John Drainie

John Drainie, born on April 1, 1916, was a distinguished Canadian actor and television presenter, celebrated for his remarkable contributions to radio and film. Orson Welles famously dubbed him 'the greatest radio actor in the world,' a testament to his exceptional talent. Drainie gained widespread recognition in Canada for his iconic roles, particularly as Jake in the radio adaptation of W. O. Mitchell's 'Jake and the Kid' and in a beloved one-man stage show portraying the humorist Stephen Leacock.

His career began in radio, where he worked with notable stations such as CJOR, CKNW, and CBU in Vancouver. Alongside fellow actors like Fletcher Markle and Alan Young, Drainie was part of a vibrant group that emerged in Vancouver before World War II, eventually transitioning to Toronto to join the CBC's 'Golden Age of Radio.' His improvisational skills were showcased during a radio play with Ruth Springford, where he seamlessly adapted to unexpected changes, leaving the audience unaware of any disruption.

In addition to his radio success, Drainie made significant contributions to television and film. He portrayed Matthew Cuthbert in the 1956 CBC adaptation of 'Anne of Green Gables' and served as the narrator for the 1952 series 'Sunshine Sketches.' His film credits include a role as Professor Hunter in Disney's 'The Incredible Journey' in 1963. Drainie also co-hosted the controversial newsmagazine series 'This Hour Has Seven Days' in 1964, but had to leave due to illness.

Tragically, John Drainie passed away from cancer at the age of fifty on October 30, 1966. His legacy endures through his widow, Claire, who later married theatre impresario Nathan A. Taylor, and their daughter, Bronwyn Drainie, a prominent journalist and broadcaster. In honor of his contributions, two prestigious Canadian awards—the ACTRA's John Drainie Award and the Writers' Trust of Canada's Drainie-Taylor Biography Prize—were established in his name, and he was posthumously inducted into the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame.