Happy Canada Day! Hello! Canada readers' favourite Canadian stars revealed

July 07, 2020

There are many reasons to be proud to be Canadian: the natural beauty of the Rockies, universal health care, the Toronto Raptors' 2019 NBA Championship victory, to name just a few.

But another point of Canadian pride lies in some of the stars who've gone on to do well for themselves in the world, becoming brand ambassadors of sorts for the country we love. Céline Dion, for instance, is a global sensation who brings a little Canada – in English and French – to every TV interview and stop on her world tours.

"She's the soundtrack to my life," one HELLO! Canada reader tells us, contemplating the star's virtues.

Another reader praises the strength that Céline has shown in the face of adversity.

"She is one of the strongest people I've ever seen – no matter what, she is always positive and happy and that takes courage," they said.

From actors and musician to athletes and authors, our stars have touched lives with their talent and kind hearts, and have given us much to cheer about.

With that in mind, we took the pulse of the nation in a new online poll, asking readers to choose their favourite home-grown stars, the ones that made them most proud to be Canadian.

The result is a singular showcase of people. Some are iconic names, others newcomers. But as a group, one reader points out, they represent what it means to be Canadian.

"They show that hard work and good nature ca go together, and I think that embodies us as Canadians," the person wrote in our poll.

It's hard to argue with that. Without further ado – and to celebrate Canada Day this year – let us honour the country's favourite stars, as voted by you.
Scroll through the gallery (or click through if you're on desktop) to see your favourite stars!

Photos: © Getty Images

Ryan Reynolds

Despite finding success south of the border in rom-coms such as The Proposal and action flicks like Deadpool, Ryan, 43, still has infinite love for his home and native land.

Not only has the Vancouverite talked about wanting to raise his three young daughters – aged 5, 3 and eight months - in British Columbia "to experience the same natural playground I grew up in," but he and his wife, actress Blake Lively, 32, had home on their minds when they donated $500,000 to Food Banks Canada in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The gesture touched one HELLO! Canada reader, who appreciates the star's ongoing connections to his roots.

"Very nice of Ryan Reynolds to remember that he's Canadian, donating to [make a difference]," the respondent wrote in our poll.

During Stronger Together, Tous Ensemble, a benefit concert special and salute to the country's front-line workers, Ryan spoke fondly of his homeland.

"Being Canadian was always my greatest asset because it taught me how to laugh at myself," he said. "More importantly, Canada taught me empathy... If there's one thing I know that Canada is really great at, it's taking care of each other."

Photo: © Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Céline Dion

Céline, 52, never fails to make us proud – whether she's singing a hit like "My Heart Will Go On" at the Academy Awards (as she did in 1998), picking up GRAMMYs or being honoured with the top Order of Canada.

"I have to admit that I've had an amazing career that I'm proud of," the singer said at the 2013 investiture ceremony. "Every time I come back home, it's something very unique and very special."

She makes us proud, too, when she's embracing her inner fashionista and posting gloriously stylish portraits on social media.

Céline embraces life, even when it tests her resolve – most poignantly when her husband and longtime manager, René Angélil, died of a heart attack in 2016 after a long battle with throat cancer. She mourned the loss of the man who'd guided her career – first as a French artist, then as global sensation in the English market – and weeks later got back to the stage.

"I really, really want to prove to my kids that their mother is strong," she said later that year, reflecting on sons René-Charles, 19, and twins Nelson and Eddy, 9.

One reader said it perfectly when they sort of echoed the chorus to "Because You Loved Me." "I'm who I am today because of Céline Dion. She gave me strength to be myself," they wrote.

Photo: © Gotham/GC Images

Shania Twain

Born Eilleen Regina Edwards in Windsor, Not, Shania, 54, has long been considered one of Canada's favourite stars. She's a world-renowned chart-topper, a multiple GRAMMY winner and a Las Vegas staple who effortlessly sells out her residences.

