George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight April 1-5, 2013

We hope everyone had a delightful Easter weekend with family and friends. This week Strombo's radio and television show promises to be entertaining. Please tune in tonight to hear George on the radio and then tune in during the week to see him on TV. 

MONDAY

Kevin O'Leary comes from a family history of Irish merchants. He credits his mother for his financial and business knowledge along with his intuitive abilities. His success as a business entrepreneur, investor and TV personality stems from his ability to turn a $10,000 loan into a computer company into a $4.2 billion dollar empire. Audiences can learn more about him through social media such as Twitter, books, and watching him on CBC's Dragon Den, The Lang and O'Leary Exchange and Shark Tank. 

Pat Thornton might be a comedic genius. He performs the annual 24 hour comedy show to raise awareness and funds for the Stephen Lewis Foundation. This Kingston native has appeared in several tv shows and films which include Hotbox, Sketchersons, Comedy Bar, Call Me Fitz, and Warehouse 13.

TUESDAY

Chris O'Dowd is in the news for various reasons these days. It might be for his third season of 'Moone Boy' made in his native Ireland and just so happens to be semi-autobiographical. It could be his comments that the Irish and aboriginals share something in common in his latest film, The Sapphires, which is about Australia's stolen generation. The 33 year old actor is best known for his role in The IT Crowd, Gulliver's Travels, Bridesmaids and now Girls. He was born in the same city as Yeats, a place called Sligo, and played on the local rugby team. He studied Politics and Sociology at the University College in Dublin, but did not earn his degree there. Instead he entered the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art where he wrote for the school newspaper, acted in the drama club, and participated in the Literary and Historical Society. He has also starred in Roman's Empire, Red Cap, How To Lose Friends and Alienate People, Frequently Asked Questions About Time Travel, Vera Drake, Pirate Radio, Dinner for Schmucks and This is 40.

Fraser Young is a beloved member of the George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight show. He's not only the warm up guy and writer, he's also an accomplished Stand Up Comedian who has headlined clubs from Toronto to Hong Kong. In addition to his several radio and television appearances, he has his own comedy show and has written for several high profile shows. Younger generations may know him from Much Music's Video On Trial.

WEDNESDAY

Jared Leto is an American actor, director, producer and musician. His first notable role was o My So Called Life followed by How To Make An American Quilt, Thin Red Line, Girl Interrupted, Urban Legend, Requiem for a Dream, Fight Club, Panic Room, American Psycho and Mr. Nobody. He also plays multiple instruments, writes songs and sings lead in 30 Seconds to Mars. He also directs music videos. The 41 year old from Bossier City, Louisiana studied painting from Philadelphia University of the Arts before moving into acting at the School of Visual Arts in New York City.

Kate Mara is an American actress. Audiences may recognize her from 24, Brokeback Mountain, Law and Order, CSI, amongst other theatrical, television and film roles. The Italian-Irish actress was born in Bedford, New York and is great granddaughter of the man who founded the New York Giants. Her great uncle is the United States Ambassador to Ireland and co-founder of The Ireland Funds.

Scott Thompson is currently on Hannibal, but audiences may know him from The Kids in the Hall, Wingin' It, The Simpsons, Reno 911, Providence, Mickey Blue Eyes, Star Trek: Voyager, The Larry Sanders Show amongst other roles.

THURSDAY

Amber Marshall is a London native who trained at the Lester B Pearson School for the Arts and appeared in several television shows before landing her infamous role on Heartland. As a former veterinary assistant, she has a passion for all animals. She continues her work at a veterinary clinic while she is not acting and has a ranch in Calgary where she has horses, dogs, cats, chicken, turkeys and

Lyriq Bent began his career as a Computer Graphic Technician, but changed career paths when he took up acting on a dare. He's starred in several shows including CSI: Miami and has worked with other stars like Jessica Alba and Gerard Depardieu. The Jamaican born and Toronto native is best known for his role in the Saw franchise.

Mark Forward is from Oakville, Ontario and has appeared on several comedy shows. Audiences will know him from Mr.D.

