Peter Keleghan, a celebrated actor and screenwriter, was born in Montréal on September 16, 1959. His journey into acting began after studies at John Abbott College and Concordia University in Montréal, leading him to earn a diploma from the prestigious London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art in England. He further solidified his academic foundation with a BA in English drama from York University in Toronto in 1984. Despite facing early skepticism about his career path, Peter Keleghan’s distinctive and understated comedic style propelled him to become a prominent figure in Canadian entertainment.
His career took off at Toronto’s renowned Second City comedy training center, a breeding ground for comedic talent. Keleghan was a dedicated stage performer before transitioning to television. He showcased his writing and acting talents as a co-writer and co-star on The Comedy Mill from 1986 to 1991, a pivotal early role in his television career. Seeking broader opportunities, he moved to Los Angeles and secured appearances on iconic American sitcoms such as Cheers, Murphy Brown, and Seinfeld, demonstrating his versatility on the international stage. He also had a brief recurring role in the daytime drama General Hospital, further expanding his acting repertoire.
Returning to Canada in 1991 marked a turning point when Peter Keleghan joined Steve Smith in the acclaimed series The Red Green Show. His portrayal of Ranger Gord, the reclusive and emotionally complex forest ranger, resonated deeply with audiences and became a beloved character. Ranger Gord exemplified Keleghan’s subtle yet impactful comedic approach, earning him widespread recognition.
Keleghan’s range extended beyond endearing characters to sharp satire. He was brilliantly cast as Alan Roy, the ruthless and demanding film producer in Rick Mercer’s Made in Canada, and as Jim Walcott, the outwardly pleasant but profoundly dim-witted news anchor in Ken Finkleman’s cynical sitcom The Newsroom. His performances in these two shows were critically acclaimed, contributing to four Gemini Awards for best ensemble performance in a comedy, highlighting his collaborative talent and comedic timing.
The subsequent decade saw Peter Keleghan take on significant roles in feature films. Notably, he starred in Canadian filmmaker Gary Yates’ Niagara Motel (2006), filmed in Manitoba. This dark comedy, penned by George F. Walker, explores the intersecting lives of disparate individuals in Niagara Falls and garnered international film festival acclaim. Keleghan’s filmography also includes appearances in Ginger Snaps (2000), Coopers’ Camera (2009), Eating Buccaneers (2009), and GravyTrain (2010), showcasing his commitment to diverse roles within Canadian cinema.
Alongside his successful on-screen career, Peter Keleghan has lent his voice to numerous radio and animated projects. He has also maintained a strong presence in television series, including Slings and Arrows, Billable Hours, and The Murdoch Mysteries, consistently demonstrating his acting prowess across various genres. He further showcased his comedic talents in the sitcom 18 to Life (2010- ), playing a father navigating the complexities of having a newlywed teenage son and daughter-in-law living in his attic.
Adding to his creative collaborations, Keleghan co-created and starred with his wife, Leah Pinsent, in Love Letters (2010), a CBC special adapted from the acclaimed 1989 play by A.R. Gurney. In animation, he voiced Stephanel the Stern in the Canadian series Crash Canyon (2012), a flamboyant French-Canadian character adding to the comedic chaos of a family stranded in the Alberta wilderness.
Beyond his artistic endeavors, Peter Keleghan is recognized for his contributions to the Canadian arts community. He played a key role in establishing the Creative Arts Savings and Credit Union in Toronto in 2009, Canada’s first financial institution dedicated to film industry professionals. His extensive body of work and unwavering support for the arts were acknowledged in 2009 when he received ACTRA’s Award of Excellence. In 2011, he was honored with a Gemini Award for best actor in a leading comedic role for his performance in 18 to Life, solidifying his status as a leading comedic actor in Canada. Peter Keleghan’s enduring career is a testament to his talent, versatility, and dedication to Canadian entertainment.
