Musicians/Actors/Directors/Cinematographers/Journalists/Producers/Writers/Visual Effects/Sports Celebrities/Prominent Hockey Players, etc.: |
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Lauri Conger: Singer Aurora Browne: Actress/producer/comedian Sean Crooks: Cross Country Skier Bobby Cortola: Singer Curt Harnett: Silver Medal Winner in Cycling. Andrew Appelle: raised in Thunder Bay, Andrew is a director of several movies including Nirvana the Band Show (2016), Little Matthew (2014), and Psycho Goreman (2020). Roberto Ariganello: Roberto was a director and writer, known for Loteria (1996), The Hangman’s Bride (1997), and A Decent Proposal (1998). Marie Avgeropoulos: Marie was raised in Thunder Bay and was cast as “Octavia Blake” in a TV series called The 100 (2014). Chris Bradford: Chris is an actor, known for Frange (2008), Milleneum (1996), and Supernatural (2005). Nanci Chambers: Nanci is an actor and producer, known for JAG (1995), Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction (1997), and L.A. Heat (1996). Melissa Coates: born in Thunder Bay, Melissa became a body builder and actor. She is known for Surrender (2014), TNA iMPACT! Wrestling (2004), and A Story About Ian (2011). Buck Deachman: Buck is an assistant director and actor, known for The Core (2003), Source Code (2011), and The Bone Collector (1999). Alex Delvecchio: born in Thunder Bay in 1931, Alex “Fats” Delvicchio began playing for the NHL in 1951 with the Detroit Red Wings against the Montreal Canadiens, eventually helping the Red Wings win the Stanley Cup that year. He spent most of his hockey career with the Red Wings and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1977. David Deveau: born in Thunder Bay, David is a playwright and director of “Bedtime Stories” and “Tripped,” both of which he wrote in high school and university. He has also worked as an actor with several Canadian and American actors while working on the show The Chicken Tree (1998). Jaida Dreyer: Jaida is a country music singer and songwriter, as well as an equestrian. Jaida has released an album titled “I am Jaida Dreyer,” and has written songs for other artists like Luke Bryan and Faith Hill. She has also written songs for shows such as Nashville (2012), The Returned (2015), and Longmire (2012). Kevin Durand: Kevin has acted in many shows throughout his career such as The Strain (2017), Legion (2010), and The Captive (2014). Rory S. Durno: Rory is an assistant director and actor, known for Hot Tub Time Machine (2010), Travelers (2016), and Human Target (2010). Tony Gallo: Tony is an actor and is known for Paper Wasps (2017), The Other Rooster (2020), and The Devil Knows You’re Dead (2020). Jeff Geddis: Jeff has lots of experience in the film industry as he has appeared in hundreds of episodes on TV and has worked as a writer for several scripts. He is known for Daydream Believers: The Monkees’ Story (2000), and for voicing the character Reef in Stoked, as well as many other movies and shows. Neil Green: born in Thunder Bay, Neil moved to Toronto for university, taking part in both psychology and film and acting courses. From there he went to work on producing film and TV shows, finding that he preferred working and starring in independent productions. Bill Heintz: Bill is known for his roles in Cube 2: Hypercube (2002), Never Talk To Strangers (1995), and Expect No Mercy (1995). Coleman Hell: Born and raised in Thunder Bay, Coleman Hell is a musician. His well-known song, “2 Heads” was released in 2015, followed by his album Summerland in 2016. Ian Hodgkinson (a.k.a. Vampiro): Beginning his career in junior hockey with the Montreal Canadiens, Ian quickly moved on from hockey and into wrestling, where he earned his nickname “Vampiro.” He later starred in a movie called El Vampiro, Guerrero de la Noche. Now, he lives in Canada and is semi-retired from his wrestling career. Edie Inksetter: Edie is an actor, known for her roles in The Handmaid’s Tale (2017), Spiral: From the Book of Saw (2021), and Clarice (2021). Lynn Ivall: involved in many plays throughout university in Calgary such as Shakespeare’s “Comedy of Errors,” Lynn has worked alongside Stephen Russell. Steven Johnson: born in Thunder Bay, Stephen is a cinematographer, known for Jurassic