16 Tom Byrne
Tom Byrne has been called a ‘National treasure” and a Canadian Legend”. He is a professional actor, author, peacemaker, producer and director. He has contributed greatly to the arts in
- He was on the board of the BC drama association and one of those responsible in having the Vancouver Playhouse built.
- He was a founding member of the Arts Club Theatre. These contributions brought theatre to all people in Vancouver, not just the Irish. Many famous actors, directors and producers passed through these doors.
- He was a founding member of The Emerald Players (Now Stage Erin) which won numerous awards and Tom won Best Actor, Best Director many times and he received an award for best original play-write.
- While living in Inuvik in 1977, Tom brought Irish Theatre to the
- Tom is also a Life member of Equity, BC Performers and Actra.
- Tom is a certified Yukon Pioneer.
- In 1975 while working for the government of The NorthWest Territories he decided to change the drab appearance of the town of
- In 1979 Tom was asked by the Klondyke Visitors Association if he would come to
- At first he did a brief 20 minute presentation, but soon decided to take this to another level altogether. He researched the life and times of Service and wrote a show called ‘The Robert Service Show’ which is now world famous and has been seen by tens of thousands of people from all around the world. This he did with his usual passion and flair, keeping alive the works of the famous poet and bringing thousands of tourists to
- The show continued for 30 years with a brief hiatus for 3 years due to ill health. But at the age of 85, he is back in
- In 2004 Parks Canada honored Tom for his “Service to Service”. At the ceremony he was credited as being a “Canadian Living Legend” for his work.
- He is well known throughout the
- He has received thousands of letters and testimonials from people from all around the world who have enjoyed his work.
- He is so well respected in
- He was featured in the best selling table-top book “The Canadians” by Stuart Malcolm (who was once the editor of The New York times.)
- He has been featured on the 5th Estate, 60 minutes for his work with The Robert Service Show in
- Along with Terry Turner, he created, organized and financed the First St. Patrick’s Day Parade which ran for 7 years in the early 70’s