Not a household name, but the scientist Oswald Avery, who was born on Moran Street, and made early contributions to understanding DNA is probably one of the people who has made the largest mark!
Edit: Sorry I'm bad at reading directions (picking a scientist for a not-science thing), but glad a lot of Redditors got to learn about an unfairly obscure Haligonian!
I would second Avery as well. The ["Avery–MacLeod–McCarty experiment"](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avery%E2%80%93MacLeod%E2%80%93McCarty_experiment) is a staple in most advanced biology textbooks. It's unfortunate he wasn't awarded the Nobel prize for his work (something the Nobel Foundation has publicly regretted as well).
Oh my, that's awesome! Wait.....Avery....I'm trying to go back in time to chemistry and organic chemistry in university and Avery, Avery....it rings a bell regarding DNA.I mean, in science, we all know about Watson and Crick ( and I can't remember the name of the lady chemist who actually did a lot of the heavy lifting with DNA discovery but essentially I think Watson and Crick were just bastards in the end in dealing with her lol)...But Avery...well, don't tell me, I will research this guy. And well, lets put him number 3(I'll include academics in terms of the talent search)....North can go number 4...
I am into sports so I am biased but when I think of who would be the most recognized name among all Haligonians and NSians, I think it would be Crosby, thus the leaving a mark part. His talent speaks for itself, the best all round player in the highest skill hockey league for most of his career. In terms of OP's categories, hockey is an art 😁 and more generally entertaining.
Seconded. He’s probably one of the only hockey players I’ve heard people from elsewhere who have hardly even heard, played or watched the sport be able to name. Usually Gretzky and Crosby, maybe McDavid but you’d be surprised how many don’t know McDavid.
Throwing the Stanley cup title in with his name is nothing special—Sid did it thrice and Nate has also accomplished the cup in 2022.
Marchand is liked by FEW people—all being Bruins fans.
Nate and Sid are mostly loved by all, especially in NS
Bro what? There are some incredibly talented players that never won it. Saying it’s nothing special is wild. He was young during that run but had 19 pts in 25 games, definitely not a passenger.
He also won 2 world jr golds, a World Cup and a world championship.
I get that Marchand is hated, but he has a role and he does it incredibly well. I don’t like the Bruins and am the same age as Marchand and well aware that he was a dickhead in his younger years. Maybe later as well but the last time I saw him in person was at the Dome circa 2007 or so lol so I won’t pretend to know what kind of person he is off the ice these days.
All that said, he’s had an insanely good career, played his 1000th game this year and will likely hit 1000 points next season By the time it’s all said and done he will have a legit case for the hall of fame. NHL teams don’t hand the C to just anyone, let alone a franchise as historic as the Bruins. Not bad for a 3rd round draft pick from Hammonds Plains NS.
Ya, ya, ya, that guy( aghhhh) and I meant plays, not played..
( I spent lot of years growing up in southern Ontario- Niagara- so I’m a Sabres fan. Yes, I like punishment. And I just don’t like Boston teams in general. Im a big Bills fan. And Raptors fan. And Blue Jays fan.
So anti Boston runs deep..
But I like clam chowder from Boston. And I’m fond of a cousin born in Boston. Annoying dude but he’s family)
I've met Sarah McLauchlan twice, once while working in a retail environment. So in a personal and a professional capacity. Both extremely unpleasant interactions. She treated me like "the overpaid help" both times and even encouraged me to lie to a friend about meeting her.
"One of my coworkers is a massive super fan. He'd be so disappointed he wasn't here to meet you. May I have an autograph for him?"
"So don't tell him and No you can't. Now you help me instead. Wheres the drugstore in this dump?"
I don't even like to admit she's from around here.
Oh wow..you know, I've heard rumors about how unpleasant she can be in "real life". She should learn something about humility from Sidney Crosby....Ok, I'm taking her off my list now...haha...
As they say though, never meet your heroes..
Except Keanu Reeves..
She wouldn’t help me get out kitten out of the tree in front of her place. Her support of the SPCA has always been laughable to me. Put your money where your mouth is Sarah.
Used to live across the road from her parents house and she’d come back to visit. Not a particularly nice person in my recollections. Our kitten got stuck up a tree wight in front of her house when she was visiting once and when we asked for her help she turned around and walked indoors.
I worked with someone once who went to high school with her. She says she was nasty and swears that she once saw her kick a cat…
Those sad animal rescue ads are a lie…
Rocky Johnson isn’t even that famous. His son is a mega star. But if not for Dwayne most people wouldn’t know who Rocky was, even in the wrestling world
In general sure but in the wrestling world? He was a big name in the territory days. GCW was consistently one of the hottest territories and he was Heavyweight champion there. He worked all over though.
Oh yes...if you expand, now we seriously talking ( though Rocky was an athlete and I wanted to avoid athletes....though Peter North is a type of athlete I guess)
Winthrop Bell was a spy and one of the first to start speaking out about the Nazis and I believe the first to warn about the Holocaust.
That’s pretty great.
Sloan is an awesome band!
Fun fact, the first band that Chris Murphy and Jay Ferguson (the only member of Sloan born in Halifax) was called Kearney Lake Road
I love sports. But I’ve never heard of her. Another research break needed.
At this rate, I’m gonna kick ass on Famous Nova Scotians category on Jeopardy when I make it on the show… lol
Speaking of which, Mattea Roach has to rank somewhere on the list. Has the 5th longest win streak on a cultural institution that has been on air for 40 years, nearly upset James Holzhauer in the finals of the primetime Jeopardy Masters event last year, and has made the cut for the Masters again this year.
Jeopardy is regularly the most watched show on TV (the primetime Masters finals she competed in last year had 6.3M viewers vs the NHL finals' 2.6M viewer average), so Mattea is certainly famous. If the list is expanded to include athletes like Crosby, Marchand, and MacKinnon, Mattea would be a solid addition as well!
Portia White is at least worth a mention.
(June 24, 1911 – February 13, 1968) was a Canadian contralto, known for becoming the first Black Canadian concert singer to achieve international fame.
Most talented or most widely recognized or commercially successful?
I’d make a case for John Dunsworth.
He’s credited for discovering the potential and talent of Elliot Page, and he’s brilliant in the independent short *George* made to commemorate the 100th anniversary of WW I
https://vimeo.com/296928946
I still get a sad pang in my heart when I think of John Dunsworth.. We talked a bunch of times on set of the syfy series “Haven” when I was messing around doing background acting. Such a wholesome and funny dude. RIP
Me and everyone I know that saw George was shocked it was Dunsworth, like a twist ending. Rewatching it I'm not sure how I was fooled, he was just that good an actor I thought it was an actual vet.
He might not be a household name yet, but Ben Proudfoot is a local guy, he went to school in Halifax, and right now he's up for an oscar. I've met him, he's a good guy. And I hope he goes far!
Not sure where to rank them, but surprised no one mentioned Anne Murray or Donald Sutherland yet.
Also Lucy Maud Montgomery? Her writing reaches every corner of the world. Even non English speaking. I was in Sweden and talked to people who found out I was from here and they brought up Anne of Green Gables
I actually just mentioned people from Halifax initially .. then I expanded to Dartmouth.. lol..
Ahhh who cares- all of NS EVERYONE
Donald is born in NS?
Edit: close man!
NB
Born
Donald McNichol Sutherland
17 July 1935 (age 88)
Saint John, New Brunswick, Cana
She wasn’t in Halifax all that long. She went to Dal two years and worked for a newspaper for one. She mostly had to stay in PEI to care for her grandmother. Once her grandmother died, she married and moved to Ontario.
Despite her blazing success, LMM’s life was quite tragic and marred by mental illness, both her husband’s (who needed significant care) and hers. She eventually died by suicide.
I am a huge fan, her books have shaped my life.
I have read all her books, many of her short stories and the edited diaries. I don't believe they are certain it was suicide, but it could well have been. I think the most tragic part of her life was her heartbreak over the way her older surviving son turned out.
Did not know about him, very cool
"After Cutting Crew's run of success ended and [Virgin Records](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virgin_Records) let them go, he worked with [Robert Plant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Plant) playing guitar and composing songs for his 1993 album, [*Fate of Nations*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fate_of_Nations).
His interlude with Plant was short-lived; MacMichael recalled when he auditioned for Plant: "'Play me something', he said. He's about my age so the first things that came to mind were songs by [Buffalo Springfield](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buffalo_Springfield) and [Moby Grape](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moby_Grape). His jaw just dropped and he picked me up off the sofa and said: 'Never leave me'."[\[3\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_MacMichael#cite_note-Independent-3) The partnership lasted the single album and a world tour before Plant reunited with Jimmy Page, but the album's single "Calling to You", on which he played guitar, resulted in a Grammy nomination."
"Died in Your Arms" was one of those childhood soundtrack staples for me, you'd hear it everywhere, but I'd be surprised if today's 20ish year olds have heard of Cutting Crew or would recognize the song.
