Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Never mind.
Last night someone shocked and troubled me by making the emphatic assertion that…
Gilda Radner was a Canadian.
Needless to say this rattled the very foundations of my sense of national pride. But, even as I sat there gaping in disbelief like a fish that has just discovered the element of air in a context beyond the glimmering amusement of bubbles I felt ill-equipped to dispute this biographical broadside. Why? Well firstly, I was somewhat in my cups and secondly, my co-conversationalist was himself a Canadian, and let’s face it, with the entertainment industry nearly overrun with more secret Canadians than secret homosexuals they need to track these things. So wouldn't he know? Well, today with a clearer head and a T-1 I did some research.
Gilda Radner was born in Detroit, Michigan on June 28, 1946. She graduated from the University Liggett School in 1964 and then enrolled at the University of Michigan. Gilda spent six years studying drama at U of M but dropped out prior to graduating and moved to Canada. This is where the Canadian bit comes in. She made her stage debut in the 1972 Toronto production of Godspell. In 1974, she departed Toronto for New York City and, well, you know the rest.
So there you have it. Gilda Radner was not a Canadian. So next time you put on a brownie uniform, give some one a noogie, or remind yourself that “It’s always something!” wave a flag and shed a tear for a great American.
Alas, Adam Sandler is also not a Canadian. But if you happen to live near a Canadian embassy or somewhere along the border, please, pop over and let them know they can have him cheap.
Never mind.
Gilda Radner was a Canadian.
Needless to say this rattled the very foundations of my sense of national pride. But, even as I sat there gaping in disbelief like a fish that has just discovered the element of air in a context beyond the glimmering amusement of bubbles I felt ill-equipped to dispute this biographical broadside. Why? Well firstly, I was somewhat in my cups and secondly, my co-conversationalist was himself a Canadian, and let’s face it, with the entertainment industry nearly overrun with more secret Canadians than secret homosexuals they need to track these things. So wouldn't he know? Well, today with a clearer head and a T-1 I did some research.
Gilda Radner was born in Detroit, Michigan on June 28, 1946. She graduated from the University Liggett School in 1964 and then enrolled at the University of Michigan. Gilda spent six years studying drama at U of M but dropped out prior to graduating and moved to Canada. This is where the Canadian bit comes in. She made her stage debut in the 1972 Toronto production of Godspell. In 1974, she departed Toronto for New York City and, well, you know the rest.
So there you have it. Gilda Radner was not a Canadian. So next time you put on a brownie uniform, give some one a noogie, or remind yourself that “It’s always something!” wave a flag and shed a tear for a great American.
Alas, Adam Sandler is also not a Canadian. But if you happen to live near a Canadian embassy or somewhere along the border, please, pop over and let them know they can have him cheap.
Never mind.
