Paul Gross is one of Canada’s most celebrated actors, directors, and writers, beloved by audiences for his charisma. His journey in film began in the 1980s, but he shot to mainstream fame with his role in the TV series Due South. In this article on calgary-trend, we explore his path to success, his key works, and his contributions to Canadian cinema.
Early Life
Paul Michael Gross was born in 1959 in Calgary. He is the son of Renie Gross, an art historian, and Bob Gross, a member of the armed forces. Paul also has a younger brother, Tony. Due to his father’s career, the family had to move frequently, rarely staying in one place for more than two years. They lived in the United States, Germany, and England before returning to Canada in the 1970s.
Gross attended Earl Haig Secondary School in Toronto. Later, he began studying drama at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. However, he started working professionally during his studies and left after his third year to pursue his acting career. He later returned to the university to complete his degree.
The Rise of an Actor’s Career
Gross began his acting career at a young age, appearing in commercials when he was just 14. He soon started performing in regional theatres, including the National Arts Centre, Theatre Calgary, and the Toronto Free Theatre. Around the same time, he began writing plays. In 1982, his first play, The Deer and the Antelope Play, was performed for the first time. The play received positive reviews from critics, after which he went on to stage several more of his own works.
In the late 1980s, Gross also began acting in Canadian and American films. He starred in the Canadian thriller Cold Comfort and the television movie Married in Buffalo Jump.
In 1993, Gross co-wrote the screenplay for the television movie Gross Misconduct. A year later, the film was nominated for a Gemini Award for Best Writing.
Breakthrough with Due South
Gross became widely popular thanks to his leading role in the series Due South. It was the first Canadian-made series to air in prime time on a major U.S. network. The show not only cemented Gross’s popularity as an actor but also solidified his reputation as a writer and producer. He became a recognizable face on the streets and a respected figure in the professional community.
A Canadian Star
After Due South, Gross entered a period of leading roles in highly successful projects. In 2003, he began starring in the series Slings & Arrows.
In 2008, Gross wrote, directed, and starred in the film Passchendaele. In the film, he portrayed his own grandfather, who served in the First World War. In 2009, the film won the Genie Award for Best Motion Picture. That same year, Gross received the National Arts Centre Award from the Governor General for his artistic achievements. He went on to have several more successful roles and continued to write for television.
Although Gross was also popular in the U.S., he chose to build his career primarily in Canada: “I am a Canadian, and I like this country. I’ve been lucky enough to do, for the most part, the work that I wanted to do, and to do it from here.”
Personal Life
In 1988, Paul Gross married Canadian actress Martha Burns. They had a daughter, Hannah, in 1990, and a son, Jack, in 1994. Today, Gross lives with his wife in Toronto, but he still maintains strong ties to Alberta.
Paul Gross’s story is an example of how talent and a love for one’s country can lead to success. He has become a true icon of Canadian cinema, skillfully combining acting with directing, screenwriting, and producing.
