Billy Van
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.
This Is My Life
as AgentSingle mom Dottie Ingels sells cosmetics in a department store, but she dreams of being a...
Movie pageThe Hearst and Davies Affair
as AdvisorDramatization of the scandalous, long-time love affair between the powerful but married...
Movie pageNet Worth
as Les, the TrainerThe story of the NHL's early years, focusing on the battle between the players, led by Hall of...
Movie pageFor Better or For Worse: The Bestest Present
as Walter Lederhaus (voice)The Patterson family learns the true meaning of Christmas when Lizzie loses her stuffed bunny.
Movie pageLaw & Order
as CSU Tech GilmoreIn cases ripped from the headlines, police investigate serious and often deadly crimes, weighing...
TV Show pageLaw & Order
as DetectiveIn cases ripped from the headlines, police investigate serious and often deadly crimes, weighing...
TV Show pageLaw & Order
as Vince CoughlinIn cases ripped from the headlines, police investigate serious and often deadly crimes, weighing...
TV Show pageLaw & Order
as CSU TechnicianIn cases ripped from the headlines, police investigate serious and often deadly crimes, weighing...
TV Show pageThe Littlest Hobo
as Chief DanfordThe Littlest Hobo is a Canadian television series based upon a 1958 American film of the same...
TV Show pageThe Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour
as Pizza Boy/SingerThe Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour is an American variety show starring American pop-singer Cher and...
TV Show pageThe Hilarious House of Frightenstein
as uncreditedThe Hilarious House of Frightenstein, was a quirky Canadian sketch comedy TV series from the...
TV Show pageBizarre
as uncreditedA half hour, politically incorrect sketch comedy show that showcased the talents of veteran...
TV Show pageRollin' On The River
as uncreditedRollin' On The River 1971-72 - (Rollin 1972-73) was a Canadian Music Variety Series hosted by...
TV Show pageEureka!
as uncreditedEureka! is a Canadian educational television series which was produced and broadcast by...
TV Show pageThe Hudson Brothers Razzle Dazzle Show
as SelfAmerican TV variety show hosted by singing group The Hudson Brothers. It ran from 1974-1975.
TV Show pageBits and Bytes
as SelfBits and Bytes was the name for two Canadian television series, starring Billy Van, who teaches...
TV Show page