L​et Me Introduce …

Performer Extraordinaire Mr. Cedric Smith

I don’t think it’s possible to reign this untethered spirit to the confines of the written page. But I will give it a whirl. Last week a friend and I had dinner with Cedric, we sat for hours in a booth at Fellini’s while he entertained us with a series of animated stories and amusing antics which he would call “His Life “ Open-minded, intelligent and adventurous are words I would use to describe him. Stratford’s unique quality is … well, it’s like there’s an invisible, giant cauldron boiling and bubbling over with creators and their creativity. A lot talent here. Cerdic made his splash into that cauldron back in the late 60’s. He was discovering the Folk Music Scene and found his way to Stratford and the beret wearing, finger snapping Beatnik establishment … The Black Swan. A place where folks would discuss, their feelings and the political environment through poetry and music. Cedric wrote and played anti-war songs and was part of the folk band The Perth County Conspiracy. Here he met Michael Langham {the festival’s artistic director} and was offered a position in the company. With no formal training in acting, Cedric being Cedric answered “sure, why not “ and he learned to act while he stood silent on the stage holding a spear, watching Christopher Plummer and Bill Hutt.

“I was born like this — I had no choice — I was born with the gift of a golden voice.” That line was made famous by Leonard Cohen. But Leonard doesn’t have anything on Cedric. He too was born with the gift of a golden voice. Which I am sure is why he has made a career of narrating. Working alongside of Loreena McKennit he is known for reciting Dylan Thomas’s, A Child’s Christmas in Wales and has performed on her recordings. He has done voice-overs, and was also the voice of Professor X in the Marvel Comic series The XMEN. Smith also provides narration for Canada’s History Television’s series, Turning Points in History.

T​elevision:

M​r. Smith has played parts in dozens of TV shows, comedy, drama you name it … he has done it. His most famous roles were, Captain Thomas Sims in The Campbells, a drama series produced by Scottish Television. “What a trip! “ he said as he accepted a grammy for Best Performance by an Actor in a Continuing Leading Dramatic Role in 1993 for his part in Road to Avonlea as Alec King. There are too many to list, but he has done guest spots on shows such as Blue Murder, Kung Fu, Twilight Zone, Street Legal and Murdoch Mysteries to name a few.

M​ovies:

S​ee what I mean, he has done so much. Over the years when he is not performing live, doing TV or stage he has managed to do several movies. Dr. Svarich in Who Has Seen The Wind, Sam Wells in The Christmas Switch and the bartender in Heavy Metal and more. He is a real character on and off the set.

S​tage:

Of course Cedric has played some leading Shakespearean roles here and elsewhere. In Toronto, he has done several things but when I asked what role he was proud of he said … “Billy Bishop Goes to War.” A Canadian production, with Cedric and pianist Ross Douglas, toured in 1980–81. They had an exciting opportunity to take the show on the road to Broadway. Oh, and guess who was the opening act for George Carlin and Dick Cavette? Yup, Good Ole’ Cedric.

R​adio: I left radio for last because The CBC was a constant in our house growing up. A source of news and entertainment and all things Canadian. I swear I thought Peter Gzowski and Don Herron were part of the family. I asked Cedric what was a favourite moment in his career was. “Subbing in for Don Herron on his interview show, Morningside.” He introduced the Irish band The Chieftains and many other interesting people. Gosh, I wish I could tell my mom that story, but I am sure she must have been listening.

M​y friend Philip is friendly with Cerdic and said to me recently … “I just love it when I see that guy {Cedric} come through that door. {Balzac’s}” Now I know what he means I very much enjoyed getting to know this vibrant character, robust and full of life with a flair for telling stories with his gift of a golden voice. We talked about his travels and experiences and tales of his visits to village life in Italy. I could have listened for hours. I hope I will have the opportunity to hang out with him again. Who knows maybe in Italy, if a can wangle an invite. wink wink …

T​oday:

While M​r. Smith still keeps busy and was recently on tour with Loreena McKinnet his biggest and probably his most important role these days is being a hands on father to his young daughter Maddie-Nell. What I know of her, she is as exuberant as her dad. It’ll be interesting to see if she follows in his footsteps.

I​n conclusion: I have been fortunate to learn from my clients for years at my day job and now I get learn even more from these interesting people I write about. What I learned for Cedric was … it seems he just goes through life without a care, doing his thing, letting others do theirs. Accepting opportunities when offered, well I guess he just seems free. Untethered and free … That’s what I want to be.