The Strombo Show - March 24, 2013

This week in Strombo March 25 - March 29

GEORGE STROUMBOULOPOULOS TONIGHT this week

HOMELAND’S MANDY PATINKIN,THOMAS CRAIG OF MURDOCH MYSTERIES, GAME OF THRONES STAR ROSE LESLIE, MOTIVE ACTRESS KRISTIN LEHMAN, ACTOR/CIVIL SERVANT KAL PENN AND MORE…

Monday, March 25 

Mandy Patinkin of Homeland  addresses the political criticism of the show and reveals feedback he received from Clinton and Obama.

Mr. D’s Naomi Snieckus hits the streets to match people with their mantras. 

 and Eat St. host James Cunningham joins the panel.

Tuesday, March 26

Charming Brit Thomas Craig  talks about this time on Coronation Street and his current work on Murdoch Mysteries.

 Game of Thrones star Rose Leslie discusses Downtown Abbey, her current role on Game of Thrones and nudity.

DJ turned comedian Trixx sits with the panel.  

Wednesday, March 27

Motive star Kristin Lehman is in the red chair and shares her love for Canadiana, plus her experience of running alongside Rick Hanson in 1985.

Montreal born L'Affaire Dumont star Marc Andre Grondin talks about playing a gay teen in C.R.A.Z.Y. and how Quebecers have embraced him.

the funny Lauren Ash joins the panel.

Thursday March 28

 The hilarious Kal Penn discuses hosting Discovery’s new competition show The Big Brain Theory, the future of Harold and Kumar, and reveals what it’s like to work as a junior White House staffer for the Obama administration.
  
Ed Robertson speaks about Neil Young in the Best Story Ever segment.

 Carman Melville takes part in the panel.

Friday March 29

Best of the week!

Sandra Bernhard Defends Lena Dunham and 'Girls'

A lot of people in the media are talking about the TV show 'Girls'. Love it or hate it, it's getting a great deal of buzz. Here is a clip of Sandra Bernhard, who appeared on George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight, talking about her feelings on the hit TV show Girls, defending against its critics and taking on society’s sexist expectations of women.

George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight: March 18-22, 2013

George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight this week


Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone! We hope you are having a delightful holiday and wanted to remind you to tune in tonight to The Strombo Show on CBC Radio 2.

Make it a habit to catch George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight  every weeknight for some really fascinating and funny guests.

MONDAY MARCH 18

Colin Mochrie is mostly known for his improvisational comedy on the UK and US versions of Whose Line Is It Anyway? He was born in Kilamarnock, Scotland before moving to Montreal, Canada when he was seven years old. The shy child spent many hours in front of the television before moving to Vancouver when he was 12. He started high school alone with dreams of being a marine biologist, but graduated as a valedictorian with aspirations in comedy. He met Ryan Stiles, who would later co-star with him in Whose Line Is It Anyway? in New Zealand through a mutual friend. Mochrie has a long career in theatre, film, and comedy. The 56 year old comedian currently lives with his wife and son in Toronto.

Mark McMorris is a Canadian snowboarder and current two time reigning Winter X champion in the slopestyle events. He was the first to complete a backside triple cork 1440 and the first person to score a 98 on snowboard slopestyle. The silver medalist was born in Regina, Saskatchewan and is only 19 years old.

On the panel Ennis Esmer is mostly known for his role as Oz on The Listener. He was born 34 years ago in Ankara, Turkey. He has starred in over 12 films and 12 television shows.

TUESDAY 19 MARCH

Paul Gross has a long career in theatre, television, and film; but is mostly known for his leading role in Due South. He was born 53 years ago in Calgary, Alberta. This eight time Gemini Award winner has also won awards for Dora, Writer's Guild of Canada, Director's Guild of Canada, and Governor General's Performing Arts. He's also released two albums, Two Houses, in 1997 and Love and Carnage in 2001. He's been married for 24 years to Martha Burns and they have two children. He currently appears on The Republic of Doyle.

Jessalyn Gilsig is a Canadian actress known for her roles on Heroes, Glee, Boston Public, Nip/Tuck and Prison Break. She was born in Montreal 41 years ago. She's studied theatre at Harvard and McGill before graduating with a degree in English. She has a six year old daughter and has been acting in television and film for 29 years. She is a new History series Vikings.

