Edmonton has been home to a significant number of well-known and influential individuals. Alberta’s capital draws many with its promising opportunities and favourable conditions. Let’s delve into who these fascinating people are and what they’re up to, courtesy of iedmonton.net.
Michael J. Fox
While Michael J. Fox was born in Edmonton, his family moved to Burnaby, British Columbia, when he was just 10. He went on to achieve incredible success as an actor, making a name for himself worldwide. Fox first gained widespread recognition for his iconic role as Marty McFly in the Back to the Future films. After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in the 1990s, he established the Michael J. Fox Foundation, not only raising awareness about the illness but also tirelessly working to find an effective cure.
Ruth B.
Ruth B. is a popular singer whose captivating voice has charmed and enthralled many. This talented Edmonton native made her mark on the music industry at a young age, earning her big break after she started posting six-second covers on Vine in 2013. Soon after, she signed with Columbia Records, the same label that works with stars like Beyoncé, Pharrell Williams, and Adele. Her unique hits have consistently topped the charts, so it’s no surprise she was named “Breakthrough Artist” at the 2017 Juno Awards.
W.P. Kinsella
W.P. Kinsella is widely known as the author of the celebrated Canadian novel Shoeless Joe, which was adapted into the beloved 1989 film Field of Dreams, starring Kevin Costner. According to the National Post, Kinsella penned nearly 30 books of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry throughout his lifetime, often focusing on baseball and Canada’s Indigenous peoples. Kinsella passed away in 2016 and was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada and a Member of the Order of British Columbia for his significant contributions.
Tommy Chong
Tommy Chong is often called a funnyman, best remembered by many for his role as Leo in That ’70s Show or as one half of the Grammy Award-winning comedy duo “Cheech & Chong.” The actor was born in Edmonton but later moved with his family to Calgary. Today, Chong is also a well-known advocate for cannabis use.
Olivia Cheng
Olivia Cheng is a television journalist turned actress. Before landing her first major role in the Netflix series Marco Polo, she worked as a journalist and correspondent for ET Canada. Olivia has also played several minor roles in popular series like Fringe and The Flash*.
Dion Phaneuf
Dion Phaneuf is an NHL defenceman who played for the Ottawa Senators. The hockey player previously played for the Calgary Flames and the Toronto Maple Leafs. He’s married to fellow Albertan Elisha Cuthbert and is a cousin of Quebec figure skating champion Cynthia Phaneuf.
Nathan Fillion
Nathan Fillion is another one of Edmonton’s most recognizable residents. He’s a professional actor who has starred in numerous films. Perhaps his most successful role to date was in the ABC series Castle. He’s also lent his distinctive voice to several video games, including Halo 3.
k.d. lang
k.d. lang is an acclaimed pop and country singer and recipient of numerous prestigious awards, originally from Edmonton. Over her career, spanning more than 30 years, she has earned several Juno and Grammy Awards and has actively collaborated with renowned artists such as Elton John and Tony Bennett. Her secret lies in her ability to effortlessly overcome challenges and infuse elements of alternative punk into country music. One of her most memorable performances was her rendition of “Hallelujah” by fellow Canadian Leonard Cohen at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Lang is a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has been awarded the Order of Canada for her efforts. The Alberta Ballet honoured her legacy with the production “Balletlujah!”, inspired by her life and music.
Stacey Tookey
Stacey Tookey was born in Edmonton but later moved to British Columbia to pursue dance. She has performed in various reality shows and directed the Canadian tour of So You Think You Can Dance. In 2009, she choreographed the music video for Christina Perri’s song “Jar of Hearts.”
Mike Comrie
Mike Comrie played in the NHL for 13 years, suiting up for several teams, including the Edmonton Oilers and the Philadelphia Flyers. In 2010, the hockey player married Hilary Duff, though their marriage ended in 2015. The couple has one son.
Kreesha Turner
Kreesha Turner was born in Edmonton but grew up in Jamaica, Canada. The singer began her musical career at 23 and, in 2009, won a Canadian Radio Music Award for “Best New Solo Artist.” She’s known for her unique singles “Don’t Call Me Baby” and “Bounce with Me.”
Alex Decoteau
Alex Decoteau was born on November 19, 1887, on the Red Pheasant Reserve in Saskatchewan. After finishing school, he moved to Edmonton and joined the police force in 1909, becoming Canada’s first Indigenous police officer. In 1916, Decoteau enlisted in the army and tragically died in the Battle of Passchendaele in 1917. A park at 105 Avenue and 102 Avenue in Edmonton commemorates his achievements.
Johnny Pollard
Johnny Pollard was born in Edmonton on October 27, 1909. At 15, he convinced his parents to let him become a jockey, after which he travelled Western Canada and the U.S. with little success. In 1936, he met a horse named Seabiscuit. Pollard became Seabiscuit’s primary jockey. Of the 30 races they competed in together, they won 18, and in 1940, they won the San Anita Handicap race with a prize fund of $100,000. The 2003 film Seabiscuit tells more of their incredible adventures.
Wilfrid May
Wilfrid May was a renowned pilot, originally from Carberry, Manitoba. In 1902, he moved to Edmonton with his family. May became a pioneer of civil aviation in Alberta’s capital. He was awarded the McKee Trophy for delivering diphtheria antitoxin to Fort Vermilion in 1929 after several unsuccessful land delivery attempts. During World War I, he was the last pilot pursued by the infamous Red Baron.
Denis Kopotun
Denis Kopotun is a highly popular blogger known for his content about Roblox. This Edmonton native quickly gained a massive following, with his YouTube channel now boasting over 9 million subscribers. In late 2020, the blogger took a break due to mental health issues. He soon resumed his career and has since received numerous awards for his impressive projects.
Linda Hughes
Linda Hughes is celebrated for her lifelong dedication to making Alberta a better place. She’s a talented journalist and a consultant for the Bhutan Observer. Linda has made immense contributions to various community organizations that provide support and assistance to people in need. For her efforts, she has received numerous awards and was inducted into the Alberta Business Hall of Fame.
Ada Owen
Ada Owen made significant contributions to the development of Edmonton and is considered one of the city’s most outstanding women. She moved to Edmonton in 1908 and married an assistant meteorologist. Soon, she learned to collect and interpret meteorological data, assisting her husband with his work. Owen’s tireless efforts played a crucial role in the development of meteorology in Canada.
Dasha Goody
Dasha Goody was a leading figure in the Edmonton musical theatre scene during its formative years. Her beautiful voice captivated audiences from the first note, and her charm enchanted many. This woman performed a large number of songs that later became hits in Canada. In 1990, Goody was named Edmonton’s most beautiful woman, and in 1995, she was inducted into the Edmonton Cultural Hall of Fame.