Impressive homegrown talent plays a starring role in this year’s B.C. Entertainment Hall of Fame list of inductees.
Burnaby natives Michael J. Fox and punk rock musician Joe Keithley are being recognized as StarWalk Stars for their global impact on the entertainment industry. Burnaby resident Carole Tarlington of the prestigious youth acting school, Tarlington Training, will be honoured as a Pioneer Star for her contributions to the Vancouver film and television scene.
“We’ve been wanting to inductee Michael for quite some time, and now is just the right time,” said Rob Haynes, B.C. Entertainment Hall of Fame president. “He’s such generous man."
The Hall of Fame was founded in 1992 and has since inducted over 275 British Columbians who’ve helped bolster the province’s cultural landscape. According to Haynes, there is an extensive selection process for inductees, evaluating national and international recognition and artistic accomplishment, among several other components. Haynes said it’s important for the selection committee to honour individuals who have a deep connection to B.C. arts and culture.
What we try to ask is, ‘Yes, they’ve gone on to be international stars, but have they pounded the stage at the Arts Club?’” He said.
Over the last few years, the Hall of Fame has been doing things a little differently in an attempt to increase their profile. Instead of having a single ceremony to induct all new hall of famers, the committee has decided to honour the inductees at separate events catered to each individual.
“We started inducting people where they were most well-known,” he said. “These stars are worthy of the attention, so it’s worth it to go to their backyards (so to speak).”
A gala dinner to induct Michael J. Fox takes place tomorrow night in Burnaby, and subsequent events to honour Keithley and Tarlington are being mapped out. StarWalk inductees Fox and Keithley’s stars on the Granville Street hall of fame sidewalk are forthcoming.
“(In Burnaby) the talent has always been there,” Haynes said.
