Anthony Sherwood facts for kids

Anthony Sherwood (born in 1949) is a Canadian actor, filmmaker, and activist. He has worked in movies, TV shows, and plays since 1979. Many people know him from his TV roles. He played Jason Locke on Airwolf (1987) and Dillon Beck on Street Legal (1989-94). For his role on Street Legal, he was nominated for a Gemini Award. This award is like a big prize for Canadian TV shows.

Sherwood also started his own company, Anthony Sherwood Productions. This company makes films about important topics. They focus on social justice and the history and culture of Black Canadians. From 1992 to 2001, he helped lead the March 21 Campaign for the Canadian government. This campaign raised awareness about fighting racism.

In 2022, he received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal. This medal honors people who have made a big difference in Canada.

Anthony Sherwood's Early Life

Anthony Sherwood is a Black Nova Scotian. He was born in Halifax in 1949. Music was a big part of his family. His grandmother, Alice Kane, was a musician and music teacher. His mother was also a singer. His cousin, Portia White, was a famous Canadian opera singer. She was the first African Canadian opera singer.

His family later moved to Montreal. He grew up in a neighborhood called Little Burgundy. This area has a strong history for Black Canadians. Before acting, Sherwood sang R&B music for eight years.

Anthony Sherwood's Acting Career

Anthony Sherwood has acted in many movies and TV shows. These include both Canadian and American productions. He has won several awards for his acting work.

Starting on Stage

Sherwood began his acting career in plays. He started in musical theater in Montreal in 1975. He performed in popular musicals like Ain't Misbehavin', Cabaret, and The Music Man. He started acting in movies in 1979.

TV Roles and Recognition

In 1986, he joined the TV show Airwolf. He played Jason Locke in the show's last season. In 1989, Sherwood took on the role of Dillon Beck in the CBC TV series, Street Legal. He played this character from 1989 to 1994. In 1992, he was nominated for a Gemini Award for Best Supporting Actor.

He has also been a guest star on many other TV shows. These include Beauty & The Beast, Lost Girl, Due South, Outer Limits, and Soul Food.

Movies and Return to Stage

Sherwood has appeared in feature films like Race (2015) and Honey (2003). Other films include Hostile Takeover (1988) and Guilty as Sin (1993).

In 2009, Sherwood returned to the stage. He played Marty in the musical Dreamgirls. This show was at the Grand Theatre in London, Ontario. In 2015, he played the main role in Othello for Ale House Theatre.

Anthony Sherwood's Filmmaking and Directing

In 1991, Anthony Sherwood started his own company. It is called Anthony Sherwood Productions. This company focuses on films about social justice and Black Canadian history.

Award-Winning Documentaries

His company produced the documentary film Honour Before Glory. Sherwood wrote, produced, and directed this film himself. It won an award at the 2002 Hollywood Black Film Festival. It also won a 2002 Gemini Award. Sherwood also created and produced Music - A Family Tradition for the CBC. This film won a Gemini Award in 1997. It was also nominated for an International Emmy Award.

He also directed a film called Nowhere to Run. This film looked at the problem of landmines around the world. His film Mozambique – A Land of Hope explored the HIV/AIDS issue in Africa. It was shown at the World AIDS Conference in Toronto in 2006. His documentary 100 Years of Faith is about the oldest Black church in Quebec. In 2009, he made Knocking On Heaven's Door. This film looked at gang violence in Kingston, Jamaica.

TV Host and Playwright

From 1993 to 2000, Sherwood hosted and narrated the TV series Forbidden Places. This show was on the Discovery Channel. He also wrote and directed parts of it. From 2002 to 2005, he hosted In The Black for OMNI Television. This was the first talk show in Canada to feature interviews with important Black Canadians.

In 2010, Sherwood wrote, directed, and produced a play. It was about the great African-Canadian hero William Hall. In 2012, he wrote and directed TITANIC: The Untold Story. This play marked 100 years since the Titanic sank. It first opened in Nova Scotia. In 2016, Sherwood wrote and directed "The Colour of Courage." This play celebrated 100 years of Canada's all-Black military unit in World War I.

In 2015, Sherwood released his first novel. It is called Music In The Dark.

Anthony Sherwood's Social Activism

From 1992 to 2001, Sherwood was a national co-chairman for the March 21 Campaign. This campaign was for the Canadian government. March 21 is known as the International Day for the Elimination of Racism. Sherwood has been recognized around the world for his work. He has helped people understand how important racial equality is.

On July 9, 2022, Anthony Sherwood was the host for a special event. The Canadian government officially apologized to the Black soldiers of No. 2 Construction Battalion. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau gave this apology.

Awards and Honours

• 1998: Martin Luther King Jr. Achievement Award
• 1998: Brampton Arts Acclaim Award
• 2000: Urban Alliance on Race Relations Award
• 2002: African-Canadian Achievement Award
• 2006: North American Black Historical Museum & Cultural Centre Award
• 2006: Planet Africa Award
• 2008: Harry Jerome Award
• 2022: Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal