12 Famous People from Toronto - List of Popular Canadian Celebrities

Toronto is a prosperous city bursting with star power. This Canadian gem is known for its vibrant arts and entertainment scene, from music to film. The city’s inclusive vibe has created a diverse pool of talent. No wonder you will recognize so many famous people from Toronto, including Drake, Jim Carrey, and Will Arnett. They grew up in a thriving city that celebrates individuality and multiculturalism.

Many artists, musicians, and filmmakers started their careers in Toronto’s creative scene. Famous comedians hone their craft in Second City, while others perform at the Canadian Opera Company. Toronto offers so many opportunities for stars to thrive. In addition, Toronto hosts many festivals and events throughout the year. It’s a beautiful city with rich artistic heritage, backed by a supportive community.

Let’s check out the most famous people from Toronto and what they have achieved in their careers.

Drake

Famous musician from Toronto

Drake is one of the most famous people from Toronto. Did you know he was actually born with the name Aubrey Drake Graham? Before Drake became a chart-topping rapper, he was just a regular Torontonian. In fact, he got his start in the entertainment industry on the classic Canadian TV show Degrassi: The Next Generation. He played Jimmy Brooks, a popular jock confined to a wheelchair after an accident.

Drake’s ambitions didn’t stop at Canadian TV. Over the years, he transformed into a musical powerhouse. His first debut studio album (Thank Me Later) was released in 2010 and reached #1 on the US Billboard 200. Since then, Drake has released hit after hit. He won four Grammys and numerous accolades. What sets Drake apart is his unique style, seamlessly blending rap and singing to create a soulful sound. Many fans relate to his lyrics, which often delve into personal introspection.

Drake has collaborated with Rihanna, Kanye West, Jay-Z, and the biggest global stars. When it comes to music, Drake is the Toronto’s superstar.

Jim Carrey

Famous actor from Toronto

Born in Newmarket, Ontario, Jim Carrey grew up in an ordinary working-class family. His career started in Toronto comedy clubs. Soon, he jetted off to Los Angeles in the United States. It was there that he landed his big break on In Living Color in 1990, catapulting him to fame. Nowadays, Jim Carrey is a dual citizen of both Canada and the United States. Nonetheless, he remains a beloved figure in the entertainment industry on both sides of the border.

Jim Carrey is famous for being one of the funniest celebrities. His breakout film role in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, followed by The Mask, Dumb and Dumber (our favourite!), and Bruce Almighty. While Carrey is best known for his comedic roles, he’s also a skilled dramatic actor. Fans rave about his transformation in The Truman Show and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. In fact, he won numerous acting awards, including two Golden Globes.

Catherine O’Hara

Famous actress from Toronto

Catherine O’Hara is a national treasure. This famous Toronto actress started in the entertainment industry as a cast member of SCTV. Many fans know her as Moira Rose on Schitt’s Creek, cementing her status as a comedic actress. Moira’s unique accent and vocal mannerisms are iconic. From funny wigs to nonsensical phrases, O’Hara brings her quirky character to life. She deserved to win an Emmy for her work on the show.

Catherine has legendary improv skills. She knows how to combine her quick wit and sharp observation to create memorable performances. Outside of work, Catherine is married to Bo Welch. The two lovebirds tied the knot in 1992 and have been going strong ever since. She is a proud dual citizen of both Canada and the United States. Catherine is also a regular participant at TIFF, one of the biggest festivals in Toronto.

Keanu Reeves

Famous movie actor from Toronto

Keanu Reeves was born in Beirut, but he moved to Canada and attended high school right here in Toronto. Keanu is famous for his movie roles in popular franchises, like Speed and The Matrix. He also shows off his impressive fighting skills in the John Wick franchise. Impressively, Keanu performs his own stunts. Despite his tough-guy persona on screen, Keanu is a sweetheart in real life. He often surprises fans with random acts of kindness, making him a true Hollywood gem.

Unfortunately, life has dealt Keanu some tough cards. He suffered personal tragedies, including the heartbreaking loss of his daughter and former partner. Regardless, Keanu remains the epitome of cool and composure. His humble, down-to-earth personality makes him even more lovable than his on-screen characters.

The Weeknd

Famous Toronto musician

The Weeknd is one of the most famous people born in Toronto, Ontario. He is a famous musician who grew up taking the best singing lessons in Toronto. His sound is like no other, blending R&B, pop, and electronic music into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. The Weeknd has racked up many awards, including three Grammys. He has collaborated with some pretty big names in the biz, from Drake to Lana Del Rey.

His most popular song is Blinding Lights. It features an upbeat 80s-inspired sound with a catchy chorus. The music video showcases The Weeknd cruising in a sports car and dancing atop a building, adding to the song’s infectious vibe. This Toronto celebrity epitomizes coolness and style.

Robbie Amell

Famous Toronto actor

Robbie Amell, also known as the Amell brother with the abs, was born into a family of Canadian entertainment royalty. His cousin is Stephen Amell. Robbie started his acting career at 17 years old, following his family’s footsteps. With his chiseled jawline and piercing blue eyes, this heartthrob’s good looks have defined his roles. Along with his acting talents, Robbie is a devoted husband to his actress wife, Italia Ricci. The couple has a son, named Robert Amell.

