Canada may be known for its stunning landscapes and maple syrup, but it’s also home to an impressive roster of Hollywood’s A-listers. From award-winning actors to chart-topping musicians, these famous Canadian celebrities have made waves in Hollywood and beyond. Here’s a look at 15 stars who proudly call the Great White North home.
- Ryan Gosling
Before becoming a heartthrob in The Notebook, Ryan Gosling was just a kid from Ontario. He joined Disney’s The All New Mickey Mouse Club at age 13, alongside Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears. The Canadian actor moved to Florida for the show but never forgot his roots. - Rachel McAdams
Born in London, Ontario, Rachel McAdams is a true Canadian. She began acting at 13 in theater productions before landing roles in TV shows and films. At 23, she was cast in The Famous Jett Jackson, launching her into Hollywood stardom, leading up to her most famed role in The Notebook, alongside fellow Canadian Ryan Gosling. - Keanu Reeves
Although he was born in Lebanon, Keanu Reeves moved to Toronto when he was five. The famous actor renowned for his role as John Wick originally aspired to become a hockey player before choosing acting. - Justin Bieber
Long before he was discovered by Ludacris and rose to fame as an international superstar, Justin Bieber got his start by posting YouTube videos from his small hometown in Ontario. While he now lives in Los Angeles, he and his wife, Hailey Baldwin, reportedly moved back to Ontario, reconnecting with his Canadian roots. - Jim Carrey
Hailed as the king of slapstick comedy, the Truman Show star grew up in Toronto. He began his career in stand-up and later relocated to Los Angeles at 17. His breakout role on In Living Color paved the way for hits like Dumb and Dumber and Ace Ventura. - Celine Dion
Celine Dion is not only one of Canada’s greatest musical exports but also a proud Quebec native. The My Heart Will Go On singer’s early career was built on French-language albums, quickly making her a household name in both Francophone and Anglophone countries. - Sandra Oh
Before portraying the beloved Cristina Yang on Grey’s Anatomy, Sandra Oh was already making waves on stage in Canada. Raised in Nepean, Ontario, she was a dedicated performer long before Hollywood took notice. - Elliot Page
The breakout star of Juno, Elliot Page, got an early start in Canada, making his mark on the Canadian TV series Pit Pony at just 12 years old. Though he’s now based in Los Angeles with his wife, Canada remains a vital part of his story. - Alanis Morissette
Although Morissette became a pop icon thanks to her 1995 album Jagged Little Pill, her journey started much earlier in Ottawa. By age 16, she already had a best-selling album in Canada, proving her talent from the start. - Shay Mitchell
Known for roles in Pretty Little Liars and You, Shay Mitchell was born in Mississauga, Ontario. Her family later moved to Vancouver, where she continued to develop her craft as an actor. - Cobie Smulders
Just like her iconic How I Met Your Mother character Robin Scherbatsky, Cobie Smulders is a proud Canadian. She revealed in a WIRED interview that she was considering U.S. citizenship, but her Canadian identity remains central to her public persona. - Drake
Before becoming a global rap icon, Drake was known as Jimmy Brooks on Degrassi: The Next Generation. The Toronto-based show gave him his start, and he remains fiercely loyal to his hometown, often referring to it as “The 6ix.” - Nathan Fillion
Nathan Fillion, known for Castle and Firefly, never forgets his Canadian heritage, even dressing up in a Canadian-themed army uniform for Halloween in 2012, earning the nickname “Captain Canada” on social media. - Donald Sutherland
This incredible A-lister has undoubtedly earned his place as a veteran actor, with multiple iconic and beloved roles in M*A*S*H, Ordinary People, The Hunger Games, and Pride & Prejudice.
- Patrick J. Adams
Best known for his role as Mike Ross in Suits, Adams was born and raised in Toronto. Ironically, his hometown served as the filming location for much of Suits, prompting him to relocate back to Canada after landing the role.
