Heading out to give Passchendaele my opening night box office ka-ching

Passchendaele is the film-of-his-heart for multiple-hat-wearing star Paul Gross. He wrote, co-produced, directed and starred in this World War I drama about a Canadian soldier from the 10th Battalion, 1st Canadian Division who is good at soldiering but suffers from moral conflict over what that entails. He meets and woos a nurse while recovering from his injuries at Vimy Ridge, but must return to the grimy trenches of Belgium to fight for another few inches of blood-soaked ground.

I can't let Paul Gross down - not when I featured him as #6 on my 13 Canadian Hotties list.

This film was inspired by stories his grandfather told to Paul when he asked about his experiences in the war. Specifically, the distressing opening sequence - it's basically Paul's grandfather's life-defining moment. One that haunted him on his deathbed and confused family members when he asked forgiveness of a German soldier whom no one else but Paul knew anything about.

Passchendaele is a chapter in Canadian history that was never publicized at the time due to the army's need for new recruits. Who would join if they knew what living hell was really like?

"I fell in a trench," said Passchendaele veteran Harry Patch. "There was a fella there. He must have been about our age. He was ripped shoulder to waist with shrapnel. I held his hand for the last 60 seconds of his life. He only said one word: 'Mother'. I didn't see her, but she was there. No doubt about it. He passed from this life into the next, and it felt as if I was in God's presence. I've never got over it. You never forget it. Never."

Thursday Thirteen - 62 - 13 of My Favourite Canadian Hotties in Honour of Canada Day

1 - Christopher Body

First Soloist with the National Ballet of Canada, he has performed on Broadway with Twyla Tharp, as well as dance/acted in Roxanna, a film for CBC/Bravo!

Photo by Cylla von Tiedemann






















2 - Sidney Crosby

Sid the Kid, Number 87 for the Pittsburgh Penguins

Youngest captain of a professional NHL hockey team, already he is only the 7th player in NHL history to win the Art Ross Trophy for high scoring, the Hart Memorial Trophy for Most Valuable Player and the Lester B. Pearson Award, also for Most Valuable Player.

Photo by Peter Redman










3 - Roy Dupuis

Quebecois actor who is as well-known in English Canada as in French Canada. He was in the miniseries Les Filles de Caleb (in Quebec) also known as Emilie (in English Canada), the TV series La Femme Nikita and played the title role in Maurice Richard (The Rocket). Most recently he portrayed retired Canadian general Romeo Dallaire in Shake Hands With the Devil.








Photo by Steve Carty





4 - Brendan Fraser

Dual citizen of the US and Canada - like me! - he is an actor best known for The Mummy series of films. A few of my favourite other films of his are Gods and Monsters and Blast From the Past.

Photo by Glenn Harris









Photo by Chris Hatcher





5 - Wayne Gretzky

The Great One, Number 99

Retired legendary hockey superstar and unrivaled record breaker, he currently acts as head coach of the Phoenix Coyotes and is part owner of the team. He has received the Order of Canada.

Photo by Jen Patterson



Wayne with his dad, Walter.





6 - Paul Gross

An actor, singer, writer, director and producer, his best-known role is Mountie Constable Benton Fraser from Due South. He wore multiple hats for the curling comedy Men With Brooms and for this fall's WWI film Passchendaele.
















7 - Ian Hanomansing

An on-air journalist for CBC.




Just listen to his voice in the following clip:





8 - Rex Harrington

Artist-in-Residence with the National Ballet of Canada, he's a retired principal dancer famed for his partnering skills, especially his dance partnership with Evelyn Hart. A ballet superstar, he appeared internationally and has received the Order of Canada. Pictured above with mezzo-soprano Jean Stilwell.




Rex dances with Evelyn Hart





9 - David Nerman

Best-known for his white-clad role as the angelic manservant, Albert in the Canadian commercials for Philly Cream Cheese.









10 - Sam Roberts

Juno award-winning singer and songwriter, best known for Brother Down, Where Have All the Good People Gone? and Bridge to Nowhere.








Photo by Tim Snow





11 - Ed Robertson

A singer, songwriter and guitarist for Barenaked Ladies. He also hosted Ed's Up for Outdoor Life Network Canada, which followed him to GPS co-ordinates, where he located a new boss and a new job for each episode.










12 - Brad Smith

Who is Brad Smith? Why, my very own Canadian hottie husband, of course.































13 - Justin Trudeau

Eldest son of the late Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau. A teacher, public speaker, social activist and politician, he came to national attention when he delivered a moving televised eulogy at his father's funeral.








Justin Trudeau with Liberal MP and former hockey goalie Ken Dryden

Photo by John Mahoney