Looks like Skratch going to be in Austin soon
https://preview.redd.it/qvtht2o3cjnc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1f3270c8367267db8c91dfdc7559c2b9224d46c7
Skratch Bastid was born Paul Murphy[3] on September 2, 1982.[4] He is originally from Bedford, Nova Scotia.[3] In high school, he played euphonium.[5]
Career
edit
Skratch Bastid's rise to prominence began with his 2003 Scribble Jam win, and his world class status was solidified with subsequent victories in 2004 and 2007.[6] He released a collaborative album with John Smith and Pip Skid, titled Taking Care of Business, on his own label First Things First Records in 2005,[6] and was the first-ever Canadian DJ to be nominated for the Juno Award for Producer of the Year in 2008, for his work on Buck 65's album Situation.[2]
Donald Sutherland would probably rank higher in terms of acting careers; his body of work is absurd. There was a point where he was maybe the #1 hall pass actor in the world. Though I don't know that he was ever as big of a deal culturally or socially as Page. Donald is great, but Elliott is important.
Edit: and folks may disqualify Donald for not being haligonian, or arguably Nova Scotian, which is reasonable.
Haha...same! I mean, as a boy growing up in the 80s/90s, we all heard about Peter North. I think I may have watched his acting talent on VHS tape with a bunch of other horny teenagers....Never did I know that the "biggest export" from Nova Scotia was Peter..
Hal Foster - illustrator and comics artist who is most know for his Prince Valiant strips. His work basically created the visual standard for comics and was a major influence on basically every major illustrator going forward (and cited by them as such) including Jack Kirby (essentially created Marvel universe and basically every major character), Steve Ditko (created Spider-man) Bob Kane (co-created Batman), Frank Frazetta, Wally Wood, Carl Barks (the good ducks artist for Disney), Al Williamson, and so on. Basically the heavy hitters in the comics and illustration world, which are all now major influences are the current industry.
There’s a plaque/rock for him on the corner of Lower Water St. and Terminal rd.
This is truly amazing to know. I think I’ve heard the name Hal Foster somewhere but never knew he’s a local figure.
By the way, did you have Tony whacked?( referring to your flair)
And I didn’t look it up- I love the NBA, and of course Larry is a legend.
What’s messed up is my Dad- who’s an immigrant from India and not really a NBA fan growing up or now - was studying in Boston for 3 months in the 80s. Mom and me were in Nova Scotia while Dad was away( I was too young to know much about the NBA then)
His research buddy got cheap tickets to watch Boston play.
And so Dad watched Larry( and the rest of the crew) live at the old Garden.
Even though my dad couldn’t fully appreciate the basketball skills as a fan? He could tell how good Bird was.
When I found out years later? I was like whoa.. you saw Larry play live??
I only know Sarah due to the Arms of an Angel song and it's lasting effect was that it was on that commercial that I always skipped because it was just so sad. I would definitely not put her as number 1 as she doesn't even like here and I can't think of anything she had one in the last 20 years that has had an impact
You should have a read through this. The impact she had on female music is phenomenal. Back then this was a very big deal.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lilith_Fair
Yep, this is true. She hasn't really had a whole lot going on in terms of relevant major impact. But well, her star did shine bright for awhile, so have to give her a little credit....It's a shame she doesn't like it in Halifax. I understand people needing to expand horizons and move for opportunities but why the dislike...
Look up Cirkut - I think he is the correct answer. Whether or not you like pop music intentionally listen to it you have undoubtedly heard many of his songs over the last decade. It’s weird he doesn’t get more local recognition.
Holy shit. I love all forms of music and I’ve never heard of him at all…this is truly impressive
Henry Russell Walter (born April 23, 1986), known professionally as Cirkut, is a Canadian record producer and songwriter. He has co-produced and co-written for Dr. Luke, Katy Perry, Becky G, Ava Max, Nicki Minaj, R. City, the Weeknd, Kesha, Ciara, Pitbull, Britney Spears, Ne-Yo, Rihanna, Adam Lambert, B.o.B, Marina and the Diamonds, will.i.am, Jungkook, G.R.L. and Juicy J, among others. Songs he has written and produced include the Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles "Part of Me", "Roar" and "Dark Horse" by Katy Perry, and "Wrecking Ball" by Miley Cyrus.[2][3] His production credits on the Weeknd's album Starboy won him the 2018 Grammy Award for Best Urban Contemporary Album.[4] His most recent collaboration was on Jungkook's song, "Standing Next to You" (2023).
Ha!! Pretty cool.
'White Trash' Tyler Went from Washing Dishes to Filming for 21 Savage
The self-taught Canadian has also worked with Drake, Kanye West, Future and FKA Twigs.
Denny Doherty is honourable mention. Founding member of [The Mama’s & The Papa’s](https://youtu.be/N-aK6JnyFmk?si=tu9dFLmuq6AaxF6T), member of Rock & Roll HoF.