World Dominion (2022), Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022), and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023). Tattiawna Jones: Tat Jones is an artist and actor. She is a company member of Gracemoon Arts Company and a senior member of LS&CO. She is also known for her roles in The Handmaid’s Tale (2017), Tully (2018), and Dragged Across Concrete (2018). Michelle Latimer: Michelle is a director, writer, and show-runner with multiple awards. Her more recent works include Inconvenient Indian and Trickster, both of which were premiered in the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival. Ryan La Via: still based out of Thunder Bay, Ryan is known for directing the hockey documentary “Cup Confidential” (2020). He also received the Guinness World Record for the most co-writers credited on a film; Ryan was 1 out of 51 screenwriters on the movie “50 Kisses” (2014). Justin Major: Justin is an actor known for Point Traverse (2009), Heir (2015), and Where Do We Go From Here? (2012). Marlene Malcolm: Marlene is an actor, known for her roles in Death Hunt (2022), Killr (2019), and Dark Side of the Ring (2019). Matt Murray: Matt is a goaltender for the Pittsburgh Penguins and won the team back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2012 and 2017. Trent Opaloch: Trent has worked on many well-known movies over his career as a cinematographer, such as Elysium (2013), Captain America: Civil War (2016), and Avengers: Infinity War (2018). Eugene Parker: born near Thunder Bay in Michigan, Eugene was a physicist whose theory of solar winds in the shape of the Parker spiral was proven correct by spacecraft measurements. Andrew Paulsen: is an actor and editor, known for Clicker (2008), Schism (2012), and The Drink (2009). Taylor Pyatt: Taylor was born in Thunder Bay and played left wing for many teams in the NHL such as the New York Islanders, the Buffalo Sabres, the Vancouver Canucks, and many more throughout his career. Steve Rucchin: born in Thunder Bay, Steve played centre in the NHL for the Mighty Ducks, The Rangers, and the Thrashers. Don Saari: was an actor born in Thunder Bay and known for his roles in Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan (1989), Final Destination 2 (2003), and Nightmare Café (1992). Alex Sampson: born near Thunder Bay in the town of Atikokan, Alex became well-known at the young age of 15 after his song “Cold Shoulder” blew up on TikTok. Kassandra Santos: she is an actor and producer, known for Darken (2017), Antisocial 2 (2015), and Blood Empire (2014). Lorne Saxberg: Lorne was a journalist, born in Thunder Bay, and appeared as an anchor on the air on CBC Newsworld. Paul Shaffer: Paul has worked as a bandleader, musician, composer, actor, and author throughout his career. He was the musical director for Late Night with David Letterman (1982-1993). He also appeared in several movies such as the voice of Hermes in the Disney television series Hercules. Eric Staal: played centre for several teams in the NHL such as the Carolina Hurricanes (for which he was drafted), the New York Rangers, Minnesota Wild, the Buffalo Sabres, and the Montreal Canadiens. He currently plays for the Florida Panthers. Marc Staal: plays defence for the Philadelphia Flyers. He was drafted with the New York Rangers and previously played for the Detroit Red Wings and the Florida Panthers. Jordan Staal: drafted for the Pittsburgh Penguins as a centre, Jordan is now a captain of the Carolina Hurricanes. Jared Staal: played as a right wing and drafted to the Phoenix Coyotes, Jared also played for the Carolina Hurricanes and Edinburgh Capitals. Casey Walker: born in Thunder Bay, Casey is a producer and director, known for The Void (2016), The Hardy Boys (2020), and Pyewacket (2017). Dana Werpny: she is an actor known for her roles in Klepto Wife and Woofy (2011), Horrorween (2011), and Bullying (2003). https://www.imdb.com/search/name/?birth_place=Thunder+Bay,+Ontario,+Canada |
Local Olympians: |
