When it comes to Toronto Sun readers’ favorite homegrown actors, they apparently prefer them cute, funny, and intense — or perhaps a combination of two or three. In the latest Top 5 readers poll, Keanu Reeves secured the number one spot, embodying all three characteristics.
1. Keanu Reeves
Reeves, 61, was born in Beirut but raised in Toronto. He often expresses his love for his Toronto upbringing, particularly growing up in the Yorkville neighborhood, and his passion for playing hockey and watching the Toronto Maple Leafs. Local landmarks also hold a special place in his memory. During his induction into Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2021, Reeves said, “Thank you to the Metropolitan Toronto Reference Library. My whole high school years were spent on that fifth floor reading plays and learning about what to read from the performing arts librarians. Thank you, Toronto. Thank you, Canada. Thank you for all the experiences, adventure, teaching, support, friendships and for my life.” Reeves began his acting career with CBC shows like Going Great and Hangin’ In before starring in major film franchises such as Bill and Ted, The Matrix, and John Wick. He currently stars in the dark comedy Outcome, streaming on Apple TV+.
2. John Candy
John Candy, beloved for his roles on SCTV and in films like Stripes, Spaceballs, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, and Uncle Buck, remains a cherished figure. Born in Newmarket, Ontario, he got his start at The Second City in Toronto before SCTV. The 2025 documentary John Candy: I Like Me, now on Crave, features interviews with fellow SCTV alumni Catherine O’Hara, Andrea Martin, and Martin Short. Candy also co-owned the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts, who won the 1991 Grey Cup under his leadership. He passed away in 1994 at age 43 from a heart attack.
3. Jim Carrey
Jim Carrey, 64, was born in Newmarket but his family moved to Scarborough and Burlington. After his father lost his job, they experienced homelessness for a time. Carrey discovered his talent for impressions early on, performed standup, and landed supporting film roles before breaking out on the Fox sketch comedy series In Living Color in the 1990s. He went on to star in blockbusters like Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, The Mask, Dumb and Dumber, Batman Forever, and The Cable Guy, as well as critically acclaimed dramas such as The Truman Show, Man on the Moon, and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. He has recently hinted at retirement.
4. Michael Cera
Michael Cera, 37, was born in Brampton, Ontario. Known for his deadpan acting style, he broke through on the Fox show Arrested Development and gained fame with the 2007 movies Superbad and Juno. He starred in the Hulu comedy series Life & Beth (2022-24) opposite Amy Schumer and appeared on Broadway in This Is Our Youth (2014) and Lobby Hero (2018). In 2025, Cera played Norwegian entomologist Björn Lund in Wes Anderson’s film The Phoenician Scheme, earning rave reviews.
5. Kiefer Sutherland
Kiefer Sutherland, 59, was born in London, England, and is part of a Canadian acting dynasty as the son of Donald Sutherland and Shirley Douglas, whose father was politician Tommy Douglas. After living in Corona, California, Sutherland moved with his mother to Toronto in 1975. He moved out at age 15 and later roomed with Robert Downey Jr. in Hollywood. Sutherland is best known for his starring role as Jack Bauer in the Fox drama series 24 (2001–2014) and has appeared in films such as Stand by Me (1986), The Lost Boys (1987), Young Guns (1988), Flatliners (1990), and A Few Good Men (1992). He was inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2005, following his parents.
Toronto Sun readers are encouraged to suggest topics for future Top 5 polls by emailing torsun.online@sunmedia.ca.