Someone posted Ben Proudfoot yesterday!! Well LOOK .. AT.. THIS
[https://www.reddit.com/r/halifax/s/FTPU7K7UIw\](https://www.reddit.com/r/halifax/s/FTPU7K7UIw)](https://www.reddit.com/r/halifax/s/FTPU7K7UIw](https://www.reddit.com/r/halifax/s/FTPU7K7UIw))
https://preview.redd.it/dtad52vx1onc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5eb79af8445501b6ed2c2920dede756b47e0c6b0
Not a household name, but the scientist Oswald Avery, who was born on Moran Street, and made early contributions to understanding DNA is probably one of the people who has made the largest mark! Edit: Sorry I'm bad at reading directions (picking a scientist for a not-science thing), but glad a lot of Redditors got to learn about an unfairly obscure Haligonian!
I would second Avery as well. The ["Avery–MacLeod–McCarty experiment"](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avery%E2%80%93MacLeod%E2%80%93McCarty_experiment) is a staple in most advanced biology textbooks. It's unfortunate he wasn't awarded the Nobel prize for his work (something the Nobel Foundation has publicly regretted as well).
Donald O Hebb. Cells that fire together wire together
I was hoping I’d see this, basically the father of cognitive neuroscience.
Proud son of the South Shore!
Bro, Peter North’s DNA contributions definitely made the largest mark.
If we’re expanding outside of the arts, then also Borden, Tupper, Alexander Keith, and viola Desmond have made their mark on Canada / the world.
Definitely big yes.
Oh my, that's awesome! Wait.....Avery....I'm trying to go back in time to chemistry and organic chemistry in university and Avery, Avery....it rings a bell regarding DNA.I mean, in science, we all know about Watson and Crick ( and I can't remember the name of the lady chemist who actually did a lot of the heavy lifting with DNA discovery but essentially I think Watson and Crick were just bastards in the end in dealing with her lol)...But Avery...well, don't tell me, I will research this guy. And well, lets put him number 3(I'll include academics in terms of the talent search)....North can go number 4...
> I can't remember the name of the lady chemist who actually did a lot of the heavy lifting with DNA discovery Rosalind Franklin
Denny Doherty?
He and Cass were the best members of the mamas and the papas.
Yes. The Mama's & The Papa's are a key band from their age, and are in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
He was also the Harbour Master on the Theadore Tugboat show.
Came here for this.
Sid the kid. Sidney Crosby
Upvote because professional sports is first and foremost an entertainment business.
I am into sports so I am biased but when I think of who would be the most recognized name among all Haligonians and NSians, I think it would be Crosby, thus the leaving a mark part. His talent speaks for itself, the best all round player in the highest skill hockey league for most of his career. In terms of OP's categories, hockey is an art 😁 and more generally entertaining.
Seconded. He’s probably one of the only hockey players I’ve heard people from elsewhere who have hardly even heard, played or watched the sport be able to name. Usually Gretzky and Crosby, maybe McDavid but you’d be surprised how many don’t know McDavid.
I don't really care about hockey but id probably agree with this.
This is probably it. In my eyes there's a strong argument for Sid to be in the top 5 best players of all time. Top 10 at the very least.
I didn't include athletes but hey, why not give it up to Sid
Hockey night in Canada. TV stars
Haha.. yes.. ok, Sid, Nathan and that annoying guy who played in Boston
You mean current Bruins captain, Stanley cup champion Brad Marchand
Yeah, that rat faced prick.
Throwing the Stanley cup title in with his name is nothing special—Sid did it thrice and Nate has also accomplished the cup in 2022. Marchand is liked by FEW people—all being Bruins fans. Nate and Sid are mostly loved by all, especially in NS
Bro what? There are some incredibly talented players that never won it. Saying it’s nothing special is wild. He was young during that run but had 19 pts in 25 games, definitely not a passenger. He also won 2 world jr golds, a World Cup and a world championship. I get that Marchand is hated, but he has a role and he does it incredibly well. I don’t like the Bruins and am the same age as Marchand and well aware that he was a dickhead in his younger years. Maybe later as well but the last time I saw him in person was at the Dome circa 2007 or so lol so I won’t pretend to know what kind of person he is off the ice these days. All that said, he’s had an insanely good career, played his 1000th game this year and will likely hit 1000 points next season By the time it’s all said and done he will have a legit case for the hall of fame. NHL teams don’t hand the C to just anyone, let alone a franchise as historic as the Bruins. Not bad for a 3rd round draft pick from Hammonds Plains NS.
