Famous People Who Live in Toronto - List of Toronto Celebrities

Many celebrities live in Toronto. People generally view their famous presence as positive. It can spark inspiration among local talents and enrich the city’s image as a culturally rich and active center. Their achievements can encourage others to follow their own dreams.

Drake started in Toronto’s west end with raps that capture the city’s vibe. Similarly, The Weeknd rose from his Scarborough beginnings to global fame with his enthralling tunes. Rachel McAdams often shows her Toronto roots through her genuine charm. Comedy greats Eugene Levy and Martin Short, both originating from around Toronto, consistently make us laugh and remind us of the city’s strong comedy scene.

Find out all the celebrities that live in Toronto and learn about their inspiring journeys.

Drake

Toronto’s very own Drake started spitting verses right here in the city’s west end, on Weston Road. Remember the Degrassi kid? That’s right, he switched from acting to music, releasing mixtapes that grabbed Lil Wayne’s attention.

Imagine Drake back in 2014, right after Lil Wayne’s buzz. He churned out hit songs one after another. Conflict suddenly breaks out. Pusha T throws barbs his way.

But Drake didn’t shrink back; he roared into action. He released diss tracks that were seriously lit and amusing, kept on delivering hit after hit like “Nothing Was the Same,” and turned the tables on his critics during interviews. It was as if he said, “You’re up for a challenge? Alright, watch what I can do.”

It was a pivotal moment in growth. Drake transformed from a skilled artist into a strategic force in the rap scene, while handling drama effortlessly. Some might say Drake opening up about his emotions on albums like “Views” marked a substantial shift too.

And just like that, Drake’s fame skyrocketed. This guy’s now a worldwide music sensation, mixing rap with melodic singing and lyrics that resonate with many. He proudly represents all the famous people in Toronto.

The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye)

Picture a young Abel Tesfaye, who everyone knows as The Weeknd, walking through the streets of Scarborough in Toronto. He lived near tall apartment buildings along Ellesmere Road with loud salsa music mixing with basketball sounds. This vibrant cultural blend was the backdrop to Abel’s early life, quietly shaping his musical mind before he fully realized it.

Back at his house, the atmosphere shifted. His grandmother’s presence brought warmth and the melodies of Amharic songs, which planted seeds of love for music in him. His father wasn’t a constant figure, leaving behind an emptiness that would resonate in his future songs. Talk about a complex family environment fueling his creative spirit!

Moving on to his teen years, when Abel was rarely seen without headphones. He transformed his closet into a beat studio. Without any fancy equipment, those bedroom walls were privy to raw and original tracks. A bold move follows – he shares his music online without revealing who he is. The world caught wind and asked, “Who is this Weeknd guy?” That was a turning point.

One thing led to another, and Drake discovered Abel’s tunes. He’s impressed. That discovery shot Abel from Scarborough’s quiet streets onto glittering global stages. Even amid fame, he keeps those Toronto memories close, infusing nostalgia into his energetic music.

Neil Young

It’s 1963, Toronto. Picture a lean teenager named Neil Young, playing his dad’s old Gretsch guitar on the porch of their home on Winnipeg Avenue. Sunlight glints off the strings, mirrored in his focused eyes. His fingers move quickly on the fretboard, creating a sound that’s a mix of folk and rock, edgy and full of yearning.

Then you hear his brother, Randy. Mischief sparkles in Randy’s gaze. “Sounds nice, bro, but could use less cowboy and more…Elvis?” Neil laughs softly, with a smile hinting at fun. “We’re not in Nashville, Rand. We’re in Toronto where music tells a story all its own.”

That porch on Winnipeg Avenue might not have been a performance stage, but it was where something special started. Neil Young held nothing more than sheer talent and determination. He fantasized about taking his music to the masses. And that’s where his epic story starts.

Joni Mitchell

In the late 60s, Joni Mitchell sharpened her musical skills with a well-worn guitar and her limitless imagination. She drew inspiration from her Toronto surroundings. The hazy rooms of Yorkville’s bars, the raw allure of Queen West, and the city’s constant buzz inspired her songwriting.

Joni’s creative approach was as distinctive as her sound. She would roam during the day, absorbing Toronto’s dynamism, catching snippets of conversations, watching couples share intimate moments. At night, she’d play her guitar in her softly lit flat, letting lyrics and tunes merge together like cigarette smoke trails.

When you dive into Joni Mitchell’s songs, imagine Toronto’s influence. Every chord and word tribute a place that helped a musical icon bloom. The city vibrated with an artistic spirit that pulsed within her. This inspired her to discover new melodies, confront deeper feelings, and carve out a path that was unmistakably hers.

Rachel McAdams

A young Rachel McAdams skidded happily down St. Thomas’ tree-lined streets. Her home was a warm retreat that resonated with joy, particularly in the kitchen. Her mother, a nurse, created delightful meals and her father, a truck driver, inspired a steady work ethic.

For Rachel, acting was more than just child’s play. It began with being inspired by a local theatre show for kids and grew with encouragement from her parents who noticed her burning desire to act.

