy Douglas Story, two Prime Ministers were portrayed- John Diefenbaker, played by Paul GrossPaul GrossPaul Michael Gross is a Canadian actor, producer, director, singer and writer born in Calgary, Alberta. He is known for his lead role as Constable Benton Fraser in the television series Due South as well as his 2008 war film Passchendaele, which he wrote, produced, directed, and starred in...
- Mackenzie King, played by Andy JonesAndy Jones (comedian)Andrew Jordan Jones is a Canadian comedian, and a former member of CODCO.Andy Jones was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador...
- John Diefenbaker, played by Paul Gross
- John Diefenbaker, in the 1997 CBC miniseries The ArrowThe ArrowThe Arrow is a four-hour miniseries produced for CBC Television in 1996, starring Dan Aykroyd as Crawford Gordon, experienced wartime production leader during World War II and president of A. V. Roe Canada during its attempt to produce the Avro Arrow supersonic jet interceptor. The film also stars...
played by Robert HaleyRobert HaleyRobert Haley is a Canadian actor. He is probably most notable for having portrayed Canadian Prime Minister John Diefenbaker in the 1997 CBC Television miniseries The Arrow. He earned a 1993 Gemini Award nomination in the category Best Guest Performance in a Series by an Actor or Actressfor Street...
Fictional
Fictional Prime Ministers of Canada have been portrayed in television series, including Rideau HallRideau Hall (TV series)
Rideau Hall is a Canadian television series broadcast begun in 2002 on CBC Television. It starred Bette MacDonald, Fiona Reid, Jonathan Torrens, Joe Dinicol, and Rejean Cournoyer....
, South Park
South Park
South Park is an American animated television series created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone for the Comedy Central television network. Intended for mature audiences, the show has become famous for its crude language, surreal, satirical, and dark humor that lampoons a wide range of topics...
, Jacob Two-Two
Jacob Two-Two (TV series)
Jacob Two-Two is a Canadian animated TV series based on a trilogy of books written by Mordecai Richler that first aired on Canadian children's channel YTV and aired on the French Canadian VRAK.TV as Jacob Jacob and in Spanish on Telemundo as Jacobo Dos Dos. It was produced by Nelvana; before being...
and The West Wing, televisions films such as H2O
H2O (film)
H2O is a Canadian political drama two-part miniseries that first aired on the CBC Television October 31, 2004. It starred Paul Gross and Leslie Hope, with former politician Belinda Stronach making a cameo appearance. Written by Gross and John Krizanc and directed by Charles Binamé, it was nominated...
, and the motion pictures Canadian Bacon
Canadian Bacon (film)
Canadian Bacon is a 1995 comedy film which satirizes Canada – United States relations along the Canada – United States border written, directed and produced by Michael Moore, his only non-documentary feature...
and Buried on Sunday
Buried on Sunday
Buried on Sunday is a Canadian comedy film, released in 1992. It was directed by Paul Donovan, and written by Donovan and Bill Fleming.The film stars Paul Gross as Augustus Knickel, the mayor of Solomon Gundy, a fictional island off the coast of Nova Scotia...
.
Real
- Sir John Sparrow David Thompson plays a significant role in Knights of the Sea by Paul MarlowePaul MarlowePaul Marlowe is a Canadian author of historical fiction and science fiction. Much of his historical fiction is connected in some way with the Etheric Explorers Club, a Victorian society devoted to investigating unusual or supernatural phenomena.-Radio Plays:...
- Pierre TrudeauPierre TrudeauJoseph Philippe Pierre Yves Elliott Trudeau, , usually known as Pierre Trudeau or Pierre Elliott Trudeau, was the 15th Prime Minister of Canada from April 20, 1968 to June 4, 1979, and again from March 3, 1980 to June 30, 1984.Trudeau began his political career campaigning for socialist ideals,...
appeared in the Marvel ComicsMarvel ComicsMarvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
series Uncanny X-MenUncanny X-MenUncanny X-Men, first published as The X-Men, is the flagship Marvel Comics comic book series for the X-Men franchise. It is the mainstream continuity featuring the adventures of the eponymous group of mutant superheroes...
, issues #120-121. He ordered the Canadian superhero team Alpha FlightAlpha FlightAlpha Flight is a fictional superhero team published by Marvel Comics, noteworthy for being one of the few Canadian superhero teams. Created by John Byrne, the team first appeared in Uncanny X-Men #120 ....
to apprehend WolverineWolverine (comics)Wolverine is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Born as James Howlett and commonly known as Logan, Wolverine is a mutant, possessing animal-keen senses, enhanced physical capabilities, three retracting bone claws on each hand and a healing...
, who resigned from Alpha Flight to join the X-Men.