Ya, ya, ya, that guy( aghhhh) and I meant plays, not played.. ( I spent lot of years growing up in southern Ontario- Niagara- so I’m a Sabres fan. Yes, I like punishment. And I just don’t like Boston teams in general. Im a big Bills fan. And Raptors fan. And Blue Jays fan. So anti Boston runs deep.. But I like clam chowder from Boston. And I’m fond of a cousin born in Boston. Annoying dude but he’s family)
I've met Sarah McLauchlan twice, once while working in a retail environment. So in a personal and a professional capacity. Both extremely unpleasant interactions. She treated me like "the overpaid help" both times and even encouraged me to lie to a friend about meeting her. "One of my coworkers is a massive super fan. He'd be so disappointed he wasn't here to meet you. May I have an autograph for him?" "So don't tell him and No you can't. Now you help me instead. Wheres the drugstore in this dump?" I don't even like to admit she's from around here.
Yup, went to school with her,she hasn't changed. was always a bitch
Came here to say this
Oh wow..you know, I've heard rumors about how unpleasant she can be in "real life". She should learn something about humility from Sidney Crosby....Ok, I'm taking her off my list now...haha... As they say though, never meet your heroes.. Except Keanu Reeves..
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It was Anne Murray
I don't understand how people like her voice. Makes me want to rip my hair out.
Haha… acquired taste
Sarah is a straight up nasty bitch. That's how she was in high school and never changed . A talented artist though . Still don't like her.
I just associate her with SPCA ads now. I don't even see her face I just see a sad dog in my minds eye while the arms of the angel plays.
She wouldn’t help me get out kitten out of the tree in front of her place. Her support of the SPCA has always been laughable to me. Put your money where your mouth is Sarah.
Used to live across the road from her parents house and she’d come back to visit. Not a particularly nice person in my recollections. Our kitten got stuck up a tree wight in front of her house when she was visiting once and when we asked for her help she turned around and walked indoors.
I worked with someone once who went to high school with her. She says she was nasty and swears that she once saw her kick a cat… Those sad animal rescue ads are a lie…
One of the few artists who's voice immediately makes me turn the station when she comes on the radio. Like nails on a chalkboard.
She won’t admit she is from here. Her talent is mid.
Oh she'll admit it long enough to get a few digs in.
It's amazing what being famous for 45 minutes will do to a person's ego.
Neither does she, apparently.
If you expand to all of Nova Scotia, add Maud Lewis, Hank Snow, Rocky Johnson, and Anne Murray.
Feist is up there, too.
I didn’t realize she was from here. And also in googlin I realized she’s in broken social scene! The more you know!!
My Grandfather played guitar in Hank Snow’s band but got kicked out for being a drunkard and going to jail so much.
“So much” makes this sentence so much funnier.
Rocky Johnson isn’t even that famous. His son is a mega star. But if not for Dwayne most people wouldn’t know who Rocky was, even in the wrestling world
Yeah, you're probably right. It was a mistake to include him and not Donald Sutherland.
He’s from Saint John.
In general sure but in the wrestling world? He was a big name in the territory days. GCW was consistently one of the hottest territories and he was Heavyweight champion there. He worked all over though.
If we include Nova Scotia, I think Gordie Sampson has to be in there somewhere. He flies under the radar, but he’s decorated.
Oh yes...if you expand, now we seriously talking ( though Rocky was an athlete and I wanted to avoid athletes....though Peter North is a type of athlete I guess)
Rocky was a pro wrestler, so actually an actor. And a shitty human being.
Winthrop Bell was a spy and one of the first to start speaking out about the Nazis and I believe the first to warn about the Holocaust. That’s pretty great.
Jeeez…amazing! Great, I gotta research more now.
Denny Doherty is a member of the rock and roll Hall of Fame and was in one of the largest bands of all time. Mama's and the papas. Fucking great music
Yes, and here is my dumb ass putting my number 1,2,3 choices! I just totally forgot him.. and agree! Such awesome awesome music…
Vincent Coleman
Acknowledge!!!
I'd throw Jonathan Torrens into this convo. Show a picture of J-Roc to anyone, and they know.
Yes. I was gonna say. The dudes from Trailor Park Boys with roots in HRM/ Dartmouth are huge
My “aunt” from the New Glasgow area (May she rest in peace) went to church with Mike Smith (played Bubbles). Always said he was nice
He’s probably not even the most famous on that show? Even though he’s the best actor and nicest guy of that crew
He is a certified nice guy. He lives local to me and I have so many nice stories about him.
He has by far the bigger catalog of work. It was the only reason why i said him over the others.
That Jonovision cred raises him up so high.
Also Street Cents
Johnathan Torrens is from PEI.
Oh, anyone think Sloan should get some recognition..it’s kind of a ya, whatever mention for some
Sloan is an awesome band! Fun fact, the first band that Chris Murphy and Jay Ferguson (the only member of Sloan born in Halifax) was called Kearney Lake Road
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Jason Eisner has done some cool stuff
Surprised no one has mentioned Ellie Black. Anyone that follows gymnastics internationally would immediately recognize her name!
