| Sep 03, 2010 |
Priestley returns to host Gemini Awards
November 26, 2008
Jason Priestley is a fan of Canadian television, so it makes perfect sense for him to host this year’s Gemini Awards.
The Geminis honour the best in Canadian television; at one time, putting the words ‘best’ and ‘Canadian television’ together would have garnered several jokes at the expense of Canada’s TV industry. Today, it’s a different story. The Canadian television landscape has changed dramatically since The Beachcombers and The Littlest Hobo.
“Now (the industry) is so much bigger and so much better funded than when I started,” said Priestley. “There are so many more channels here in Canada now and there’s more money for production. It’s really an exciting time for the industry up here, and has been for the last 15 years. I think the industry up here has come a long way.”
The actor-director-producer, who turns 40 next summer, lives in L.A. with his wife Naomi, a makeup artist, and their daughter Ava who was born in July 2007. Despite his American address, Priestley tries to make it back to Canada as often as he can and he’s also quick to point out Canada’s uniqueness.
“What sets our industry apart is that we take more chances. We’re not afraid to be different,” he said enthusiastically.
Priestley, who grew up in Vancouver, was only six when he began his acting career. He left his home and native land at 17 with hopes of making it big in Hollywood, and hit pay dirt in 1990 after being cast as the clean-cut Brandon Walsh in Aaron Spelling’s Beverly Hills, 90210.
Source: Canwest News Service
Posted in: Front Page, Industry News