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AL Maddox: With over 30 years as a FIS Technical Delegate and experience officiating at 16 World Cup races, three Olympics and three World Championships – as well as developing Canada’s officials’ education programs and introducing homologation standards for race course and facility design – Al Maddox is the ultimate volunteer who continues to make a lasting impact on the sport. Reijo Puiras: Puiras' most notably competed in the 1976 Olympic Games, representing the country of Canada. He placed 56th in the men's 30 kilometre cross country race per sports-reference.com. He first established the Lappe Ski Centre the year before. Since 1975, it has grown into a 5,000-square-foot chalet with waxing facilities, change rooms, showers, saunas and a full-service kitchen. Henry Akervall: played hockey as defence with Team Canada in the 1964 Winter Olympics. Tom Alexander: in the 1976 Summer Olympics, Tom competed as a swimmer in the men’s 400m freestyle. David Brown: born in Thunder Bay, David was a ski jumper in the Sarajevo 1984 Winter Olympics. Debbie Clarke: winner of two bronze medals, Debbie was a swimmer for Team Canada in the Montreal 1976 Summer Olympics. Steve Collins: born in Thunder Bay, Steve took place in three Winter Olympics; Lake Placid in 1980, Sarajevo in 1984, and Calgary in 1988 as a ski jumper. Alex Cox: Alex was born in Thunder Bay and sailed in the 2019 Summer Olympics in Lima. Jeff Currie: from Thunder Bay, Jeff is a curler and former Canadian Junior champion. Steve Daniar: Steve was born in Fort William (now Thunder Bay). As a wrestler, Steve participated in both the Montreal 1976 and the Moscow 1980 Summer Games. Mary DePiero: born in Thunder Bay, Mary participated in the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona as a diver. She won a gold medal in the 1990 Commonwealth Games and a bronze medal for the same competition in 1994. Dave Irwin: David was born in Thunder Bay and participated in alpine skiing at both the Innsbruck 1976 and the Lake Placid 1980 Winter Games. Haley Irwin: Haley is a hockey player born in Thunder Bay. She took part in the Vancouver 2010, Sochi 2014, and Pyeong Chang 2018 Winter Olympics, with 2 golds and 1 silver medal won throughout her career. Greg Johnson: born and raised in Thunder Bay, Greg played hockey in the Lillehammer 1994 Winter Games and finished with a silver medal. Krista McCarville: born and raised in Thunder Bay, Krista has participated in multiple events and competitions throughout her career, including the Canada Cup and the World Curling Tour. Her team made the play-offs into the 2021 Canadian Olympic Curling Pre-Trials. Jason Myslicki: born in Thunder Bay, Jason participated in the Turin 2006 and the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics for Nordic combined skiing. Daniel Liam Parsons: Liam (Daniel) was born in Thunder Bay and participated in the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics for rowing. Amber Peterson: Amber was born in Thunder Bay and took part in the Turin 2006 Winter Olympics as a freestyle skier. Rob Rautio: Rob participated in the Innsbruck 1964 Winter Olympics for ski jumping. Brian Renken: born in Fort William (now Thunder Bay), Brian participated in the Moscow 1980 Summer Olympics for wrestling. Andrew Ritchie: Andy was born in Thunder Bay and swam in the Montreal 1976 Summer Olympics. Dan Saunders: born in Thunder Bay, Dan officiated the Montreal Games in 1976. George Saunders: George wrestled in the Munich 1972 Summer Games. Bill Schwaluk: born in Fort William (now Thunder Bay), Bill was a weightlifter for the Rome 1960 Summer Olympics. Eric Staal: Eric was born in Thunder Bay and has played hockey for both the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics, where he won a gold medal, and Beijing 2022. Trevor Stewardson: born in Thunder Bay, Trevor was a boxer in the Athens 2004 Summer Olympics. Nikka Stoger: Nikka was born in Thunder Bay and sailed in the Lima 2009 Summer Olympics. Peter Stovel: born in Thunder Bay but now residing in Winnipeg, Peter was a bobsledder in both the Calgary 1988 and the Albertville 1992 Winter Olympics. Scott Timmermann: Scott was born in Thunder Bay and cycled in the Seoul 1988 Summer Olympics. David Walker: David was born in Thunder Bay and participated in both the Calgary 1988 and the Albertville 1992 Winter Olympics for freestyle skiing. Katie Weatherston: born in Thunder Bay, Katie won a gold medal while playing hockey in the Turin 2006 Winter Olympics.