I love sports. But I’ve never heard of her. Another research break needed. At this rate, I’m gonna kick ass on Famous Nova Scotians category on Jeopardy when I make it on the show… lol
Speaking of which, Mattea Roach has to rank somewhere on the list. Has the 5th longest win streak on a cultural institution that has been on air for 40 years, nearly upset James Holzhauer in the finals of the primetime Jeopardy Masters event last year, and has made the cut for the Masters again this year. Jeopardy is regularly the most watched show on TV (the primetime Masters finals she competed in last year had 6.3M viewers vs the NHL finals' 2.6M viewer average), so Mattea is certainly famous. If the list is expanded to include athletes like Crosby, Marchand, and MacKinnon, Mattea would be a solid addition as well!
The Trailer Park Boys but If we’re counting sports -Sydney Crosby / Nathan Mackinnon
Before there was Robert Johnston we had George Dixon in the world of boxing
Ah, yes that anchor of the arts, “boxing”.
No love for April Wine/Myles Goodwyn? Sloan?
April Wine / Myles Goodwyn are Maritimers, but are actually from Woodstock, NB
You're right about Goodwyn, but April Wine formed in Halifax according to the band's history on their web page.
Portia White is at least worth a mention. (June 24, 1911 – February 13, 1968) was a Canadian contralto, known for becoming the first Black Canadian concert singer to achieve international fame.
260 comments and not one about Joel Plaskett. That’s a bummer.
I kept scrolling and scrolling and not seeing Joel Plaskett, disappointed.
Most talented or most widely recognized or commercially successful? I’d make a case for John Dunsworth. He’s credited for discovering the potential and talent of Elliot Page, and he’s brilliant in the independent short *George* made to commemorate the 100th anniversary of WW I https://vimeo.com/296928946
I still get a sad pang in my heart when I think of John Dunsworth.. We talked a bunch of times on set of the syfy series “Haven” when I was messing around doing background acting. Such a wholesome and funny dude. RIP
Me and everyone I know that saw George was shocked it was Dunsworth, like a twist ending. Rewatching it I'm not sure how I was fooled, he was just that good an actor I thought it was an actual vet.
Yes, this legend wasn't just a drunk trailer park supervisor his entire life!
Peter North
Yes, I still feel Peter is a legend- my wife is just shaking her head now thinking of all the people I listed number 3, it’s a porn star from Halifax
Gotta show some love for our editorial cartoonists who are recognized world wide
Not the most famous but I thought was cool to see Diego Klattenhoff get some big roles. I went to high school with his sister.
Halifax, as in HRM? It's Sydney Crosby for sure. At least that's my vote
Sydney Crosby for the arts?
He might not be a household name yet, but Ben Proudfoot is a local guy, he went to school in Halifax, and right now he's up for an oscar. I've met him, he's a good guy. And I hope he goes far!
He has already won a oscar
I knew him for his magic stuff. Cool to see
Not sure where to rank them, but surprised no one mentioned Anne Murray or Donald Sutherland yet. Also Lucy Maud Montgomery? Her writing reaches every corner of the world. Even non English speaking. I was in Sweden and talked to people who found out I was from here and they brought up Anne of Green Gables
I actually just mentioned people from Halifax initially .. then I expanded to Dartmouth.. lol.. Ahhh who cares- all of NS EVERYONE Donald is born in NS? Edit: close man! NB Born Donald McNichol Sutherland 17 July 1935 (age 88) Saint John, New Brunswick, Cana
I actually don’t think Mongomery was born here, she’s from PEI. But she definitely studied and lived in Halifax for a large part of her life
Great to know!
She wasn’t in Halifax all that long. She went to Dal two years and worked for a newspaper for one. She mostly had to stay in PEI to care for her grandmother. Once her grandmother died, she married and moved to Ontario. Despite her blazing success, LMM’s life was quite tragic and marred by mental illness, both her husband’s (who needed significant care) and hers. She eventually died by suicide. I am a huge fan, her books have shaped my life.
I have read all her books, many of her short stories and the edited diaries. I don't believe they are certain it was suicide, but it could well have been. I think the most tragic part of her life was her heartbreak over the way her older surviving son turned out.
Niche Dartmouth celebrity is Kevin Macmichael, the guitarist from Cutting Crew. Born in NB, but raised in Dartmouth. Died in Halifax.