Panel guest Jessica Holmes is a Canadian actress and comedian. She was born in Ottawa 39 years ago to a feminist mother and a Mormon father. She joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 19 and became a missionary in Venezuela at 21. Although she is no longer part of the church, she uses her experience in her comedic acts. She is mostly known for her cariactures on The Holmes Show and Royal Canadian Air Farce. She is married with two children.

WEDNESDAY 20 MARCH

Nicholas Kristof is an American journalist and writer. The 53 year old Oregon native has won two Pulitzer Prizes. The Washington Post credits him for rewriting opinion journalism with an emphasis on human right and social injustices. Archbishop Desmond Tutu described Kristof as an honourary African for highlighting neglected conflicts. He studied government at Harvard before becoming a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford where he studied law. He also studied Arabic for a year in Egypt and has worked at The New York Times for 29 years. His journalistic career has taken him to over 150 countries and cities such as Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Beijing, and Tokyo. He is a board member at Harvard and Association of American Rhode Scholars. Bill and Melinda Gates credit him for their pursuit in philanthropy.   He's been married to his wife, Sheryl WuDunn, for 23 years and they are the first married couple to win a Pulitzer for journalism. Since then he has won many prestigious awards and written books with his wife.

Sheryl WuDunn earned a Pulitzer Prize for International Reporting, which she share with her husband for their coverage of Tiananmen Square protests in 1989. The Chinese-American New York native has degrees from Cornell, Harvard and Princeton. She was the first Asian-American reporter hired at The New York Times, but now has a successful career as a senior banker working in technology, new media and emerging markets. In addition to working for Goldman Sachs, she has also worked for double bottom line firms, alternative energy issues and women entrepreneurs. The 53 year old writer, business executive and lecturer has travelled the world and spoken on many issues.The couple is currently focused on a global movement to end the oppression of girls and women.

Jean Paul on the panel tonight,is a Trinidadian born comedian. He has perfected his comedic nuances over the last 18 years and has performed around the world. His most prestigious venues include the Apollo in New York and the Comedy Store in London. He has also won a Gemini for his writing.

Also, from Community, Alison Pudi and Danny Pudi are featured in the BEST STORY EVER segment.

THURSDAY 21 MARCH

Sandra Bernhard is an American comedian, singer, actress and writer. She was born in Flint, Michigan 57 years ago. Before making a name for herself in Stand Up Comedy in the 1970s, she lived and volunteered in Israel. She later became popular at The Comedy Store for her observational comedy and political satire. Bernhard has worked with Richard Pryor, Martin Scorsese, Rosanne, Madonna, and several other great people. She is a strong supporter of gay rights and has a 15 year old daughter. She also has over 13 albums which cover various genres such as pop, jazz, blues and comedy. She's written three books and appeared in 34 films and 29 television shows.

On tonight's panel James Adomian is a 32 year old comedian and actor from Omaha, Nebraska. After graduating from a Baptist high school, he pursued a degree in Economics and Theatre Arts. He is known for his work in television, film, podcasts, and comedy.

Also, Jessalyn Gilsig tells us something you Might Not Know About Canada.

George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight: March 11-15, 2013

 George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight this week
This week features some interesting guests. Four of the guests have a connection to This Hour Has 22 Minutes and six of them have a connection to the CBC. Seven guests are from the East Coast with one from Saskatoon, another from Scotland and two others from outside Canada.  So without any further adieu, let us get to know our guests a little bit more.

MONDAY

Mary Walsh was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland. She grew up in a troubled home and left to study theatre at Ryerson University in Toronto. She did not complete her degree in pursuits to work with CODCO, produced on the East Coast, which ran on CBC from 1987 to 1992. CODCO transformed into This Hour Has 22 Minutes.
The 60 year old award winning actress, comedian and social activist lives with macular degeneration. The condition affects older adults with a loss of vision due to a damaged retina. Mary uses her experiences to occasionally serve as the spokesperson for the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. She married an English professor at Memorial University of Newfoundland, Don Nichol, in 2002.

