Billy Van

Born: 1934-08-11

Billy Van, originally named Billy Van Evera, was born in Toronto in 1934. At the age of 12, he and his four brothers formed a singing group and began touring North America. In the 1960s, he started his journey to becoming one of Canada's most beloved comedians. He gained national recognition through his appearances on the CBC TV series Nightcap, which was known for its irreverent satire, low budget, and immature humour. Billy Van was a versatile performer who effortlessly portrayed different characters and became the comedic centrepiece of the show. While other comedians like John Candy and Dan Aykroyd achieved great fame, Billy Van's comedy was ahead of its time. His satirical and spontaneous style on Nightcap foreshadowed the success of Saturday Night Live, and his work on Frightenstein, where he parodied popular culture, paved the way for the hit show SCTV. Even though he never reached the same level of fame as his contemporaries, his influence on Canadian comedy cannot be denied. Billy Van passed away in 2003 at the age of 68 after battling lung cancer for a year. His final on-screen role was in the 1995 hockey movie Net Worth, where he played the character "Les" the trainer. It was a fitting end to a career that was characterized by comedy performed with heart, passion, and immense talent.


Placeholder

Net Worth

as Les, the Trainer
Released: 1995-01-01

The story of the NHL's early years, focusing on the battle between the players, led by Hall of...

Movie page

This Is My Life

as Agent
Released: 1992-02-21

Single mom Dottie Ingels sells cosmetics in a department store, but she dreams of being a...

Movie page

The Hearst and Davies Affair

as Advisor
Released: 1985-01-14

Dramatization of the scandalous, long-time love affair between the powerful but married...

Movie page

For Better or For Worse: The Bestest Present

as Walter Lederhaus (voice)
Released: 1985-12-05

The Patterson family learns the true meaning of Christmas when Lizzie loses her stuffed bunny.

Movie page

Law & Order

as CSU Tech Gilmore
First aired: 1990-09-13

In cases ripped from the headlines, police investigate serious and often deadly crimes, weighing...

TV Show page

Law & Order

as Detective
First aired: 1990-09-13

In cases ripped from the headlines, police investigate serious and often deadly crimes, weighing...

TV Show page

Law & Order

as Vince Coughlin
First aired: 1990-09-13

In cases ripped from the headlines, police investigate serious and often deadly crimes, weighing...

TV Show page

Law & Order

as CSU Technician
First aired: 1990-09-13

In cases ripped from the headlines, police investigate serious and often deadly crimes, weighing...

TV Show page

The Hilarious House of Frightenstein

as uncredited
First aired: 1971-09-11

The Hilarious House of Frightenstein, was a quirky Canadian sketch comedy TV series from the...

TV Show page

The Littlest Hobo

as Chief Danford
First aired: 1979-10-11

The Littlest Hobo is a Canadian television series based upon a 1958 American film of the same...

TV Show page

The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour

as Pizza Boy/Singer
First aired: 1971-08-01

The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour is an American variety show starring American pop-singer Cher and...

TV Show page

The Hudson Brothers Razzle Dazzle Show

as Self
First aired: 1974-09-07

American TV variety show hosted by singing group The Hudson Brothers. It ran from 1974-1975.

TV Show page

Bizarre

as uncredited
First aired: 1980-09-18

A half hour, politically incorrect sketch comedy show that showcased the talents of veteran...

TV Show page

Rollin' On The River

as uncredited
First aired: 1971-02-13

Rollin' On The River 1971-72 - (Rollin 1972-73) was a Canadian Music Variety Series hosted by...

TV Show page

Eureka!

as uncredited
First aired: 1980-01-01

Eureka! is a Canadian educational television series which was produced and broadcast by...

TV Show page

Bits and Bytes

as Self
First aired: 1983-02-16

Bits and Bytes was the name for two Canadian television series, starring Billy Van, who teaches...

TV Show page