It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Gordon Pinsent, one of Canada’s most esteemed actors and filmmakers. He passed away at age 92 leaving behind an impressive legacy in film and television history.
On Saturday, the sad news of actor Gordon Pinsent’s death in his sleep was confirmed by his family through Deadline. His leading role in Sarah Polley’s drama Away From Her and numerous Canadian television shows will forever be remembered.
“Gordon Pinsent’s daughters Leah and Beverly, and his son Barry, would like to announce the passing of their father peacefully in sleep today with his family at his side,” Peter Keleghan, the actor and son-in-law of Pinsent, wrote a heartfelt note.
“Gordon passionately loved this country and its people, purpose, and culture to his last breath,” he continued.
Pinsent was a highly-acclaimed Canadian actor, with most of his career devoted to domestic productions. However, he is best remembered for being part of two renowned American films; The 1968 Norman Jewison–directed version of “The Thomas Crown Affair” and the iconic blaxploitation movie “Blacula (1972)”, portraying a detective on the trail of the eponymous vampire.
One of his major projects was to provide the voice for Babar: The Movie (1989). His amazing performance would ensure that he will be remembered as the one and only person who voiced this beloved character in any television adaptations for years to come.
In 1970, he portrayed the President of America in the renowned science fiction thrill-ride Colossus: The Forbin Project. Moreover, a year later, his talent shined through again when he played an intimidating gang leader opposite Warren Oates in 1971’s neo-noir Chandler movie.
Pinsent was a multi-talented master of many trades, and in 1974 he crafted a novel that became the foundation for his 1986 directorial debut John And The Missus – which featured him as both lead actor and writer.
Not only did he star with an impressive lineup in The Shipping News, a 2001’s hit movie; nevertheless, his most renowned performance was arguably Away From Her in 2006.
The film, adapted from a short story written by Canadian Nobel Prize in Literature recipient Alice Munro, featured Pinsent as the husband of an elderly woman (played by Julie Christie). As his wife’s health declines and she displays signs of Alzheimer’s disease, he struggles to cope with her worsening condition.
After Pinsent’s character had been unfaithful to his wife, he sent her away to a nursing home. In the first month apart from him, she completely forgot about their marriage and chose another resident for companionship instead.
Critics commended the film and lauded Christie’s performance with a nomination of Best Actress at the 80th Academy Awards, further applauding Polley for her nominated screenplay.
Pinsent earned praise and recognition from the Canadian Genie Awards and ACTRA Awards for his role, each of which awarded him with Best Actor trophies.
On July 12, 1930, Pinsent was born. From 1950-54 he served in the Canadian Army and then shifted his focus to the stage during the 1960s.
For six years, Pinsent called Los Angeles home, according to Deadline. Nevertheless, he spent the majority of his time living in Canada.
Not only was he a celebrated actor, novelist, director, and screenwriter; but he also wrote plays and created beautiful works of art as a painter.
In 2017, the documentary The River Of My Dreams was released, highlighting his incredible journey.
In 1962, Pinsent tied the knot with Charmion King who sadly passed away in 2007 due to emphysema. This was a year after his Away From Her success.
His legacy lives on through his daughter Leah and her husband Peter Keleghan, both esteemed actors, as well as Beverly and Barry – who proudly follow in their father’s footsteps with a career in acting.
