The tributes, accolades and admiration for Gordon Pinsent continue to flood in from across the continent.
From Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, to A-list actors, to people in Pinsent’s home town of Grand Falls-Windsor, the outpouring of love for the man just keeps on coming.
Gordon Pinsent was one of Canada’s most iconic actors. He was passionate, captivating, and endlessly talented. His family has said that he “loved this country and its people, purpose, and culture to his last breath” – and I hope he knew that we felt the same about him.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) February 26, 2023
Pinsent died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday. He was 92.
His film and TV credits ran the gamut, from the serious and personally poignant film Away From Her in 2007, to being the voice of Babar the Elephant on the popular children’s show.
Despite his age, actor Mark Critch says Pinsent’s death still came as somewhat of a shock, given his persona and continued zest for life.
Critch says even at the age of 92 it still feels like he was “cut down in the prime of his life,” adding while his death is sinking in, it represents a huge loss not just for Newfoundland and Labrador, but for the country.
My pal Gordon Pinsent passed. I saw him a few weeks ago, his twinkle as bright as ever. I looked up to him as the Rowdyman but loved him as Porky Pinsent from Grand Falls. He cut the path the rest of us travelled. A household name based on Canadian work. The best there ever was pic.twitter.com/1s9yoE9Wml
— Mark Critch (@markcritch) February 26, 2023
Former Premier Danny Williams, who famously appeared in comedy skits with Critch, and Pinsent as the COD-father, says the actor led the way for so many others.
Williams says Pinsent was “at the top of the heap” in this province, adding the word iconic is perfectly appropriate for someone who stood out as an international actor in the early days, helping blaze the trail for others who came after him.
Funeral plans for the late, great Gordon Pinsent have yet to be announced.
(Via Town of Grand Falls-Windsor.)
Meanwhile, Grand Falls-Windsor Mayor Barry Manuel says residents feel immense pride that Pinsent was one of their own.
He says it’s certainly special knowing that he was “our native son,” adding he would always step up for the town when asked.
Manuel noted the pride shows in the naming of a street and the Arts and Culture Centre after Pinsent, given everything the man did for the town and the province.
We'll always be grateful for Gordon Pinsent, who was gracious enough to chat with us a few years ago about his memories of Grand Falls-Windsor and his love for our community.
Rest in peace.https://t.co/GsbwJSYuZ4
— Grand Falls-Windsor (@towngfw) February 26, 2023
