A Global News article recently highlighted five of the biggest names in the world of Canadian celebrities whom passed away in 2013, and they are “Glee’s” Cory Monteith, songstress Rita MacNeil, Stompin’ Tom Connors, actor August Schellenberg, and jazz musician Peter Appleyard.
Monteith, whose body was discovered in a Vancouver hotel this past summer after the young actor had overdosed, played Finn on the popular series “Glee.” Cape Breton’s “First Lady of Song,” MacNeil was known for her country/folk melodies, and for a time she was the most popular country singer in Canada, outselling established US artists like Garth Brooks. Connors is a beloved singer/songwriter who has penned some of this generation’s most well-known songs, and will likely be most remembered for his famous “The Hockey Song.” Schellenberg, a Métis actor, has appeared in a number of TV shows and movies, and was nominated for a Primetime Emmy for his work on “Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee.” Director Bruce Pittman said, “He was one of the finest actors that Canada had. He was just a great person. A good and loyal friend and an outgoing, warm human being.” And Appleyard, a jazz vibraphonist, percussionist, and composer, is one of the most accomplished musicians of his time, playing with Benny Goodman, Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald.
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