TORONTO, ON – With shouts of “Corey! Corey!, Darryl! Darryl! Jeanne! Jeanne! Jason! Jason!” from their adoring fans who packed the red carpet of the Walk Of Fame this year’s inductees for the Canada Walk of Fame were celebrated with a Red Carpet & Star Unveiling Ceremony at the Allstream Centre in Toronto.
NHL Legend Darryl Sittler
This year’s inductees were Toronto Maple Leaf Legend Darryl Sittler, Filmmaker Deepa Mehta, Fashion and Television Personality Jeanne Becker, Musician Corey Hart, Actor-Director Jason Priestly and posthumously Actor and Director (Cineplex Legends Inductee) Al Waxman.
While signing his star, Darryl Sittler was asked how he felt about his NHL record of 10 point in a game had not yet being broken. He humbly stated that “records are meant to be broken”. When asked if he’d like his to be broken, he answered “of course.” This seemed to be the prevailing theme of the event: Canadian trailblazers hoping that the younger generation will be inspired by their successes and continue achievement in their fields.
Deepa Mehta unveiling her star said that her success was achieved by, not waiting to be asked to do something (like another courageous film), but by just blazing ahead and doing it. She measures her own success by the success of the following generation and specifically that of her daughter Devyani Saltzman who is an author, curator, and journalist.
Jeanne Becker : Canada Walk of Fame Inductee
Jeanie Becker, the iconic Canadian fashion personality looked fabulous in a blue dress with a stunning diamond maple leaf shaped broach from Birks. Her daughters Rebecca and Sarah O’Neil sported their own unique fashionable looks yet emulated their mother’s signature brunette blunt bangs. “My parents proved to me that anything is possible in this country,” said Beker. “As a kid growing up, all I wanted to be was famous, dreams can come true.”
BC native Actor-Director and Heart-throb Jason Priestly (Beverly Hills 90210) walked the red carpet and signed his star with his family present. Priestly expressed gratitude for his Walk of Fame star and the hope that his success will serve as an inspiration to Canadians who want to be successful in showbiz.
Corey Hart : Canada Walk of Fame Inductee
Even with his multi millions selling chart success’ Corey Heart s expressed his gratitude. “To be recognized by my country for my body of work and what I’ve accomplished in my lifetime is beyond humbling.” “There’s nothing that comes close to it (having a Star on Canada’s Walk of Fame) This is the most meaningful career event of my life” as the fans screamed “Corey! Corey!”.
Corey Hart : Canada Walk of Fame Inductee
Nelly Furtado (2010 CWOF Inductee)
Jason Priestly : Canada Walk of Fame Inductee
Al “The King of Kensington” Waxman, Actor-Director and Canadian icon of TV and Stage who passed away in 2001, famous on both sides of the border star of the iconic “The King of Kensington” and “Cagney & Lacey” was inducted posthumously. Sarah Waxman said that she hoped her late husband Al Waxman will be remembered by his generous spirit. She fondly recalled that he always had his phone number listed and enjoyed giving his time to younger actors and directors looking for mentorship.
The Family of Al Waxman
Other famous Canadians who walk the red carpet included Margaret Trudeau, Canadian Astronaut Roberta Bondar, Margaret Trudeau, Lanny McDonald, Emmy Awards winner Tatiana Maslany, American Actress Sharon Gless (Cagney and Lacey) and musician Nelly Furtado.
Canadian Astronaut Roberta Bondar
American Actress Sharon Gless and Margaret Trudeau
Tatiana Maslany (Emmy Award Winning Actress)
When thanked for being candid about her experience living with a bi-polar, Margaret Trudeau hoped that more people will follow suit and speak openly about mental health issues.
Brett Kissel was 2016 recipient of the Allan Slaight Award which recognizes a young Canadian making a positive impact in the music industry.
To date Canada’s Walk of Fame has 161 inductees, each immortalized with their names forever cemented into the sidewalks of Toronto’s Entertainment District.
