jason priestley
#SPOTTED: STARS IN TORONTO FOR 2016 CORUS (SHAW) UPFRONT
The last of the Upfronts this week Corus (Shaw) unveiled their Fall 2016 lineup today with talent coming into town for the festivities by the waterside, before partying at the former Maple Leaf Gardens (Mattamy Athletic Centre).
Names in town included David Eigenberg (Chicago Fire), Jason Beghe (Chicago PD), Michael Weatherly (Bull), Kylie Bunbury (Pitch), Famke Janssen (The Blacklist Redemption), Erick McCormack (The Travelers), Clive Standen (Vikings), Patrick Winchester (Chicago Justice), Nick Gehlfuss (Chicago Med), Jason Priestley (Private Eyes), Cindy Sampson (Private Eyes) and Joel McHale (The Great Indoors).
See some our Snaps with the Stars of the Corus Upfront!
Joel McHale
A video posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Phillip Winchester
#PhillipWinchester at #CorusUpfront for #ChicagoJustice.
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Mike Holmes
Cindy Sampson + Jason Priestley
#CindySampson + #JasonPriestley at #CorusUpfront for #PrivateEyes.
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Kylie Bunbury
Clive Standen
#CliveStanden at #CorusUpfront for #Vikings.
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
David Eigenberg
Michael Weatherly
#MichaelWeatherly at #CorusUpfront for #Bull.
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Nick Gehlfuss
#NickGehlfuss at #CorusUpfront for #ChicagoMD.
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Complete list of Fall Programming here.
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#SPOTTED: RYAN REYNOLDS, RACHEL MCADAMS, PETER FONDA, THE WEEKND + MORE AT THE 2014 CANADA’S WALK OF FAME TRIBUTE SHOW
The stars shined bright tonight on the yellow carpet at Sony Centre for the Performing Arts as the 2014 Canada’s Walk of Fame Tribute Show commenced on a chillier-than-average October day. The annual Fixture which originated in 1998 honouring individuals who have contributed greatly to the Canadian Cultural landscape, saw representatives from multiple disciplines recognized with an equally star-studded list of Presenters. Their achievements are commemorated via a star plaque situated between John to Simcoe Streets in Toronto, in and around the Entertainment District.
Among those honoured this year were the likes of Actor Ryan Reynolds, Actress Rachel McAdams, Olympian and Hockey Icon Hayley Wickenheiser, Philanthropist Louise Arbour, Musician Jeff Healey and iconic Rock Outfit, The Band. Their Peers including Jian Ghomeshi, Wendy Crewson, Tom Cochrane, Jay Baruchel, Clara Hughes, Peter Fonda and more were on-hand to introduce each of this year’s Star Recipients.
Director and Film/Television Star Jason Priestley filled Host’s duties more than ably with his quick wit, poking fun at everything from the traffic in Toronto to the perception that all Canadian Actors hang with one another while in Hollywood. We had the pleasure of chatting with Priestley on who his Canadian Heroes are and why it is he chose to be involved with Canada’s Walk of Fame. On his Idol, he says “It was The Relic on The Beachcombers back in the day. That’s how long ago I left Canada.”. He adds, “I left Canada in the mid-80s but I’m so thankful every day I grew up here. I want to Theatre School here and Canada’s been extremely important to me as an Artist and a Man. That’s why it’s important for me to be here recognizing these great Entertainers and Political Figures.”.
We spoke quickly to Ryan Reynolds who arrived sans pregnant Wife Blake Lively and he reveals to us his greatest Canadian Heroes. “Michael J. Fox for starters, Atom Egoyan (whom he collaborated with on 2014’s The Captive), Gordon Lightfoot… I loved Barenaked Ladies growing-up” says the Vancouver-born Honouree. “There’s no shortage of Canadian Heroes, I could definitely do this all day!”. Reynolds upon receiving his Star, spoke to some of the highs and lows he’s faced in his Career, telling the Audience “My ability to laugh at myself has saved my life. Canada’s greatest export in fact is sarcasm.”. He proceeded to thank his Mother Tammy who was in-attendance and Lively, whom he describes as “An Alien. Like MacGyver-meets-Brigitte Bardot!“.
