Leslie Nielsen wins excellence award
Last Updated: Thursday, October 23, 2003 | 12:00 AM ET
CBC Arts
"We are delighted to have this opportunity to recognize Mr. Nielsen for both his illustrious career and his distinguished role as an ambassador for Canadian performers," Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA) president Thor Bishopric said in a statement.
Nielsen was presented the award at an afternoon reception at the Canadian residence of Consul General Colin Robertson in Los Angeles.
Nielsen has been a member of ACTRA, the national English-language performers' union, since 1947. The Regina-born actor has enjoyed international success in more than 100 films and 1,500 television appearances but remains an active member of the Canadian industry, most recently in the film Men With Brooms .
Thursday's honour is the latest accolade Nielsen has received: in early October, Edmonton's Grant MacEwan College named its school of communications after Nielsen, who grew up in the city.
The ACTRA awards celebrating accomplishments in Canadian film, radio and television were presented from 1972 until 1986. The organization reinstated the awards, including the award of excellence, for its 60th anniversary.
For more arts news, listen to The Arts Report weekdays at 7:12 a.m., 8:12 a.m. and 5:55 p.m. on CBC Radio Two.