St. Thomas wasn’t well-known for theatre arts like Broadway is, yet it had its own enchantment. Local theatre groups welcomed Rachel warmly, helping her refine her skills in roles that required true commitment and emotional honesty. Nights were spent rehearsing under dim stage lighting, soaking in audience applause, and building bonds with fellow cast members.

While other teens were preoccupied with choosing universities and awaiting prom night, Rachel’s mind was filled with visions of gleaming stages and characters coming alive through her expressions and movement. Her aspirations thrived with the support of family and friends. And that marked the start of her illustrious acting career.

Ryan Reynolds

Ryan, the Vancouver native who made the leap from local TV soaps to big-screen comedies in Hollywood, hit a rough patch in his career. The film “Green Lantern” was a letdown, earning him the nickname “Green Lantern Guy,” as a string of other films failed to make an impact. People started questioning if he had depth beyond his looks.

But Ryan didn’t retreat. Instead, he drew on his quick wit, which he’d sharpened within Toronto’s vibrant improv community in Second City. His early days in Toronto gave him the chance to develop his trademark knack for poking fun at himself. He started laughing about his struggles on Twitter.

People connected with his down-to-earth nature and his ability to laugh at himself. Critics also caught on, praising him for his comedic delivery and intelligence. Deadpool was the perfect way for Ryan to redefine himself. His years of comedy experience in Toronto really helped him bring this sarcastic anti-hero to life. The movie quickly caught fire, showing everyone that Ryan could lead a major hit while breaking the mould.

Shawn Mendes

For Shawn Mendes, his Pickering hometown was full of opportunities. The neighbourhood was quiet, lined with trees, with neighbours who always had a smile to share, and a backyard that was just right for practicing guitar chords.

Shawn’s childhood home was where two cultures mingled; his English and Portuguese heritage meant music was always in the air. His mother sang Broadway hits while tidying up, and his father played classic rock albums that influenced Shawn’s musical style.

For Shawn, music was a refuge. As someone who was quieter, he found comfort and expression in putting his feelings into music. That guitar he borrowed? It soon became a part of him. His bedroom turned into a studio where he could record original songs and try out covers of tunes by artists like John Mayer.

Hitting 13 brought big changes. A new guitar came into his hands around the same time he noticed Justin Bieber’s rise to fame. Inspired, Shawn shared his covers on YouTube from his room. This took his music from local to global as he reached listeners far beyond Pickering.

The response Shawn got online encouraged him to pursue bigger dreams. From joining in on family jams to crafting small concerts in his room, each step was crucial in driving his ambition.

Margaret Atwood

In 1969, Margaret Atwood returned to Toronto from Harvard. She was a talented, struggling poet. Her second book of poems didn’t make much noise, leaving her wondering if she’d fade into the academic background.

Everything changed. York University in Toronto started its writing program as the city became a hotbed for smart conversation. Atwood joined the teaching staff there. She found more than just employment; she found a lively circle of writers and thinkers. At this crucial time, her creativity lit up. She started writing novels, filling them with biting humor and feminism.

Toronto inspired her work. Its raw energy and emerging feminist scene helped shape her stories about power, gender, and who we are as people. Ever heard of the “Toronto School” in Canadian literature? Atwood challenged conventional stories and set new standards. The city shook off its image as just a follower of American literary trends and stood tall as a creative force.

Atwood’s influence went beyond Canada. “The Handmaid’s Tale,” which she wrote in Toronto’s coffee shops and libraries, struck a chord across the globe. It became an iconic work of feminist fiction and sparked dialogue and debate among women everywhere.

Eugene Levy

In the late 1970s, Eugene Levy was on stage at Toronto’s famous Second City improv club where his career took off. He sharpened his comedic skills working with fellow Canadians like John Candy and Gilda Radner.

“Second City Television” emerged. Born from the same comedic roots in Toronto, SCTV marked a turning point in Levy’s career. The show turned into a cult hit and sent all its main players, including Levy, on a path to continued success.

Levy, known for his straight-faced humor and distinctive charisma, became very popular. He took on roles in well-known movies like “Splash,” “American Pie,” and its sequels, all of which highlighted his range and timing in comedy. He also made a name for himself on TV with his role in “Schitt’s Creek,” earning several Emmy Awards and high praise from critics.

Cobie Smulders

Cobie Smulders embodies the spirit of a Torontonian, with a love for the city that’s evident in both her words and deeds. Think back to how she showed up at TIFF premieres even while working on projects elsewhere, or how she often gives a shout-out to the city on social media. It all comes from the heart, deeply rooted in who she is.

Her impact on Toronto’s cultural scene stretches beyond glamorous events and film openings. She’s more than just Robin Scherbatsky from “How I Met Your Mother” or Maria Hill from the Marvel Cinematic Universe; she is Cobie Smulders, who actively supports and advocates for local talent.

Consider her active involvement in film festivals like TIFF and VIFF. She leverages her influence to uplift Canadian stories and artists, helping them gain international attention. By backing local indie movies or taking part in industry discussions, she stands behind the upcoming wave of creative minds.