Gordon Pinsent

Pinsent in 2012, photo by Prphotos.com

Birth Name: Gordon Edward Pinsent

Date of Birth: July 12, 1930

Place of Birth: Grand Falls, Dominion of Newfoundland (now Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada)

Date of Death: February 25, 2023

Place of Death: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Ethnicity: English

Gordon Pinsent was a Canadian actor, writer, director, and singer. He is known for having starred in the film Away from Her, as well as for his roles in Blacula, The Rowdyman, A Gift to Last, Klondike Fever, Silence of the North, John and the Missus (which he also wrote and directed), The Shipping News, Saint Ralph, The Grand Seduction, Two Lovers and a Bear, and the shows Due South, The Red Green Show, and Quentin Durgens, M.P. He voiced Babar the King in animation.

Gordon was the son of Florence Matilda “Flossie” and Stephen Arthur Pinsent, a sawmill worker. He was married to actress Charmion King, until her death. He had two children with his former wife Irene Reid; and a daughter, actress Leah Pinsent, with Charmion.

Gordon’s paternal grandfather was William Thomas Pinsent (the son of John Pinsent and Elizabeth Smith). William was born in Dildo, Newfoundland. John was the son of James Pinsent and Mary.

Gordon’s paternal grandmother was Leah Newhook (the daughter of Charles Newell Newhook and Sarah Lander). Leah was born in New Harbour, Trinity Bay, Newfoundland. Charles was the son of Charles Newhook, whose parents were English, and of Catherine Newell. Sarah was the daughter of Thomas Wise Lander, who was born in Poole, Dorset, England, and of Sarah Way Taverner.

Gordon’s maternal grandfather was named Thomas William Cooper (the son of John Cooper and Margaret). Thomas was born in Scilly Cove, Trinity South, Newfoundland. John was the son of George Cooper and Margaret.

Gordon’s maternal grandmother was Matilda Ivany (the daughter of James Ivany and Judith Higden/Higdon). Matilda was born in New Bonaventure, Trinity North, Newfoundland. James was the son of Matthew Ivany/Iveney and Patience LeDrew/Leddrow/Ledrow. Judith was the daughter of George Higden/Higdon and Bridget Miller.

Gordon was a first cousin, three times removed, of actress Laura Vandervoort. Gordon’s paternal grandparents, William Thomas Pinsent and Leah Newhook, were also Laura’s maternal great-great-great-grandparents.

Sources: Gordon Pinsent on the 1945 Newfoundland Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Gordon’s paternal grandparents, William Thomas Pinsent and Leah Newhook, on the 1921 Newfoundland Census – https://www.familysearch.org