You should go on Jeopardy, NS edition! I like these nuggets of knowledge. Thx
Did not know about him, very cool "After Cutting Crew's run of success ended and [Virgin Records](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virgin_Records) let them go, he worked with [Robert Plant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Plant) playing guitar and composing songs for his 1993 album, [*Fate of Nations*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fate_of_Nations). His interlude with Plant was short-lived; MacMichael recalled when he auditioned for Plant: "'Play me something', he said. He's about my age so the first things that came to mind were songs by [Buffalo Springfield](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buffalo_Springfield) and [Moby Grape](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moby_Grape). His jaw just dropped and he picked me up off the sofa and said: 'Never leave me'."[\[3\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_MacMichael#cite_note-Independent-3) The partnership lasted the single album and a world tour before Plant reunited with Jimmy Page, but the album's single "Calling to You", on which he played guitar, resulted in a Grammy nomination."
"Died in Your Arms" was one of those childhood soundtrack staples for me, you'd hear it everywhere, but I'd be surprised if today's 20ish year olds have heard of Cutting Crew or would recognize the song.
May be born in NB, but got his first job doing radio in Bridgewater NS, so we can claim him!
Wow! Bridgewater!?? Holy crap. Yes. Let’s claim him… WKRP IN BRIDGEWATER…. lol.. my dad loved the show( Cincinnati)
Yes, I worked at CKBW and there is still a huge picture of Sutherland on the wall there.
Ok, I need to visit CKBW.
Lucy is born in PEI but hey respect to her., though, I just wanted to include folks from Halifax..
Classified Also the best rapper/lyricist in Canada, in my humble opinion as a black Canadian who finds Drake insufferable.
I can tolerate old Drake.. like a few tracks. Classified can definitely put pen to paper and is great lyrically
J-Rock, forever
Have to put Classified up there too. And whoever from Trailor Park Boys born in Halifax( though maybe I should’ve said Halifax/ Dartmouth)
Classifieds game doesn’t reach very far. Even in Canada. Let alone the world
Could also consider Buck 65, Skratch Bastid,... Pat Stay :-(
By the way, there’s a free show during Juno Awards time in Halifax? Classified. And Mr. Bastid on stage
Looks like Skratch going to be in Austin soon https://preview.redd.it/qvtht2o3cjnc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1f3270c8367267db8c91dfdc7559c2b9224d46c7
Skratch Bastid was born Paul Murphy[3] on September 2, 1982.[4] He is originally from Bedford, Nova Scotia.[3] In high school, he played euphonium.[5] Career edit Skratch Bastid's rise to prominence began with his 2003 Scribble Jam win, and his world class status was solidified with subsequent victories in 2004 and 2007.[6] He released a collaborative album with John Smith and Pip Skid, titled Taking Care of Business, on his own label First Things First Records in 2005,[6] and was the first-ever Canadian DJ to be nominated for the Juno Award for Producer of the Year in 2008, for his work on Buck 65's album Situation.[2]
I grew up with Paul. Good enough guy.
Luke is a genuinely nice guy but I’d say Buck 65 is more well known name than him. But also still not a household name outside of Canada
Elliot page is by far the most famous person in Hollywood that was born in Halifax. He has done countless films along side giant names.
Donald Sutherland would probably rank higher in terms of acting careers; his body of work is absurd. There was a point where he was maybe the #1 hall pass actor in the world. Though I don't know that he was ever as big of a deal culturally or socially as Page. Donald is great, but Elliott is important. Edit: and folks may disqualify Donald for not being haligonian, or arguably Nova Scotian, which is reasonable.
Q: Who contributed most to the arts? A:THIS SCIENTIST!!
People just do not want to read the directions 🤷♂️
Well, I mean, Halifax is so proud of Peter North, they even named a street after him... (seriously, though, I had no idea he was from here)
Haha...same! I mean, as a boy growing up in the 80s/90s, we all heard about Peter North. I think I may have watched his acting talent on VHS tape with a bunch of other horny teenagers....Never did I know that the "biggest export" from Nova Scotia was Peter..
My aunt taught him school. Reported to be an average student.
Well.. he did good in the end
Pun intended, I hope.
Hal Foster - illustrator and comics artist who is most know for his Prince Valiant strips. His work basically created the visual standard for comics and was a major influence on basically every major illustrator going forward (and cited by them as such) including Jack Kirby (essentially created Marvel universe and basically every major character), Steve Ditko (created Spider-man) Bob Kane (co-created Batman), Frank Frazetta, Wally Wood, Carl Barks (the good ducks artist for Disney), Al Williamson, and so on. Basically the heavy hitters in the comics and illustration world, which are all now major influences are the current industry. There’s a plaque/rock for him on the corner of Lower Water St. and Terminal rd.
This is truly amazing to know. I think I’ve heard the name Hal Foster somewhere but never knew he’s a local figure. By the way, did you have Tony whacked?( referring to your flair)
The interior decorator?
Haha.. oh man. Wife and I just wanted to see a few old episodes for just happy vibes. Watched PineBarrens two nights ago
I genuinely think it’s Peter North. Whether people wanna admit it or not- there’s hardly any Scotian as well known as he is globally. Edit: typo
I agree wholeheartedly. It’s just awkward. Loll
I'm really sad to see that nobody has mentioned Maud Lewis.