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| Paralympics: |
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Robbi Weldon: Rio 2016 marked the fourth Paralympic Games for multi-talented competitor Robbi Weldon. A dual-sport athlete, she competed in para-nordic skiing at both the Sochi 2014 and Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games. On the summer side, Weldon and her pilot at the time, Lyne Bessette, won gold in the road race at the London 2012 Paralympic Games Ken Bjorn: Paralympic Medalist swimmer. 1988 in Seoul, Korea. Allan Johnson: Para-Olympian Magella Belanger: a swimmer, born in Thunder Bay, who participated in the Toronto 1976 and the Arnhem 1980 Paralympic Games. Andrea Cole: Andrea was born in Thunder Bay and swam in the Summer Paralympics in 2000, 2004, and 2008. Benny Galati: born in Thunder Bay, Benny won a gold medal in the Atlanta 1996 Summer Olympics for swimming. Tami Saj: Tami was on the Canadian team as a swimmer in the Seoul 1988 Paralympic Games. Kathryn Rutherford: Kathryn took part in the Barcelona 1992 Paralympic Games as a swimmer. Robbi Weldon: Robbi was born in Thunder Bay and participated in the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics for skiing, the 2012 London Paralympics – where she won a gold medal – in cycling, as well as the 2014 Winter Olympics for skiing. |
| Special Olympics: |
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Amy Cizmar: Amy was born in Thunder Bay and skied in the 2023 Special Olympic Games in Russia. Tyler Rissanen: born in Thunder Bay, Tyler is a snowboarder who participated in the 2023 Special Olympic Games. https://www.northernontario.travel/sunset-country/olympic-athletes-from-northwest-ontario |
| Additional Local Hockey Players: |
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Joel Wirkkunen: This builder of sport, who passed away in 1986, also contributed his talents to the hockey programs of Thunder Bay, serving as the first coach of the Thunder Bay Twins and as a coach in the Port Arthur Minor Hockey league during the 1980s, marking over 40 years of involvement in the game of hockey. John Adams: John was born in Port Arthur (now Thunder Bay) in 1947 and played with the Boston Bruins and the Washington Capitals as a goalie. Rick Adduono: Rick played centre and was drafted to the Boston Bruins and then by the San Diego Mariners. Throughout his career, he has played for the Boston Bruins, Atlanta Flames, and Klagenfurt AC. He is now a retired coach. Peter Backor: Peter grew up in Fort William (now Thunder Bay) and played defence for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Peter Bakovic: Peter was born in Thunder Bay and played left wing for the Vancouver Canucks. Stanley Baluik: Stan was born in Port Arthur (now Thunder Bay), and played centre for the Boston Bruins. John Bednarski: John was born in Thunder Bay and played defence for the New York Rangers and the Edmonton Oilers. Steve Black: Steve was born in 1927 in Fort William (now Thunder Bay) and played left wing for the Detroit Red Wings and the Chicago Black Hawks. Mackenzie Blackwood: Mackenzie was born in Thunder Bay and was drafted for the New Jersey Devils. He is now a goalie for the San Jose Sharks Bob Bodak: born in Thunder Bay, Bob played left wing for the Hartford Whalers and Calgary Flames. Gus Bodnar: played centre with the Toronto Maples Leafs, Chicago Black Hawks, and Boston Bruins. Danny Bois: Danny played right wing for the Ottawa Senators, EC Red Bull Salzburg, Dornbirner EC, EHC Munchen, Sheffield Steelers, and Vienna Capitals. Robert Bortuzzo: born in Thunder Bay, Robert played defence for St. Louis Blues and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Barton Bradley: Barton was born in Fort William (now Thunder Bay) in 1930 and he played centre for the Boston Bruins. Rick Bragnalo: born in Fort William (now Thunder Bay), Rick played centre for the Washington Capitals. David Bruce: David was drafted for the Vancouver Canucks and, throughout his career he played left wing for the San Jose Sharks and St. Louis Blues. Mike Busniuk: Mike played defence and was drafted for the Montreal Canadiens and later played for the Philadelphia Flyers. Ron Busniuk: older brother to Mike, Ron played centre for the Buffalo Sabres, Minnesota Fighting Saints, New England Whalers, and Edmonton Oilers. Ray Ceresino: Ray was born in Port Arthur (now Thunder Bay) played with the Toronto Maple Leafs in right wing. Taylor Chorney: Taylor was born in Thunder Bay and was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers, playing defence. He also played for the St. Louis Blues, Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals, Columbus Blue Jackets, HC Lugano, and EC Red Bull Salzburg. Tom Cook: born in Fort William (Now Thunder Bay), Tom played centre for the Chicago Black Hawks and the Montreal Maroons. Dave Creighton: Dave grew up in Port Arthur (now Thunder Bay) and played centre for the Boston Bruins, Toronto maple Leafs, Chicago Black Hawks, and the New York