You know that face. Seriously, if you've watched a lick of Canadian television in the last thirty years, you’ve seen Rick Roberts. He is the ultimate "that guy" of the Great White North. But calling him a character actor feels like a bit of a disservice because the man has leading-man range that most Hollywood stars would kill for.
Rick Roberts isn't just a face on a procedural. He’s the guy who humanized Jack Layton. He's the guy who made us care about high-stakes investment banking in the 90s. Honestly, he’s probably one of the most hardworking people in the industry, and it’s about time we talk about why he’s a cornerstone of the Canadian arts scene.
From Hamilton to the National Theatre School
Born in Hamilton, Ontario, back in 1965, Roberts didn't just stumble into a film set. He did the work. He grew up in Edmonton and eventually made his way to the prestigious National Theatre School of Canada in Montreal. He graduated in 1991. That’s a big deal. That school is basically the West Point of acting in this country. It’s where you go if you want to be a "serious" actor, and Rick definitely took that to heart.
His early career was a whirlwind of stage work and small TV spots. You might remember him from the dark 1993 film Love and Human Remains. He played Robert, a bartender, and even picked up a Genie nomination for it. But the real breakthrough? That was Traders.
The Traders Era and the L.A. Experiment
If you lived through the 90s, Traders was the peak of Canadian drama. It was sleek, it was fast-paced, and Rick Roberts was right at the center of it as Donald D’Arby. He played the role for years, earning a Gemini nomination and becoming a household name. It was the kind of role that makes an actor think, "Okay, maybe it’s time for Hollywood."
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So, he went. In 1998, he moved to Los Angeles and landed a series regular role on the CBS show L.A. Doctors. He played Dr. Evan Newman. He was the "idealistic one." The show had a solid cast, including Ken Olin and Sheryl Lee, but like many high-concept medical dramas, it didn't last forever.
Here’s the thing about Rick: he didn't stay in L.A. trying to be "Famous Guy #4." He came back. He returned to Canada and immediately jumped into An American in Canada, a comedy series where he played Jake Crewe. It showed a completely different side of him—funny, neurotic, and incredibly relatable. It’s that versatility that defines his career.
Why Rick Roberts Canadian Actor Is the Go-To Lead for Biopics
Playing a real person is a nightmare for most actors. You have to capture the essence without doing a cheap caricature. In 2013, Roberts took on the most daunting role of his life: Jack Layton.
The CBC movie Jack was a massive moment in Canadian culture. Layton was a beloved figure, and his passing was still fresh in everyone's minds. When Rick stepped into those shoes (and that iconic mustache), people were skeptical. But he nailed it. He didn't just look like Jack; he caught that specific, infectious optimism.
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He won a Canadian Screen Award and an ACTRA Award for that performance. It wasn't just a job; it was a cultural service.
Other Notable Roles You’ve Definitely Seen:
- Life with Derek: He was Dennis MacDonald. If you had kids in the mid-2000s, you know this show.
- Fortunate Son: A more recent turn as Ted Howard.
- This Life: He played Matthew Lawson, showing off that quiet, dramatic intensity he’s famous for.
- Murdoch Mysteries: He's guest-starred because, let’s be real, you aren't a Canadian actor until you’ve been on Murdoch.
- Far Cry 6: Yeah, he’s even in video games. He voiced Sean McKay.
The Secret Life of a Playwright
Most people don't realize that Rick Roberts is a triple threat. He writes. He’s not just "reading the lines"; he’s crafting them. His play Kite was a critical darling, earning multiple Dora Mavor Moore Award nominations. He also co-wrote a musical called Mimi.
Think about that for a second. The guy who plays a high-stakes banker or a Prime Ministerial hopeful also spends his nights writing experimental musical theatre. That’s the kind of depth that makes his screen performances so layered. He understands the architecture of a story.
What’s He Doing Now?
Rick is still everywhere. He recently appeared in the short film The Light Before the Sun, which won him another ACTRA award in 2024. He’s also a staple at the Stratford Festival. Just last year, he was on stage in The Goat or, Who is Sylvia? and Cymbeline.
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He lives in Toronto with his wife, actress Marjorie Campbell, and their two kids. He seems like a guy who has figured out the balance. He works on high-quality projects, stays active in the theatre community, and avoids the "celebrity" nonsense that ruins so many careers.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans and Aspiring Actors
If you want to appreciate Rick Roberts’ work or follow in his footsteps, here is how you do it:
- Watch the "Jack" Biopic: It is a masterclass in transformational acting. It’s available on various streaming platforms (usually CBC Gem).
- Support Local Theatre: Rick is a huge proponent of the stage. If you see his name on a marquee at the Tarragon Theatre or Soulpepper, buy a ticket. You’re seeing a pro at work.
- Study the "Traders" Model: For actors, his role as Donald D'Arby is a great study in how to be "active" even when you're just standing around a boardroom table.
- Diversify Your Skills: Follow Rick’s lead. Don’t just act; write, create, and stay curious about the whole process.
Rick Roberts is the gold standard for what a Canadian actor should be. He's reliable, exceptionally talented, and seemingly devoid of an ego. Whether he’s playing a villain in a Hallmark movie or a national icon on the CBC, he brings a level of dignity to the screen that is becoming increasingly rare. Keep an eye out for his name in the credits—it’s usually a guarantee that the show is worth your time.
Next Steps:
Check out the CBC Gem library to stream Jack or This Life to see Rick’s award-winning range. If you’re in Toronto or near Stratford, keep an eye on the 2026 season schedules for the Stratford Festival or Tarragon Theatre, as he frequently returns to the stage for limited-run productions.