Daily Brew2012 inductees announced for Canada's Walk of Fame
Canada's Walk of Fame announced its 2012 inductees, as picked by 30,000 Canadians from over 135 countries.
This year's inductees, who will receive their tribute at a ceremony at Toronto's Ed Mirvish Theatre on September 22 are:
- Randy Bachman, legendary guitarist, songwriter and original Guess Who band member.
- Phil Hartman, gifted comedian and Saturday Night Live cast member.
- Russ Jackson, one of the greatest quarterbacks in Canadian Football League history.
- Sarah McLachlan, JUNO and Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter.
- Sonia Rodriguez, National Ballet of Canada Principal Dancer.
- Team Canada 1972, winner of the Summit Series in hockey against the Soviet Union and one of the most important sporting events in Canada's history.
This is the first time Canada's Walk of Fame has inducted an entire team. The honour comes ahead of September's 40th anniversary of the famed Summit Series that Canada won over the Soviet Union.
“We are honoured and excited to welcome these outstanding Canadians to the ranks of Canada’s Walk of Fame,” said Peter Soumalias, President and Founding Director. “Their exceptional achievements and incredible success are an inspiration for all Canadians in their own individual pursuit of excellence.”
“The accomplishments of our six phenomenal 2012 inductees and their impact around the world are awe inspiring,” commented Barb Williams, SVP, Content, Shaw Media. “Through Canada’s Walk of Fame, we have a fantastic opportunity to honour them through this unique annual celebration. We are proud to continue this broadcasting partnership, which allows us to express our admiration and appreciation for these amazing Canadians.”
[ Related: Canada’s Walk of Fame: Who hasn’t been honoured yet? ]
Established in 1998, Canada's Walk of Fame recognizes achievements in music, sport, film and television as well as the literary, visual and performing arts. It also encompasses science and innovation.
According to a news release, "Potential candidates for Canada’s Walk of Fame must have been born in or spent the totality of their creative or formative years in Canada. A minimum of 10 successful years is required to qualify, as well as a recognized body of work that has had a significant influence on our cultural heritage."
The accolade comes with a star on a stretch of sidewalk in the city's entertainment district.
Canada's Walk of Fame has had to replace some of its red granite stars in its 14 years of existence — including plaques belonging to Detroit Red Wings right winger Gordie Howe and "Star Trek" actor William Shatner — due to cracks and other damage.
Previous inductees into Canada's Walk of Fame include basketball star Steve Nash, actor Michael J. Fox, writer Margaret Atwood and roots-rock band Blue Rodeo.
[ Related: John Dunsworth, who played Mr. Lahey, doesn’t make list of inductees ]
- With files from The Canadian Press.
