From Broadway to Hollywood to... Durham

There are many notable individuals residing in North Durham and yes, we even have one who has won a Genie and a handful of Gemini awards. Of course, it is none other than Kenneth Welsh; one of Canada’s most well-known actors. His forty years of experience stretches from Stratford and Broadway to Canadian films and television, and Hollywood blockbusters. He has appeared in more than 240 movies and television shows and has an extremely recognizable face.

I first met Ken Welsh a dozen years ago, and we have stayed in touch. When I asked him about doing this interview, he said he would love to, as long as we could do it over lunch at Marwan’s. Sitting on the patio with a famous film star, makes for a continuously interrupted meeting, but to watch him interact with people, was amazing.

The day after my very first interview with Ken Welsh, back in 2010, was quite tragic. He had an accident with a farm implement and ended up in Sunnybrook hospital, for a lengthy stint. I called him to see how he was and he told me to come down and visit him. I did, and as we were chatting, Christopher Plummer walked in. Immediately there was affectionate, sarcastic banter going on, and I could sense camaraderie between them. “I miss Chris,” Ken said, as he stared across Queen Street. “The world has lost one of its finest.”

Ken has a charisma with strangers, which makes them immediately warm up to him. A trait, which no doubt, has aided him in his long career.

Born in Edmonton, Ken got the acting bug through sheer coincidence. He took drama in high school, because it was an easy credit. His teacher arranged for some unique plays, into which Ken sunk his teeth. He enjoyed it so much he attended the National Theatre School in Alberta. “My instructor, Gordon Peacock, told me that I would be a natural, as I possessed charm, ability and sex appeal.” He laughed loudly as he spoke. “I hope I still have it,” he added.

Ken left Alberta and headed for Stratford, where at 26, he played Hamlet for seven seasons. From Stratford, he made his way to Broadway, where he enjoyed success and lived for 12 years. In 1982, he was lured to Montreal for a short time to star in the miniseries, Empire, Inc.