For actor Stephen Amell, the World Series concluded prematurely when the Toronto Blue Jays secured victory in Game 5 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Toronto native remains haunted by the devastating Game 7 loss that followed last November, describing the experience as emotionally crushing.
A Lifelong Blue Jays Fan
Stephen Amell has been cheering for the Toronto Blue Jays since childhood, with memories of their 1992 and 1993 championship wins during his sixth and seventh-grade years. "They are my team. They are my ride or die, forever," Amell declares passionately. "That World Series, it broke my heart."
Despite clips from the series appearing on his social media feeds, Amell admits he cannot bear to watch them. "I just flee. It's like I'm looking at crime scene photos," he explains, highlighting the depth of his emotional connection to the team.
Filming The Borderline in Canada
Amell recently returned to Canada to film his new crime drama The Borderline alongside co-star Hamza Haq. The series, which airs Fridays on Crave, features Amell as a police officer investigating a crime linked to his childhood friend Tommy, played by Canadian Screen Award winner Haq. Their characters share a dark secret that puts them in the crosshairs of a ruthless British crime family led by Oscar nominee Minnie Driver.
"The thing that hooked me was reading the first episode, getting to the end of it and then wondering, 'Is my character the villain?'" Amell reveals about his initial reaction to the script from creator Graeme Stewart. He praises the show for its "really fleshed out, three-dimensional, flawed characters."
Canadian Television's Global Moment
The Borderline arrives during a significant period for Canadian television, with shows like the Crave-produced Heated Rivalry gaining international recognition. Hamza Haq, who previously starred as a Syrian refugee and ER physician on CTV's Transplant, expresses enthusiasm for this new project. "There's no good guys in this," Haq notes about the series' complex moral landscape.
Haq describes the global embrace of homegrown Canadian shows as "a great point of pride," emphasizing the growing impact of the country's entertainment industry on the world stage.
Memorable Baseball Moments
As the Blue Jays approach their 50th season celebrations, Amell fondly recalls watching Game 5 with his mother from seats behind home plate. "We had this perfect view of (pitcher Trey) Yesavage's delivery," he explains. "Watching the Dodgers swinging, it was like they were swinging at a bee that was floating around. They had no chance ... I don't know how you top that."
This experience stands in stark contrast to the disappointing end of the Blue Jays' 2024 season, which concluded just as Amell was filming The Borderline in Toronto and the nearby Thousand Islands region.
Why Canada Appeals to Amell
Stephen Amell's return to Canada for work reflects his appreciation for the country's vibrant film and television industry. Known for his roles in Arrow, The Flash, the Code 8 film series, Suits LA, and Heels, Amell became a viral sensation when the Blue Jays shared a video of him and his mother cheering at Dodgers Stadium.
His connection to Canada runs deep, rooted in both personal history and professional opportunities. The actor's enthusiasm for filming in his home country underscores the creative energy and talent emerging from Canadian productions.