Fictional
- Jean-Jacques Charles: A Very Political Lady (1979) by Judy LaMarshJudy LaMarshJulia Verlyn LaMarsh, PC, OC, QC was a Canadian politician, lawyer, author and broadcaster. In 1963, she was only the second woman to ever serve as a federal Cabinet Minister...
, said to be based on Pierre Elliott Trudeau. - Ross Hamilton: Party Favours (1997) by Jean DoeWarren KinsellaWarren James Douglas Kinsella , is a Toronto-based Canadian, lawyer, author, musician, political consultant, commentator, and blogger...
, said to be based on Brian MulroneyBrian MulroneyMartin Brian Mulroney, was the 18th Prime Minister of Canada from September 17, 1984, to June 25, 1993 and was leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada from 1983 to 1993. His tenure as Prime Minister was marked by the introduction of major economic reforms, such as the Canada-U.S... - Bobby Laurier: Party Favours (1997) by Jean DoeWarren KinsellaWarren James Douglas Kinsella , is a Toronto-based Canadian, lawyer, author, musician, political consultant, commentator, and blogger...
, said to be based on Jean ChrétienJean ChrétienJoseph Jacques Jean Chrétien , known commonly as Jean Chrétien is a former Canadian politician who was the 20th Prime Minister of Canada. He served in the position for over ten years, from November 4, 1993 to December 12, 2003.... - Sir Henry Marwood: Pour la patrie (1895) by Jean-Paul Tardival, said to be based on Sir John A. Macdonald.
- Barton McGarvie: Scribes and Scoundrels (1997) by George Galt, said to be based on Brian Mulroney.
- Huntley McQueen: Two SolitudesTwo SolitudesThe term Two Solitudes may refer to:* Two Solitudes , a 1945 novel by Hugh MacLennan*Two Solitudes , 1978 motion picture written and directed by Lionel Chetwynd, based on the 1945 novel...
(1945) by Hugh MacLennanHugh MacLennanJohn Hugh MacLennan, CC, CQ was a Canadian author and professor of English at McGill University. He won five Governor General's Awards and a Royal Bank Award.-Family and childhood:...
, said to be based on William Lyon Mackenzie KingWilliam Lyon Mackenzie KingWilliam Lyon Mackenzie King, PC, OM, CMG was the dominant Canadian political leader from the 1920s through the 1940s. He served as the tenth Prime Minister of Canada from December 29, 1921 to June 28, 1926; from September 25, 1926 to August 7, 1930; and from October 23, 1935 to November 15, 1948...
. - April McTavish: Party Favours (1997) by Jean DoeWarren KinsellaWarren James Douglas Kinsella , is a Toronto-based Canadian, lawyer, author, musician, political consultant, commentator, and blogger...
, said to be based on Kim CampbellKim CampbellAvril Phædra Douglas "Kim" Campbell, is a Canadian politician, lawyer, university professor, diplomat, and writer. She served as the 19th Prime Minister of Canada, serving from June 25, 1993, to November 4, 1993...
. - Perry Pleaser: Jacob Two Two and the Dinosaur (1987) by Mordecai RichlerMordecai RichlerMordecai Richler, CC was a Canadian Jewish author, screenwriter and essayist. A leading critic called him "the great shining star of his Canadian literary generation" and a pivotal figure in the country's history. His best known works are The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz, Barney's Version,...
- The Prime Minister: S: Portrait of a Spy (1977) by Ian AdamsIan AdamsIan Adams is a Canadian author of fiction and non-fiction novels. Originally a journalist, he is now best known for his writing: his most successful novel to date is Agent of Influence which has also been made into a film...
, said to be based on Pierre Elliott Trudeau. - Jean Rioux: Party Favours (1997) by Jean Doe, said to be based on Paul MartinPaul MartinPaul Edgar Philippe Martin, PC , also known as Paul Martin, Jr. is a Canadian politician who was the 21st Prime Minister of Canada, as well as leader of the Liberal Party of Canada....
. - James Howden: "In High Places" (1961) By Arthur Hailey
As themselves
Paul MartinPaul Martin
Paul Edgar Philippe Martin, PC , also known as Paul Martin, Jr. is a Canadian politician who was the 21st Prime Minister of Canada, as well as leader of the Liberal Party of Canada....
and Stephen Harper
Stephen Harper
Stephen Joseph Harper is the 22nd and current Prime Minister of Canada and leader of the Conservative Party. Harper became prime minister when his party formed a minority government after the 2006 federal election...
have appeared as themselves as the sitting prime ministers on the CTV
CTV television network
CTV Television Network is a Canadian English language television network and is owned by Bell Media. It is Canada's largest privately-owned network, and has consistently placed as Canada's top-rated network in total viewers and in key demographics since 2002, after several years trailing the rival...
sitcom Corner Gas
Corner Gas
Corner Gas is a Canadian television sitcom created by Brent Butt. The series ran for six seasons from 2004 to 2009. Re-runs still air on CTV and The Comedy Network in Canada; it formerly aired on WGN America in the United States....