Rangers. Frank Daley: Frank was born in Port Arthur (now Thunder Bay) and played both left wing and centre throughout his career with the Detroit Cougars. Bruce Gamble: throughout his career, Bruce was a goalie for several teams on the NHL including the New York Rangers, Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, and the Philadelphia Flyers. Dave Gatherum: Dave grew up in Fort William (now Thunder Bay) and was a goalie for the Detroit Red Wings. Pete Goegan: Peter played defence for the Detroit red Wings, New York Rangers, and the Minnesota North Stars. Danny Gruen: Danny was drafted to the Detroit Red Wings and played left wing throughout his career on several teams, including Michigan Stags/Baltimore Blades, Cleveland Crusaders, Colorado Rockies, Minnesota Fighting Saints, and the Calgary Cowboys. Jim Haggarty: Jim was born in Port Arthur (now Thunder Bay) in 1914 and participated in the 1936 Winter Olympics. He also played with the Montreal Canadiens. Smokey Harris: Thomas “Smokey” Harris was born in 1890 in Port Arthur (now Thunder Bay). He was a rover – a position no longer in use in hockey. A rover was someone who went where they were needed on the ice. He played on several teams as a left wing as well, including the Vancouver Millionaires, Portland Rosebuds, Vancouver Maroons, Seattle Metropolitans, Boston Bruins, and Edmonton Eskimos. Jeff Heerema: Jeff played right wing and was drafted with the Carolina Hurricanes. He also played for the St. Louis Blues, Frankfurt Lions, KHL Medvescak, and Nottingham Panthers. Mike Hordy: Mike played defence for the New York Islanders. Bill Houlder: Bill played defence and was drafted for the Washington Capitals in 1985. Tony Hrkac: Tony was a centre and was drafted for the St. Louis Blues, and throughout his career played for 9 NHL teams including the Quebec Nordiques and the San Jose Sharks. Steve Hrymnak: Steve’s hockey career ranged from 1946-1965. He played defence for the Chicago Black hawks and the Detroit Red Wings. Carter Hutton: Carter’s career ranged from 2010-2022 as he was a goalie for a number of teams such as the Chicago Black Hawks and the Nashville Predators. James ‘Bud’ Jarvis: born in 1907, Bud played left wing from 1929-1944 for several teams, including the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Philadelphia Quakers. Jason Jaspers: Jason plays centre and has played on many teams including the Phoenix Coyotes and Adler Manheim. Bill Johansen: Bill was born in Norway but lived in Thunder Bay and played for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Trevor Johansen: Trevor played defence for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Colorado Rockies, and Los Angeles Kings between 1977-1983. Greg Johnson: played centre for several teams such as the Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins. Eddie Kachur: played forward for the Chicago Black Hawks during the 1956-1957 and 1957-1958 seasons and played in minor leagues for the rest of his career until 1972. Bob Kelly: Bob was born in Fort William (now Thunder Bay) and was drafted for the Toronto Maple Leafs. He also played left wing for the St. Louis Blues, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Chicago Black Hawks. Scott King: born in Thunder Bay and was a goalie for the Detroit Red Wings from 1990-1993. Dick Kotanen: born in Port Arthur (now Thunder Bay) in 1925, Dick played defence with the New York Rangers from 1945-1958. Edgar Laprade: Edgar was born in Seine River (near Thunder Bay) in 1919 and played centre for the New York Rangers, later passing away in Thunder Bay at 94 in 2014. David Latta: played left wing for the Quebec Nordiques from 1986-1998. Trevor Letowski: drafted for the Phoenix Coyotes, Trevor played right wing for several teams and is now an assistant hockey coach for the Montreal Canadiens. Danny Lewicki: born in 1931, Danny played left wing for many teams between 1950-1963 including the Toronto Maple Leafs and the New York Rangers. Norm Maciver: defence player for many teams between 1986-1999, such as the New York Rangers and the Ottawa Senators. Murdo MacKay: born in 1916, Murdo played for the Montreal Canadiens between 1937-1953. Cornelius Madigan: Connie “Mad Dog” played defence for the St. Louis Blues between 1958-1976. Lou Marcon Jeff McDill Jimmy McLeod Stu McNeill Rudy Migay Matt Murray Lou Nistico Steve Passmore Walt Poddubny Bud Poile Don Poile Sean Pronger Tom Pyatt Charlie Sands John Schella Patrick Sharp ? (Born in Winnipeg, MB but raised in Thunder Bay, ON) Red Spooner Jared Staal Vern Stenlund Wayne Stephenson Gaye Stewart Ken Stewart Joe Szura Ron Talakoski Mike Tomlak Ted Tucker Vic Venasky Gary Veneruzzo Jimmy Ward Rob Whistle Murray Wing Benny Woit Steven Wojciechowski - https://www.quanthockey.com/nhl/city/nhl-players-career-stats.php?city_id=5045 |
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Other notable celebrities: |
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CD Howe |
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