You know that feeling when you're watching a gritty police procedural or a high-concept sci-fi flick and a face pops up that feels like home? That’s Kevin Hanchard. He’s the guy who grounds the chaos. While some actors chase the spotlight with flashy, over-the-top antics, Hanchard has built a career on being the most dependable person in the room. Whether he’s playing a detective dealing with clones or a superintendent managing a K9 unit, he brings a gravitas that’s hard to fake.
Honestly, if you look at the sheer volume of Kevin Hanchard movies and tv shows, it’s a bit staggering. He’s been working steadily since the late 90s. He started with tiny spots on shows like Due South and Tales from the Cryptkeeper, but he didn't just stay a "guest star" forever. He became a staple of Canadian and international television.
The Orphan Black Phenomenon
We have to talk about Orphan Black. If you haven't seen it, you're missing out on one of the wildest sci-fi rides of the last decade. Hanchard played Detective Arthur “Art” Bell. Now, on paper, "the cop partner" sounds like a thankless role. You’re usually just there to ask questions the audience is thinking. But Hanchard turned Art into the emotional anchor of the series.
Art wasn't just a cop; he was the moral compass in a world where human cloning and corporate conspiracies made everything murky. His chemistry with Tatiana Maslany—who played about a dozen different characters—was the glue of the show. He had to treat Sarah Manning differently than he treated Beth Childs, and he did it with such subtle shifts in body language that you totally bought the relationship. He eventually won a Canadian Screen Award for this role in 2017, and frankly, it was long overdue.
From Sci-Fi to Small Town Crime: Hudson & Rex
After Orphan Black wrapped up its five-season run, Hanchard didn't slow down. He jumped straight into Hudson & Rex. If you’re into lighter, "blue-sky" procedurals, this is probably already on your PVR. He plays Superintendent Joseph Donovan. It’s a different vibe than the dark, rain-soaked streets of Orphan Black. It’s lighter, it’s funnier, and yes, there’s a very talented German Shepherd involved.
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He’s been a main cast member since 2019, and as of 2026, he's still a cornerstone of the show. What’s cool is that he hasn't just stayed in front of the camera for this one; he’s actually stepped behind it to direct several episodes. It shows a level of creative evolution that most "reliable" actors don't always get the chance to showcase.
The Movie Side of the Resume
While he’s definitely a king of the small screen, Hanchard’s film work is surprisingly varied.
Did you catch him in Suicide Squad (2016)? He had a bit part as a Casino Boss. It’s a "blink and you’ll miss it" moment if you aren't looking, but it puts him in the DC Extended Universe. He also showed up in Four Brothers (2005) and the 2019 remake of Rabid.
One of his most prestigious film roles was actually quite recent. He played the legendary Louis Armstrong in The United States vs. Billie Holiday. Playing a real-life icon like Satchmo is a massive swing. You can’t just do an impression; you have to capture the soul. Hanchard nailed the warmth and the weary wisdom of the jazz legend, proving he can handle heavy-hitting biographical drama just as well as he handles genre fiction.
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A Quick Look at the Deep Cuts
If you want to go down the rabbit hole, here’s a scattered list of things you might have seen him in without even realizing it:
- The Expanse: He played Inspector Sematimba. If you’re a "Screaming Firehawk" (as fans of the show call themselves), you remember his intense arc on Eros.
- Ginny & Georgia: He appeared as Corbin Miller. It’s a total shift from his usual tough-guy roles, showing he can do the suburban drama thing too.
- The Porter: A recent masterpiece where he played Popsy Reid. This show about Black train porters in the 1920s is essential viewing.
- Suits: He had a recurring bit as Colonel Mariga.
- The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope: Yeah, he’s in video games too. He provided the voice and likeness for Vince in this horror game.
The Stage Veteran
Most people don't realize that Hanchard is a massive deal in the theater world. He’s a regular at the Stratford and Shaw Festivals. He’s done the classics—Macbeth, Julius Caesar, A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
He’s also a multiple Dora Mavor Moore Award nominee. His performance in Topdog/Underdog is still talked about in Toronto acting circles as a masterclass. This stage background is why he feels so "solid" on screen. When you’ve spent years projecting to the back of a theater and handling Shakespearean dialogue, a police procedural script is a walk in the park.
What's Next for Kevin Hanchard in 2026?
As we move through 2026, Hanchard remains incredibly busy. Hudson & Rex continues to be a massive hit in Canada and internationally. There are also rumors and "industry whispers" about him returning to the Orphan Black universe in some capacity for the spin-off Echoes, though nothing is set in stone.
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He’s also been cast in the upcoming romantic film Savvy Sheldon, which is a bit of a departure for him. It’s great to see an actor who has spent so much time in "serious" roles get to play around in the rom-com space.
Actionable Insight for Fans
If you really want to appreciate what this guy does, don't just watch his new stuff. Go back and watch the "Art Bell" scenes in Orphan Black Season 1, then jump to a recent episode of Hudson & Rex. You’ll see an actor who has mastered the art of being the "rock."
What you can do next:
- Watch The Porter: It’s arguably some of his best dramatic work and is criminally underrated.
- Check out Little Hope: If you're a gamer, play through The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope to see how his acting translates to motion capture.
- Keep an eye on the credits: Hanchard is moving more into directing, so look for his name in the "Directed By" slot on your favorite Canadian dramas.
Hanchard isn't just an actor; he’s a craftsman. In an industry that loves "the next big thing," he’s proven that being consistently great is the real secret to longevity.
Next Step: You can look up the full first season of The Porter on CBC Gem or BET+ to see Hanchard's range in a period setting.