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Born Horatio John Purdy in England, he moved to Toronto in 1913. In 1929 he became a member of the Hart House Theatre Company, studying with Dora Mavor Moore and appearing, often in leading roles in Ontario Drama Festivals. In 1931, becoming known as Rai Purdy, he joined CFRB radio and was soon, Head of…
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After the Depression and WWII, theatre in Vancouver was at low ebb. Max Power was an important figure in the group that scraped by on part-time jobs so that they could take the opportunities that were offered.   However, Max, instead of working as a cabbie, night clerk or waiter, carefully built a retail business called…
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Local broadcast pioneer; internationally-known banjo player and accomplished 12-string jazz guitar player; music, drama and comedy producer/Program Director CJOR Vancouver 1930s; TV production trainee New York University late 1940s; performer Burns Chuckwagon From the Stampede Corral CBC-TV Network/CBUT Vancouver 1954-55; documentary producer CBUT and CHAN-TV Vancouver 1950s on.  Died in West Vancouver November 10, 2000…
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Jean Orr is acknowledged as the first Canadian Giselle. She is the Founding President of Ballet BC and is current Honorary Chair of the Founders Council. Throughout her rich career she has participated in the dance communities of Ottawa, Winnipeg Montreal and Vancouver. Among her career highlights she includes being Principal Dancer at The Royal…
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Barney O’Sullivan’s life spanned a hundred year history in Vancouver! It began in 1908 when his father came to Canada from Ireland to seek his fortune. After the birth of two daughters, Bridget and Sydney, O’Sullivan’s wife became a playwright and director. One day when she needed an actor to fill a role, she asked…
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