Maggie Cassella is the youngest in a family of six children. Her Italian heritage and Catholic-Jewish roots have influenced her along with her degrees in Philosophy and Women’s Studies. She taught Philosophy and Religion to Connecticut students in a boarding school. She later became a lawyer for 8.5 years helping marginalized individuals and the gay community.
She fell in love with a girl from Toronto and relocated where she became a Stand Up Comedian. She performed Because I Said So in Provincetown for 21 years before appearing regularly on STAR. She turned that experience into her own talk show called Because I Said So, which allowed her to interview high profile celebrities and produce a stint at TIFF. She’s written a book and two screenplays while doing comedy on radio.
 She currently stars in The Vent and has a production company, A Sweet Little Production Company, in Toronto.  

TUESDAY

Trailer Park Boys is a Canadian mockumentary takes place in the fictional Sunnyvale Trailer Park in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. The series ended in 2008, but the films continued afterwards in 2009 and 2013.
Mike Smith was born in New Glasglow, Nova Scotia and grew up in Thorton. He has an English degree from St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. He was once considered a guitar prodigy and even played in the band, Sandbox. He has played with Rush and Guns N’ Roses.
Rob Wells and John Paul Tremblay grew up on the same street in Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia. They attended the same high school. Rob was born in Moncton, New Brunswick and moved to Cole Harbour when he was eight. Rob is also a distant cousin to Stephen Harper.    

Frank Spadone attended Humber College in the Photography program, which led to his career as a Comedian. He worked with some of the top photographers and entertained crew with his sense of humour and imitations. He began his career as a Stand Up Comedian in 1997. He credits Second City and his grandparents for perfecting his craft. He also starred in Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle like another guest coming up this week.  In addition, he has appeared on CBC's Laugh Out Loud.

 WEDNESDAY

David Sutcliffe was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. He has an English degree from University of Toronto where he played varsity basketball and served as a waiter before he sustained a knee injury. He has worked with Sandra Oh, Diane Lane, Antonio Sabato Jr, and Heather Graham in his television and film career. The 43 year old actor has appeared on Will and Grace, Friends, CSI, Private Practice, and Gilmore Girls.  
He currently stars as Aidan Black on Cracked as a police offer who transfers to Emergency Task Force after struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The show revolves around people with mental illness.

Shaun Majumder was born in Burlington, Newfoundland 40 years ago to a European mother and Bengali Hindu Indian mother. He has explored his roots in the Canadian version of Who Do You Think You Are?
He also explores his background in his HBO documentary, Every Word Is Absolutely True. Shaun’s new show, Majumder Manor, aired their season finale two weeks ago. It tracks his quest to build an eco-luxe and modern four to five bedroom house in Burlington NL.
Shaun has a long career in theatre, stand-up comedy, and improv. The Gemini winner has appeared in Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle, Pushing Tin, Unhitched, This Hour Has 22 Minutes, 24, Republic of Doyle and The Firm.  He currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife, Shelby, and their dog Jazz.

THURSDAY

Ron James was born in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia but later moved to Halifax. He has a History and Political Science degree from Acadia University and intended to be a History Teacher. James headed into theatre instead and eventually joined Second City in Toronto. After spending time in Los Angeles doing mostly voice work for Star Wars: Ewoks and appearing in TV shows like Wings, he came to Canada where he won a writing award for This Hour Has 22 Minutes. He separated from his wife in 2011 and currently lives in Toronto.

Jonny Harris is originally from Whitehorse, Yukon before spending most of his life in St. John’s, Newfoundland. He currently stars as George on Murdoch Mysteries where he has received two Gemini nominations for Best Supporting Lead in a Dramatic Series.  He’s also been a guest writer on This Hour Has 22 Minutes along with a long career in comedy.  