Recently, Robbie starred in Upload. His character has the option to live forever in a digital afterlife. As an executive producer, he must have really uploaded his creativity to the max, bringing a thought-provoking concept to the small screen. Another famous role is Firestorm in The Flash, a superhero with the power of manipulating and transmuting matter. His character was a fan favourite, and he even returned for guest appearances in other CW superhero series.

Shay Mitchell

Famous Toronto actress

Shay Mitchell, born with a name that sounds like a mashup of two cool kids, started out as a model. With her striking looks, she graced magazines and snagged a spot on Maxim’s Hot 100 list. This Toronto model transitioned her career to acting. She is famous for being Emily Fields in the hit teen drama, Pretty Little Liars. As Emily, Shay perfectly captures a lesbian’s struggle of coming to terms with her sexuality.

Not only is Shay a talented actress, but she’s also a social media influencer with millions of adoring followers. Additionally, Shay is a successful entrepreneur who launched her own travel brand Béis. In 2019, she welcomed her first child with her partner Matte Babel. She been sharing all the heartwarming moments of motherhood on social media, from sleepless nights to diaper blowouts.

Will Arnett

Famous American-Canadian actor from Toronto

Will Arnett’s Canadian roots run deep. Born in Toronto, he proudly supports the Toronto Maple Leafs, just like the rest of us. He’s best known as Gob Bluth in Arrested Development. Since then, he appeared in many hilarious sitcoms like 30 Rock. He also voiced the titular character in the classic BoJack Horseman. Regardless of his roles, Arnett brings zany humour and sparkling wit to every spectacular performance.

Will Arnett’s voiceover work secured him two impressive Emmy wins. In addition, his fruitful career includes production credits for many of our favourite shows. Will Arnett has been married twice, both times to actresses. His first marriage was to Penelope Ann Miller, which ended in divorce a year later. His second marriage was to Amy Poehler in 2003, whom he met while filming Blades of Glory. The fan-favourite couple was beloved by fans for their comedic chemistry. They had two children together, but unfortunately, they announced their separation in 2012 and finalized their divorce in 2016.

Rachel McAdams

Famous actress from London, Ontario

Rachel McAdams is a movie darling born in London, Ontario. This multifaceted actress can make us laugh, cry, and swoon all at once. Her performance in The Notebook defined her career, making Rachel the famous queen of romantic films. Rachel played her role with so much depth and emotion. She shared sizzling chemistry with Ryan Gosling. This Canadian pair became everyone’s favourite couple. The scene where they reunite in the rain still makes us weak in the knees.

Rachel also flexed her comedic chops in Mean Girls. As Regina George, she was the ultimate high school queen bee. Her stunning looks and snarky comments brought Regina’s character to life in such a way that we loved to hate her. Regina lives on as one of the most memorable movie villains.

Shawn Mendes

Famous singer from Pickering, Ontario

Shawn Mendes is a Canadian heartthrob, uniting the world with his music and boyish charm. This singer is born in Pickering, Ontario. He started playing guitar at the age of 14. Shawn quickly made his way to stardom by posting covers of popular songs on Vine and YouTube. His pop and acoustic rock sound has topped charts worldwide, including the best Toronto radio stations. His loyal fans call themselves the Mendes Army.

In interviews, Shawn shared his experience with anxiety and how he manages it. He also spilled the beans on the pressures of social media, revealing that it sometimes negatively affects his mental health. Shawn is famous for his relationship with singer Camila Cabello. These two lovebirds started dating in 2019 and quickly graced the public’s eye. From steamy music videos to PDA-filled Instagram posts, they seemed to be head over heels for each other. Alas, their relationship ended in a breakup.

Andre De Grasse

Famous athlete from Toronto

Andre De Grasse is a Canadian sprinter born in Toronto. He competed in the 2016 Summer Olympics, where he won three medals, including a silver. In 2017, Andre unfortunately suffered a hamstring injury. It put him out of competition mode for almost a year. Yet, he bounced back in 2018 and won gold at the Commonwealth Games. Even a little hiccup won’t slow him down.

Andre may be a Canadian sprinter with plenty of speed, but he also has a lot of heart. In real life, he’s married to Nia Ali. This American hurdler is an Olympic gold medalist. She’s also the mom to two adorable children. Andre and Nia make a dynamic duo of athleticism and family goals.

Enrico Colantoni

Famous TV actor from Toronto

Enrico Colantoni, born on Valentine’s Day, is an Italian actor. He grew up in a big family full of affection and sibling shenanigans. Instead of sticking to his psychology and sociology degrees from the University of Toronto, Enrico pursued his passion for acting. He started small with TV roles and stage productions. With his charm and talent, he quickly stole hearts in shows like Just Shoot Me! and Veronica Mars.

Enrico played Gregory Parker in Flashpoint. His character was the head of the Strategic Response Unit who showed no mercy in emergency situations. But deep down, he’s a softie who cares for his team members like family. Enrico adds his own quirky twist to the show, cracking jokes that lightens up even the most stressful situations. His smile is as infectious as his sense of humour, making him a fan favourite among viewers.