Paul Gross

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For the biologist and author, see Paul R. Gross.
Paul Gross

Born Paul Michael Gross
April 30, 1959 (1959-04-30) (age 49)
Calgary, Alberta Canada
Occupation Film Actor
Film Producer
Film Writer
music composer
Film Director
Years active 1985-present
Spouse(s) Martha Burns
Official website

Paul Michael Gross (born April 30, 1959),[1] is a Canadian actor, producer, director, singer and writer born in Calgary, Alberta. He is known for his lead role as Constable Benton Fraser in the television series Due South. During its final season, Gross acted as executive producer in addition to starring, wrote the season three opener and finale, the two part series finale and wrote and sang for the show, some of which can be found on the two Due South soundtracks.

Contents

[edit] Early career

Gross studied acting at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, but he left during the third year of his study.[2]}} He went back later to complete the half-credit needed to receive his fine arts degree. He appeared in several stage productions, such as Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet.[3] Other productions in which he appeared include Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme and As You Like It.[3]

After the play Successful Strangers, Gross starred in his first movie Turning to Stone.

[edit] Due South

His role as upright Mountie Benton Fraser brought him increased recognition. Like fellow actor David Marciano, he didn't want to do the show at first, and creator Paul Haggis didn't even know if he wanted Gross for the role, but following a meeting, Constable Benton Fraser was cast.[4]

When Due South was resurrected for the third season, Gross returned as Benton Fraser and assumed duties as Executive Producer and writer. He earned an estimated salary of $2-3 million per season, and at the time was the highest paid performer in Canadian entertainment history.[citation needed] He wrote several episodes of the last season of the series. His favorite episodes include "Gift of the Wheelman" and "All the Queen's Horses," and his episodes "Mountie on the Bounty" and "Call of the Wild" are of a similar style[4].

[edit] Personal life

Gross has two children, Jack and Hannah, with fellow actor Martha Burns whom he married in 1987. Paul is involved with many groups and charities trying to ensure no child goes hungry or homeless in all parts of the world.

[edit] Filmography

[edit] Films

Year Title Role Notes
1985 Turning to Stone Billy Debut
1988 Chasing Rainbows Jake Kincaid
1989 Cold Comfort Stephen Miller
Divided Loyalties Walter Butler
1990 Getting Married in Buffalo Jump Alex Bresnyachuk
1991 Married to It Jeremy Brimfield
1992 Buried on Sunday Augustus Knickel
1993 Aspen Extreme T.J. Burke
Tales of the City Brian Hawkins
1994 Whale Music Daniel Howl
XXX's & OOO's 'Bucky Dean
Paint Cans Morton Ridgewell
1997 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Ned
1999 Murder Most Likely Patrick Kelly
2002 Men with Brooms Chris Cutter also Writer and Director
2004 Wilby Wonderful Buddy French
H2O: The Last Prime Minister Thomas David Mclaughlin also Writer and Producer
2005 Burnt Toast Scott
2007 The Trojan Horse Thomas David McLaughlin completed
2008 Passchendaele Michael Dunne also Writer, Producer and Director

[edit] Television

Year Title Role Notes
1989 Street Legal Steven Hines 2 episodes
1990 The Ray Bradbury Theater Skip 1 episode
1996-1998 The Red Green Show Kevin Black 5 episodes
1994-1999 Due South Constable Benton Fraser
2004 Monday Report Prime Minister Thomas David McLaughlin One Episode
2003-2005 The Eleventh Hour Tony Joel 2 Episodes
2003-2006 Slings and Arrows Geoffrey Tennant 18 Episodes
2006 Prairie Giant: The Tommy Douglas Story John Diefenbaker
Hockey: A People's History Narrator 10 episodes

[edit] References

  1. ^ filmreference.com. Paul Gross. Retrieved on 2007-11-30.
  2. ^ TV.com. Paul Gross Biography. Retrieved on 2007-11-30.
  3. ^ a b Paul's stage roles. Paul Gross website. Retrieved on 2007-11-30.
  4. ^ a b Due South. Access date=2007-11-30.

[edit] External links


Persondata
NAME Gross, Paul
ALTERNATIVE NAMES Gross, Paul Michael
SHORT DESCRIPTION Film Actor, Film Producer, Film Writer, music composer, Film Director
DATE OF BIRTH 1959-4-30
PLACE OF BIRTH Calgary, Alberta Canada
DATE OF DEATH
PLACE OF DEATH