 FRIDAY

Billy Connolly has an intriguing past. He first appeared with the Scottish Opera in 1978 after working as a welder in the shipyards and performing a folk band called The Humblebums. He has released videos, books and acted in London’s West End, The Royal Albert Hall, Hammersmith Oden. He broke the Hammersmith’s record for longest run in 1991. He has traveled across Australia, New Zealand, Mozambique, Ireland, Canada, The Middle East, Hong Kong, USA, and the UK.
He’s starred with Michael Caine, Liam Neeson, Whoopi Goldberg, Dame Judi Dench, Malcolm McDowell, Michelle Pfeiffer, Robin Wright Penn, Renee Zellweger, Gerard Butler, Ken Watanabe, Timothy Spall, Tom Cruise, Jim Carrey, Meryl Streep and Dustin Hoffman. He married Pamela Stephenson in Fiji in 1990. He’s enjoyed a long career in comedy, theatre, BBC, and film.

Chuck Byrn has been a professional comedian for 19 years. He’s done several comedy festivals, commercials and appeared in Monk and Last Comic Standing.

An evening out at the Canadian Screen Awards

The Canadian Screen Awards is the first celebration of combining the former Geminis and Genies. The Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television awards excellence in film, television and digital media productions. As a way of getting the general public interested in the first annual event, the academy organized a meet and greet with the stars, a glimpse into the rehearsal, and 400 tickets to see the ceremony.

A thousand tickets were distributed for the 400 available seats and fans were asked to wait outside the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts until the pre-show began. One woman drove up from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in hopes of seeing Erica Durance receive an award for Best Actress. Other eager fans of all ages began waiting two hours in advance to catch a glimpse of Jay Baruchel, Allan Hawco and our own George Stroumboulopoulos.   

George was nominated for The Shaw Media Award for Best Host in a Variety, Lifestyle, Reality/Competition, Performing Arts or Talk Program or Series. His fellow nominees were Cheryl Hickey for her segment Conversations: Michael Buble on ET Canada, William Shatner for hosting The Juno Awards 2012, Les Stroud's segment Tiburon Island Desert on Survivorman 10 Days, Martin Short for hosting Long Story Short: CBC Turns 75. George's nomination was for his segment with John Irving and Regis Philbin, and the Haiti Special.

As we streamed into the theatre and took our seats, I could see many heads turn towards the first row second seat to the right. We recognized the familiar fade, black suit, relaxed poise and warm smile. There is something about George's presence that commands attention. While other people sit straight or slouched in their seats, he leans forward toward the stage. Other times he tilts his head to talk to a woman on his right. All the while he seems to live right in the moment. There was a sense from his demeanour that this gathering was simply a gathering amongst friends and not really a competition at all.  

The host for the evening's broadcast, Martin Short, made a few quips about George. One was in regards to George loosing the Host award, George screaming out his own name during sex, and George's last name doesn't rhyme with anything. George seemed to like the jokes and even gave a fist bump to a camera man when the crewman went in for a reaction shot.

It soon became apparent who were the fan favourites based on the number of screams and comments coming from the balcony. George clearly was one of the fan favourites to win, but we knew Shatner's name could be read out as well along with the other nominees. Would Martin actually win the host off as he did on George's show just a couple days earlier? We listened carefully to the nominees names and then a loud cheer erupted as George's name was read as the winner.

I wasn't sure if we were allowed to tweet during the broadcast, but I couldn't help send out one tweet to George congratulating him on his Canadian Screen Award. I waited until he finished his acceptance speech and sent it without realizing that segment had not aired yet. On behalf of all of George's fans, I'd like to again, send congratulations to you George. We couldn't be happier for you and more proud of you!

   For a listing of all winners, please see here



Strombo for the week of Mar 4 to Mar 8

George Stroumboulopoulos this week
Award winning talk show host chats with some of the best people in their fields.

Monday Mar 4
Actress and Novelist and Canadian Screen Award winner for Bomb Girls Meg Tilly

Panel guest the funny Debra McGrath

Tuesday Mar 5
Blues Brother, actor, wine maker Dan Aykroyd

Panel guest Inessa Frantowski

Wednesday Mar 6
The honorable Olivia Chow

 

and from DNTO radio host and actress Sook-Yin Lee who will be playing Olivia Chow

 

Actress from Touched By An Angel and "The Bible' Roma Downey

Panel guest Adam Korson

Thursday Mar 7

A guest George has had on his wish list for a long time, Rock Icon Patti Smith

Panel guest the hilarious  Nikki Payne

Friday Mar 8
Best of the week