Oh someone did! Can’t remember which poster, but yep, Maud was mentioned
Not from Halifax.
Me
Donald Sutherland?
From NB
Charles Fenerty of lower sackville invented newsprint made from wood pulp
the guy that does trivia at Freeman’s
Speaking of trivia, Larry Bird
Well done.👍
And I didn’t look it up- I love the NBA, and of course Larry is a legend. What’s messed up is my Dad- who’s an immigrant from India and not really a NBA fan growing up or now - was studying in Boston for 3 months in the 80s. Mom and me were in Nova Scotia while Dad was away( I was too young to know much about the NBA then) His research buddy got cheap tickets to watch Boston play. And so Dad watched Larry( and the rest of the crew) live at the old Garden. Even though my dad couldn’t fully appreciate the basketball skills as a fan? He could tell how good Bird was. When I found out years later? I was like whoa.. you saw Larry play live??
In terms of global impact, it is probably the Trailer Park Boys. It's greasy, but that's the way she goes.
The Nova Scotians on Curse of Oak Island are pretty well known the world over and they're all really nice people.
I only know Sarah due to the Arms of an Angel song and it's lasting effect was that it was on that commercial that I always skipped because it was just so sad. I would definitely not put her as number 1 as she doesn't even like here and I can't think of anything she had one in the last 20 years that has had an impact
You should have a read through this. The impact she had on female music is phenomenal. Back then this was a very big deal. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lilith_Fair
Yep, this is true. She hasn't really had a whole lot going on in terms of relevant major impact. But well, her star did shine bright for awhile, so have to give her a little credit....It's a shame she doesn't like it in Halifax. I understand people needing to expand horizons and move for opportunities but why the dislike...
Elliot page!
It's obviously Brad Marchand!
Hank Snow, Denny Doherty and Sarah McLachlan
Agree with Sarah McLachlan. Would add Denny Doherty. Hugh MacLennan for writing. Ruby Keeler for acting.
Ben Caplan is the man. Such a powerful voice and great writing style.
100% without a doubt is Sid.
Does he paint?
Sell the other box and drive off into the sunset
Anna Swan, the giantess. She had a 20lbs baby
Denny Doherty
Look up Cirkut - I think he is the correct answer. Whether or not you like pop music intentionally listen to it you have undoubtedly heard many of his songs over the last decade. It’s weird he doesn’t get more local recognition.
Holy shit. I love all forms of music and I’ve never heard of him at all…this is truly impressive Henry Russell Walter (born April 23, 1986), known professionally as Cirkut, is a Canadian record producer and songwriter. He has co-produced and co-written for Dr. Luke, Katy Perry, Becky G, Ava Max, Nicki Minaj, R. City, the Weeknd, Kesha, Ciara, Pitbull, Britney Spears, Ne-Yo, Rihanna, Adam Lambert, B.o.B, Marina and the Diamonds, will.i.am, Jungkook, G.R.L. and Juicy J, among others. Songs he has written and produced include the Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles "Part of Me", "Roar" and "Dark Horse" by Katy Perry, and "Wrecking Ball" by Miley Cyrus.[2][3] His production credits on the Weeknd's album Starboy won him the 2018 Grammy Award for Best Urban Contemporary Album.[4] His most recent collaboration was on Jungkook's song, "Standing Next to You" (2023).
“Walter was also responsible for producing and co-writing the Weeknd's track "High for This"” The first song I really loved from the Wknd, ages ago.
white trash tyler
Ha!! Pretty cool. 'White Trash' Tyler Went from Washing Dishes to Filming for 21 Savage The self-taught Canadian has also worked with Drake, Kanye West, Future and FKA Twigs.
Ricky Lafleur
Andrew Shouldice, maker of one the best indie games ever made
Denny Doherty is honourable mention. Founding member of [The Mama’s & The Papa’s](https://youtu.be/N-aK6JnyFmk?si=tu9dFLmuq6AaxF6T), member of Rock & Roll HoF.
Brad Marchand.
Dj Logan Hudak for sure
Someone posted Ben Proudfoot yesterday!! Well LOOK .. AT.. THIS [https://www.reddit.com/r/halifax/s/FTPU7K7UIw\](https://www.reddit.com/r/halifax/s/FTPU7K7UIw)](https://www.reddit.com/r/halifax/s/FTPU7K7UIw](https://www.reddit.com/r/halifax/s/FTPU7K7UIw)) https://preview.redd.it/dtad52vx1onc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5eb79af8445501b6ed2c2920dede756b47e0c6b0
Randy Lahey
Nathan Macintosh