stablery: Who knew so many celebrities were Canadian (bet you thought most of these were American)

Monday, March 1, 2010

Who knew so many celebrities were Canadian (bet you thought most of these were American)

By Georgina Littlejohn

First Ladies: Canadian singers Avril Lavigne (left) and Alanis Morissette perform at the Winter Olympics 2010 closing ceremony last night

We've either seen them on the big screen or sung along to their songs without giving a second thought to their nationality.

How many of us assumed actor Michael J Fox, and singers Avril Lavigne, Neil Young and Michael Buble were American?

In fact, they all hail from across the US border, Canada to be precise, and were out in full force last night to proudly wave the flag for their country at the closing ceremony of the Winter Olympics.

Quick change: Michael Buble sang the unofficial national anthem before stripping off to a reveal a white tuxedo
The ceremony took place in Vancouver yesterday at BC Place, the official venue of the Winter Olympics 2010.

The Games have dominated Canadian life for the past two weeks, so it was only fitting that the country's biggest stars should be there to commemorate the event - and heap praise on their athletes, who came away with 14 gold medals, the highest of any country in any Winter Olympics ever.

Stereotypes: The stage was set for everything Canadian from maple leaves to Mounties to huge inflatable beavers

Celebration: Fireworks light up the night sky over Vancouver as the Winter Olympics 2010 come to an end

Among giant inflatable beavers, dancing lumberjacks and stripping Mounties (including Michael Buble), they took part in an 'I am Canadian' segment of the closing ceremony, presented by Star Trek legend William Shatner, Back To The Future star Michael J Fox and Beetlejuice actress Catherine O'Hara.

Shatner, 78, came on first and told the crowd: 'I'm Bill and I'm proud to be Canadian.'

Playing on his most famous role as Captain James T Kirk, he referred to Canada as the 'final frontier' and joked that he was proud that Canadians are 'people who know how to make love in a canoe'

To boldy go: Although now residents of the US, William Shatner and Michael J Fox spoke of their undying love for their native country

Winners: Canada's Sidney Crosby waves the Canadian flag during celebrations after their victory over the US in the men's ice hockey gold medal game

Michael J Fox, 48, who now spends most of his time out of the limelight since being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, then received a rapturous welcome as he came on and said that he still supports the Canadian hockey team despite living in the US.

He said: 'If I'm watching the U.S. and Canada play hockey, I'm sorry, I'm wearing a Maple Leaf on my sweater.'

One of Canada's most famous sons is legendary singer Neil Young, who lives in the US but was born in Toronto.

Canadian crooner: Legendary singer Neil Young sings for his country

Burning flame: The Olympic torch burns throughout the closing ceremony

He has said he has no intention of ever giving up his Canadian citizenship, especially after being awarded the Order of Canada in December, the Canadian equivalent of a knighthood.

He honoured his country's efforts at hosting the Games, as he took to the stage with just his guitar and harmonica and treated the crowd to his 1976 song Long May You Run.

Next up was sexy crooner Michael Buble, 34, who came on stage dressed as a Mountie - a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police - complete with red uniform and wide-brimmed hat, and sang Canada's unofficial national anthem, The Maple Leaf Forever.

Canoe fans: Dancers perform during the closing ceremony

Rock on: Nickelback singer Chad Kroeger entertains the audience at the BC Place venue

He then ripped off his costume to reveal a white tuxedo underneath before launching into some of his hit songs.

It was then the turn of the Canadian rock stars to take to the stage, with Ottawa-born Alanis Morissette, 35, treating the crowd to Wunderkind, while Avril Lavigne, 25, sang her hit song Girlfriend.

And Vancouver-based band Nickelback rocked the audience with their song Burn It To The Ground.