Prized Hockey Olympian Hayley Wickenheiser had full control of the stage today, speaking eloquently about her success and how our national treasure of a sport, Hockey, has afforded her many privileges in life. She brought along a ten-year-old Cancer-surviving Hockey Player named Grace whom had her leg amputated, lauding her courage to continue fighting in the name of the Sport. Wickenheiser also thanked her Son Noah on-stage, whom she admits isn’t a Hockey Fan. She went-on to thank him for his understanding in all her travels away from home, drawing emotional reactions from some of the Audience members.
McAdams certainly was the Belle of the Ball, looking one-part Classic Hollywood Starlet and one-part Grecian Goddess in a dual-tone flowy number. Despite being rushed-in and unable to accommodate many Media interviews, she made a strong impression, tearfully receiving her Star on the Walk of Fame. The Actress, in-town currently filming the Drama Spotlight, admits “As much as I love adventure, there is nothing more nourishing to my soul than coming home.”. McAdams went-on to credit York University for giving her a foundation and skills which she still draws-upon still to this day as one of Hollywood’s top Actresses.
Musical Tributes also were given to Inductees Jeff Healey and The Band, with JUNO Winner Sean Jones and The Treasures (ft. Tom Cochrane and more) putting on a dazzling display for the Audience respectively. Scarborough’s The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) was named Recipient of the Allan Slaight Award, honouring one young Canadian for making a positive impact. His latest Disc KISS LAND debuted atop the iTunes Album Chart and in three short years, he has seen his star rise on the international front.
Global Television airs the 2014 CANADA’S WALK OF FAME TRIBUTE SHOW on Friday, December 19, 2014 at 8:00 PM EST.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#GIVEAWAY: ENTER TO WIN A COPY OF “CAS & DYLAN” STARRING TATIANA MASLANY ON DVD
TVA Films, Pacific Northwest Pictures and Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win Canadian Screen Award-nominated CAS & DYLAN on DVD!
Official Synopsis:
Cas & Dylan is a comedic drama that follows the 61-year-old self-proclaimed loner and terminally ill, Dr. Cas Pepper (Dreyfuss), who reluctantly agrees to give 22-year-old social misfit, Dylan Morgan (Maslany), a very short lift home. The last thing he anticipates is that he will strike her angry boyfriend with his car, find himself on the lam, and ultimately drive across the country with an aspiring young writer determined to help him overcome his own bizarre case of suicide note writer¹s block.
Suddenly Cas’ solo one-way trip out West isn’t so solo. With Dylan at his side, the two take off on an adventure that will open their eyes to some of life’s lessons both big and small. Cas & Dylan is a story not only about death, but also about life, fate, inspiration, and self-determination. Not to mention, about the perils of offering lifts to strangers.
CAS & DYLAN is Actor Jason Priestley‘s directorial debut.
To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook. Share with your Friends on Facebook to increase your chances!
http://www.mrwillwong.com/casanddylan @MRWILLW wants us to #win a copy of #CASANDDYLAN on DVD! In stores 8/12!
Watch the Trailer:
Official Artwork:
Priestley, Maslany & Mr. Will:
TVA Films & Pacific Northwest Pictures release CAS & DYLAN on Video-on-Demand, Digital Download and DVD August 12, 2014.
(Photo/video credit: TVA Films/Pacific Northwest Pictures)
#INTERVIEW: “ORPHAN BLACK”, “GABRIELLE”, “ENEMY”, “CALL ME FITZ” CELEBRATED AT 2014 CANADIAN SCREEN AWARDS
David Cronenberg. Orphan Black. Gabrielle. Enemy. Call Me Fitz. These five names might not strike a connection other than that they are distinctly Canadian, but they were fêted tonight as big Winners at the 2014 Canadian Screen Awards. The week-long Celebrations known as Canadian Screen Week culminated in a star-studded Red Carpet Bash at Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, seeing several of our Country’s Heroes and Heroines of the Screen convening proudly in the name of our artistic accomplishments.
