Montreal has quietly birthed a slew of celebrities whose origins often escape notice. Many of these stars have since migrated elsewhere, becoming associated with new locales while their Montreal roots fade into obscurity.
Among them are a metal band's fierce frontwoman, a beloved sitcom aunt known for her comedic chops, and a detective from a hit TV series, all of whom got their start in the city.
Despite their global impact on entertainment, the heritage of these famous people from Montreal remains a relatively well-kept secret:
Naomi Klein
Claim to fame: Naomi Klein is an authour and activist, best known for her critical views on capitalism and climate change. Her bestsellers, No Logo and The Shock Doctrine, have become essential reading for those questioning the status quo. Klein's new Guardian article on Oscar-winning film The Zone of Interest just went viral.
Connection to Montreal: Born in Montreal, Klein was influenced by the city's strong activist and academic communities, which shaped her future work and activism. Her experiences in city protests and at local universities contributed to her critical perspectives and writing.
Joel Anthony
Claim to fame: Joel Anthony, known for his defense and rebounding skills, made his mark in the NBA as a centre. With two championship titles under his belt from his time with the Miami Heat, Anthony carved out a niche as a reliable team player.
Connection to Montreal: Born and raised in Montreal, Anthony's basketball career began far from the typical hotbeds of the sport. Following a successful NBA career, he has since returned to the city and is now the GM of the Montreal Alliance CEBL team.
Emily Hampshire
Claim to fame: Emily Hampshire is best known for her role as Stevie Budd in Schitt's Creek. Her performance brought critical acclaim and a global fanbase. She's also a major advocate for queer and trans rights, using her platform to support and raise awareness for LGBTQ+ issues.
Connection to Montreal: Hampshire was born in Montreal and got into acting at a young age. She moved to Toronto at 16 to pursue acting but still shows her Montreal pride, often wearing St-Viateur bagel shirts on social media.
Percy Rodriguez
Percy Rodriguez as Commodore Stone in "Star Trek."
Claim to fame: Although less widely known today, Rodriguez left his mark as a pioneering Black actor in Hollywood, remembered for his deep, resonant voice and compelling performances. He is perhaps best remembered for his roles in science fiction and horror films, like Star Trek, Jaws and The Exorcist, during a time when roles for Black actors were scarce and often stereotypical.
Connection to Montreal: Rodriguez was born and grew up in Saint-Henri, where he initially pursued a career in nursing, following societal expectations and family pressures. His passion for acting led him to the local theatre scene where he honed his craft before leaving for New York to make it on Broadway.
Devery (Kawennáhere) Jacobs
Claim to fame: Jacobs is a queer Mohawk actress, known for her role in "Rhymes for Young Ghouls," which earned her a Canadian Screen Award nomination. She has also received critical acclaim for her part in the series "Reservation Dogs," with Critics' Choice Television Award nominations for Best Actress in a Comedy Series in 2023 and 2024.
Connection to Montreal: Born and raised in Kahnawake, Jacobs entered the acting world after her mother submitted her name to a Montreal talent agency at age 10. She pursued her education at John Abbott College in Montreal, studying correctional intervention with plans to aid Indigenous communities. Her acting career was reconsidered after nearly giving up, and she returned to the craft full-time following her lead role in "Rhymes for Young Ghouls."
Caroline Rhea
Claim to fame: Rhea is best known for her role as the lovable Aunt Hilda on Sabrina, the Teenage Witch. Her humour and timing have made her a household name in comedy, extending beyond sitcoms to include hosting gigs on talk and game shows.
Connection to Montreal: Born and raised in Westmount, she stayed until attending Dalhousie and launching her career. Rhea returned to Montreal in 2022 to perform at the Just for Laughs 40th anniversary gala.
Yannick Bisson
Claim to fame: Yannick Bisson is best known for his role as Detective William Murdoch in the long-running Canadian television series Murdoch Mysteries. His portrayal of the methodical and innovative detective has gained a dedicated following and critical acclaim, helping the show's success and longevity.
Connection to Montreal: Yannick Bisson was born and raised in Montreal, where he began his acting career. He moved to Toronto as a teenager to pursue acting.
Jessalyn Gilsig
Claim to fame: Gilsig is best known for her roles as the ambitious Terri Schuester on Glee and the enigmatic Siggy Haraldson on Vikings. Her portrayal of complex characters has earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
Connection to Montreal: Born and raised in Montreal, Gilsig's entry into the arts was influenced by the city's cultural scene. She attended McGill University, where she got an English degree, before pursuing professional acting.
Alissa White-Gluz
Claim to fame: White-Gluz is renowned as the lead vocalist of the Swedish melodic death metal band Arch Enemy. Known for her powerful growls and clean singing, she has pushed the boundaries of the metal genre.
Connection to Montreal: Born in Montreal, White-Gluz co-founded the band Agonist (then known as "Tempest") in 2004. She released three albums with them before leaving in 2014 to join Arch Enemy. Her older sister Jasamine White-Gluz leads Montreal band No Joy.
Albert S. Ruddy
Claim to fame: Ruddy is best known for his role as a producer. His work on iconic films like The Godfather and Million Dollar Baby earned him Academy Awards and solidified his status as a major contributor to American cinema. He also co-created Hogan's Heroes, which ran for six seasons. In 1972.
Connection to Montreal: Born in Montreal, Ruddy's early life in the city contributed to his creative approach to filmmaking. He attended Loyola College before moving to New York City.
