Special Ceremony held in Los Angeles

Toronto, ON (October 23, 2003) — As part of its 60th anniversary celebrations, ACTRA has honoured internationally known Canadian performer and ACTRA member Leslie Nielsen with an ACTRA National Award of Excellence. The award was presented on October 23, 2003 during a special afternoon reception at the Canadian Residence of the Consul General of Canada, Colin Robertson.

“We are delighted to have had this opportunity to recognize Mr. Nielsen for both his illustrious career and his distinguished role as an ambassador for Canadian performers,” said Thor Bishopric, ACTRA’s National President.

Mr. Nielsen has been a member of ACTRA since 1947 and is one of Canada’s most prolific and respected performers. He has demonstrated his versatility in both drama and comedy, appearing in over 100 films and 1,500 television shows. While he has enjoyed tremendous international success, the Regina native has remained an active participant in Canada’s production community, starring in TV series such as Due South and the recent hit film Men With Brooms.

First presented in 1972, the ACTRA awards celebrated accomplishments in film, radio and television until 1986. In honour of its 60th Anniversary, ACTRA has reinstituted the awards in a number of its branches across Canada. In addition, ACTRA presented this special 60th Anniversary ACTRA Award of Excellence in Los Angeles, to recognize the success of a Canadian performer now working in the U.S.

ACTRA (Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists) is a national organization of professional performers working in the English-language recorded media in Canada. ACTRA represents the interests of 21,000 members across Canada – the foundation of Canada’s highly acclaimed professional performing community. This year, ACTRA celebrates its 60th Anniversary.

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Media Contact:
Carol Taverner, Public Relations Officer, ACTRA National, 416-489-1311, ctaverner@actra.ca