Over the course of the week, Toronto-filmed Sci-Fi Series Orphan Black amassed a whopping ten wins including TV Drama tonight. Its Star Tatiana Maslany certainly has shined a light on Canadian Talent over the past year, garnering a Critics’ Choice Award south of the Border last June for her performance(s) as several identical Women revealed to be Clones. The 28-year-old Regina-born Actress won for Actress, TV Drama, which is seen on BBC America and the Space Channel in Canada. A Belle of the Ball, indeed.
Making a splash in the TV categories was Call Me Fitz, winning for TV Comedy. Starring former Beverly Hills, 90210 Hunk Jason Priestley and Tracy Dawson, both won Actor and Actress, TV Comedy respectively. Priestley also directed Maslany in the Feature Film Cas & Dylan, for which she received also a nomination for Actress, Motion Picture.
Warming hearts this evening was Gabrielle Marion-Rivard, who lit-up the Press Room with her big smile, tightly clasping onto her Trophy. The first-time Actress stars in Gabrielle, which won her coveted Actress, Motion Picture. The Coming-of-Age Tale centering on a musically-gifted Teen suffering from Williams Syndrome (a condition with which Marion-Rivard actually has been diagnosed), went-on to win in the category of Motion Picture for eOne Films. The Canadian Distributor also saw more accolades with its new release Enemy, filmed in Toronto and directed by Denis Villeneuve, going-on to win for Director, Motion Picture and Supporting Actress, Motion Picture with Sarah Gadon.
Iconic Filmmaker David Cronenberg was honoured this Evening with the Lifetime Achievement Award and to ring-in the occasion were long-time Collaborator Viggo Mortensen and Maria Bello. Although both Actors were careful not to take away his spotlight, Mortensen did say in the Press Room introducing Cronenberg rather succinctly, “I don’t think he’s gotten the universal recognition he deserves”, proudly flaunting some Montreal Canadiens Merchandise. The ground-breaking Director indicated his focuses right now are his debut Novel, Consumed, which potentially will be made into a Film, and also his next release Maps to the Stars, which has its sights set on the Cannes Film Festival this Spring.
Curious to see what Executive Producer of Maps to the Stars, Martin Katz has to say about the eagerly-awaited Film starring Robert Pattinson, Mia Wasikowska, John Cusack and Julianne Moore? Interested to see where Anna Silk and Fan’s Choice Screen Star – Zoie Palmer – might be headed next on Lost Girl? Will Mr. D Star Gerry Dee be returning to Woodbine Racetrack to call a few more races? What does Mia Kirshner say about the second Season of Defiance? What were George Stroumboulopoulos‘ 2014 Canadian Screen Award Predictions?
Watch this Video of Mr. Will‘s Red Carpet Chats with all the above here:
Above all the celebrations, we had a blast admiring up-close the Red Carpet Fashions whether it be Pretty Little Liars Star Shay Mitchell in a daring plunging neckline, Jessica Paré stunning in Stella McCartney, Maria Bello beautiful in Nicholas Oakwell or Katheryn Winnick ravishing in red by Romona Keveza. Even Dina Pugliese of CITY‘s Breakfast Television was a Goddess in Jovani! Swoon.
For a complete list of Winners, click here.
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#SPOTTED: JASON PRIESTLEY IN TORONTO FOR “SAVING HOPE”
90210h yeah! Jason Priestley may best be recognized as Brandon Walsh from ’90s Hit Series Beverly Hills, 90210, but it is the 416 where he’s been much of late.
After a successful run at St. Lawrence Theatre with David Mamet‘s Play Race, the Actor has kept plenty busy signing-on to direct an episode of CTV Hit Series, Saving Hope. The Medical Drama, now filming its second season mostly in the West End, continues into late September.
All decked-out in a Blazer in this scorching heat, Priestley instantly was recognized by Fans outside his Hotel in good spirits today, posing for Snaps.
See our Snap:
In addition to Priestley, we spotted Beverly Hills, 90210 Alumni Jennie Garth and Tori Spelling in the City earlier this year. Fams of the Series will be thrilled that he is reuniting with Co-Star Luke Perry this August in Toronto for Fan Expo Canada! Details here.
(Photo credit: Entertainment One/Mr. Will Wong)
For advertising opportunites please contact mrwill@mrwillwong.com