Many people born in Ottawa have achieved incredible success and global fame. Their influence extends far beyond their hometown, shaping industries such as music, film, and television. Who are they? Some names might surprise you. Ottawa Ski takes a closer look at the most renowned Ottawa-born celebrities.
Alanis Morissette
A well-known singer, songwriter, and actress, Alanis Morissette was born in Ottawa in 1974. Her career took off in the 1990s, with her first two dance-pop albums topping the charts. Her distinctive mezzo-soprano voice and emotional depth reshaped the perception of female singers in the global music industry.
Her mother was a teacher, and her father was a principal. Alanis grew up with two brothers and sisters in a multicultural household, with Canadian, French, Hungarian, and Irish heritage. She was raised Catholic and attended St. Family Catholic School, followed by Immaculata High School and Glebe Collegiate Institute.
Before becoming a music star, Alanis explored acting, appearing in five episodes of a television show called You Can’t Do That on Television. She invested her earnings into producing her debut track, leading to her breakthrough in 1991.
Key achievements of this Ottawa native include:
- Writing her first song at just ten years old.
- Releasing eight studio albums over two decades, earning 16 Juno Awards and seven Grammy Awards.
- Jagged Little Pill, her best-selling album, sold over 33 million copies and ranks among the top-selling albums of the 1990s.
- Jagged Little Pill is listed among the “1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.”
Alanis Morissette has solidified her place as the “Queen of Alt-Rock,” leaving an enduring legacy in the music industry.
Sarah Chalke
Born in Ottawa in 1976, Sarah Louise Chalke was raised in a family with two siblings. Her family later moved to North Vancouver, where she completed high school in 1994.
Chalke gained fame through key roles in NBC’s comedy series Scrubs and CBS’s sitcom How I Met Your Mother. Her acting career was no coincidence—she developed a passion for performance at the age of eight. She began with minor roles in films and TV series, landing a role in the children’s television program KidZone at 12. By 1993, while still in high school, she was cast in Roseanne, portraying Lecy Goranson’s character.
She later became the voice of Beth in Rick and Morty (2013). Chalke is also an advocate for breast cancer awareness, influenced by her family history. She supports the Audrey Hepburn Children’s Fund, raising money for underprivileged children.
Dan Aykroyd
Best known for Ghostbusters, Dan Aykroyd is a celebrated actor, comedian, musician, and producer. Born in Ottawa in 1952, he was raised in a Catholic household by a father who worked as an adviser to Pierre Trudeau.
At 17, Aykroyd considered becoming a priest but instead pursued political science and criminology at Carleton University. However, his true calling emerged in public theatre, and he soon abandoned his studies to pursue comedy and acting.
Early career highlights include:
- Performing in The Hart and Lorne Terrific Hour.
- Moving to Toronto and forming a comedy duo with Valri Bromfield.
- Writing and performing in children’s shows like Coming Up Rosie and Change for a Quarter.
- Joining the Second City improv group in 1973.
- Starring in Saturday Night Live with John Belushi and reviving The Blues Brothers act.
- Founding House of Blues.
Breakthrough Success
Aykroyd’s career skyrocketed with Ghostbusters (1984), where he played a lead role and co-wrote the script. In 1989, he directed Nothing but Trouble, though it wasn’t as successful.
In 2013, he reprised his role in Ghostbusters: The Video Game, and in 2016, he made a cameo in a reboot of the franchise. He later returned for Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021), which was a major hit.
Emma Portner
A renowned Canadian dancer and choreographer, Emma Portner gained recognition through the short dance film Dancing in the Dark, which went viral. Her early years were shaped by training at Leeming DanceWorks and Canada’s National Ballet.
While in high school, Portner specialized in contemporary dance, later continuing her studies in New York at the Ailey School. She collaborated with various dance groups, but her career breakthrough came when she partnered with Matt Luck for Dancing in the Dark.
Following this success, she earned accolades, including the American Dance Awards’ Young Choreographer Award. Another significant milestone was starring in Justin Bieber’s Life Is Worth Living music video, which garnered over 50 million views.
Portner later joined Bieber’s choreography team and launched Emma Portner and Artists, where she directs and teaches.
Her personal life also gained media attention—she married actress Ellen Page (now Elliot Page) in 2018, though they divorced in 2021.
Drew Seeley
Known as Andrew Michael Edgar Seeley, this Ottawa-born actor and singer gained fame through roles in Claire, Shortcut, and Another Cinderella Story. He collaborated with Walt Disney Company, recording several tracks.
Seeley’s career spans multiple areas:
- Short films like Christopher Brennan Saves the World and Madam.
- TV shows such as Freshman Father, Dawson’s Creek, and Campus Confidential.
- Web series.
- Stage productions like Jersey Boys and The Little Mermaid.
Born in 1982, he grew up with a younger sister. In 2013, he married actress Amy Paffrath.
Vanessa Morgan
A Canadian actress born in Ottawa in 1992, Vanessa Morgan gained prominence through key roles in film and television. Her Scottish mother and East African father contributed to her striking looks, making her a sought-after talent.
Her standout performances include:
- Amanda Pierce in The Latest Buzz.
- Beatrix “Bird” Castro in Finding Carter.
- Starring in Disney’s My Babysitter’s a Vampire.
Beyond acting, Morgan also had a modeling career, winning Miss America at age seven. Despite her busy career, she earned a Bachelor’s degree from Queen’s University.
CW’s Riverdale
Morgan’s biggest role came as Toni Topaz in Riverdale, a hit teen drama series that received widespread acclaim. The show’s gripping plot, well-developed characters, and vibrant visuals made it an instant success.
Tom Cavanagh
Born in Ottawa, Tom Cavanagh grew up in a Catholic household with three sisters and an older brother. His family moved to Ghana before settling in Lennoxville, Quebec.
Cavanagh became known for roles in American TV series, notably:
- Ed (2000-2004).
- Love Monkey (2006).
- Trust Me (2009).
- Scrubs.
- The Flash (2014), where he played Dr. Harrison Wells.
- Tom and Grant (2018), a widely acclaimed short film.
He also supports malaria awareness through the UN Foundation’s Nothing But Nets campaign.
Kelly Rowan
A former model and Canadian actress from Ottawa, Kelly Rowan originally pursued education at the University of Western Ontario before shifting to acting.
Her career took off in 1984 with minor TV roles before landing lead roles in Lonesome Dove: The Outlaw Years and Friends. She became widely recognized for Boomtown, a commercial hit.
Ottawa: A City of Inspiration
Ottawa has produced numerous stars whose influence spans across multiple industries. While this list is not exhaustive, these notable individuals have left an undeniable mark on their respective fields, proving that success can start from the capital of Canada.