:
- Paul Martin in the third-season episode "Fun Run"
- Stephen Harper in the fourth season episode "Gopher It"
Several sitting prime ministers have also appeared as themselves on the CBC sketch comedy series Royal Canadian Air Farce
Royal Canadian Air Farce
Air Farce Live, also credited as Air Farce, previously Royal Canadian Air Farce, and Air Farce—Final Flight! for the final season, was a Canadian comedy series starring the comedy troupe The Royal Canadian Air Farce that previously starred in an eponymous radio show on CBC radio from 1973 to 1997...
, while Harper appeared in an installment of the satirical CBC series The Rick Mercer Report.
Radio and TV parodies
- Royal Canadian Air FarceRoyal Canadian Air FarceAir Farce Live, also credited as Air Farce, previously Royal Canadian Air Farce, and Air Farce—Final Flight! for the final season, was a Canadian comedy series starring the comedy troupe The Royal Canadian Air Farce that previously starred in an eponymous radio show on CBC radio from 1973 to 1997...
has portrayed several Prime Ministers- Pierre Trudeau, played by Don FergusonDon FergusonDon Ferguson is a Canadian actor and is one of the stars of XPM and Royal Canadian Air Farce. He is also the only Canadian-born original cast member of Air Farce....
- Joe Clark, played by Don Ferguson
- Brian Mulroney, played by Don Ferguson
- Kim Campbell, played by Luba GoyLuba Goy-Life and career:Goy was born in Haltern, Germany to Ukrainian parents and raised in Ottawa. They emigrated to Canada in 1951. She is a graduate of the Glebe Collegiate Institute in Ottawa, Ontario, and later graduated from Canada's National Theatre School, before acting in theatre productions in...
- Jean Chrétien, played by Roger AbbottRoger AbbottRoger Abbott was a Canadian comedian. A founding member of the comedy troupe Royal Canadian Air Farce, he was one of the troupe's stars and writers throughout its 29-year career on radio and television.-Early life:...
- Paul Martin, played by Don Ferguson
- Stephen Harper, played by Craig LauzonCraig LauzonCraig Lauzon is a Canadian actor, writer, comedian, and member of the Royal Canadian Air Farce. His main caricatures on the Farce include George Stroumboulopoulos, John Baird, and Stephen Harper...
- Pierre Trudeau, played by Don Ferguson
- Double ExposureDouble Exposure (comedy series)Double Exposure was a Canadian radio and television comedy series which mocked contemporary Canadian politics. The show starred Linda Cullen and Bob Robertson, and focused primarily on the stars' voice impersonations of Canadian political and cultural figures...
has portrayed several Prime Ministers- Joe Clark, played by Bob Robertson
- Jean Chrétien, played by Bob Robertson
- Pierre Trudeau, played by Bob Robertson
- Brian Mulroney, played by Bob Robertson
- Kim Campbell, played by Linda CullenLinda CullenLinda Cullen is a Canadian actress, television producer and writer. She has appeared in the comedy series Double Exposure in which she portrayed various characters as well as former Canadian Prime Minister Kim Campbell...
- Max FergusonMax FergusonMax Ferguson, OC is a Canadian radio personality and satirist, best known for his long-running programs Rawhide and The Max Ferguson Show on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation ....
has portrayed several Prime Ministers on his radio shows- Pierre Trudeau: on CBC Radio's Max Ferguson Show
- Lester Pearson: on CBC Radio's Rawhide and the Max Ferguson Show
- John Diefenbaker: on CBC Radio's Rawhide and the Max Ferguson Show
- Martin ShortMartin ShortMartin Hayter Short, CM is a Canadian actor, comedian, writer, singer and producer. He is best-known for his comedy work, particularly on the TV programs SCTV and Saturday Night Live...
played Pierre Trudeau on episodes of SCTVSecond City TelevisionSecond City Television is a Canadian television sketch comedy show offshoot from Toronto's The Second City troupe that ran between 1976 and 1984.- Premise :... - Brian MulroneyBrian MulroneyMartin Brian Mulroney, was the 18th Prime Minister of Canada from September 17, 1984, to June 25, 1993 and was leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada from 1983 to 1993. His tenure as Prime Minister was marked by the introduction of major economic reforms, such as the Canada-U.S...
was portrayed in the "Robin Sparkles" video on season two of How I Met Your MotherHow I Met Your MotherHow I Met Your Mother is an American sitcom that premiered on CBS on September 19, 2005, created by Craig Thomas and Carter Bays.As a framing device, the main character, Ted Mosby with narration by Bob Saget, in the year 2030 recounts to his son and daughter the events that led to his meeting...
.