But the "You're Still the One" singer has known adversity, too, and it hasn't gone unnoticed by fans. When she was young, she lost her mother and stepfather in a tragic car accident and went on to support her siblings. Her marriage to Robert "Mutt" Lange fell apart. And in recent years, she struggled with vocal cord issues and Lyme disease.

"Shania's story is one of survival – a reminder that a person's past does not have t define who they are or dictate their future," one HELLO! Canada reader says of the stars, who went on to marry the love of her life, >strong>Frédéric Thiébaud, 49, in 2011.

"The challenges she has overcome throughout her personal and professional journey taught me that no matter how dark one's world may get, there is always light at the end of the tunnel."

Photo: © Kevin Winter/Getty Images for dcp

Michael Bublé

Readers sing his praises, and why shouldn't they? He is a devoted husband to wife Luisana Lopilato, 33, and a devoted dad to sons Noah, 6, and Elias, 4, and daughter Vida, 1.

"Michael Bublé is a kind soul," says one reader. "He is a true family man and loves life to the fullest. He inspires me to be the best version of myself every day and not take life for granted."

The native of Burnaby, B.C. is also devoted to Canada. He was a big supporter of the star-studded fundraiser Stronger Together, Tous Ensemble and has said of his native land, "It will always be the most important place that I come to play."

As another reader raves, the "It's a Beautiful Day" crooner tours even "smaller cities" in Canada and stays "connected to his Canadian roots."

Already a recipient of accolades such as a star on Canada's Walk of Fame, Michael, 44, accepted the National Arts Centre Award at the Governor General's Performing Arts Awards in 2017 by declaring proudly, "I thank you for the love and support that you have given me and for the pride I'm filled with every time I'm able to stand on a stage and say, 'My name is Michael Steven Bublé and I am a Canadian."

Photo: © Getty Images

Michael J. Fox

He is always giving back, whether through his foundation dedicated to Parkinson's research or the Twitter message he recorded specially for health-care workers on the frontlnies of the COVID-19 crisis in his native Alberta.

"You've been incredible," he told them. "We love you and we thank you."

It is a sentiment readers feel about Michael, 59, who in November will publish his fourth book, No Time Like the Future (an apt title for the Back to the Future actor). It promises a reflection on health, aging and the strength of family. Michael has been married to his Family Ties co-star, Tracy Pollan, 60, with whom he has four kids, for more than 30 years!

When Michael was among the recipients of the 2017 Governor General's Performing Arts Awards, he couldn't help but gush about his love of the country.

"As far as contrasting to my Canadianness, I always feel very connected to Canada," the Spin City star said. "My reference for everything is my Canadian background, my life in Canada. Particularly on this issue of refugee immigration: I couldn't be prouder of Canada."

Photo: © Noam Galai/Getty Images for The Michael J. Fox Foundation

Ryan Gosling

Canadians love Ryan and Ryan loves Canada. In fact, the star, who has won hearts with his humble nature and self-effacing charm – and star turns in everything from The Notebook to La La Land – credits his roots for helping him keep life in perspective.

"I think it was very helpful to grow up in Canada, or in a small town," the one-time star has said. "I think if you grow up [in Tinseltown] it might be hard to remember that there's a world outside of it."

For the London, Ont. native, that world away from the cameras includes the private life he's built with his partner, The Place Behind the Pines co-star Eva Mendes, 46, and their daughters, Esmeralda, 5, and Amada, 4.

"Eva's the dream mother, and they're dream babies, and it's like a dream that I'm having right now," Ryan, 39, has said, reflecting on family life. "When you meet your kids you realize that they deserve great parents. And then you have your marching orders and you have to try and become the person that they deserve."

While family has been the priority since the 2018 release of First Man, his next gig is expected to be sci-fi flick Project Hail Mary. Who says nice guys finish last?

Photo: © Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images

Tessa Virtue

Described by some of our readers as "Canada's sweetheart," Tessa won our hearts while representing Canada in three consecutive Olympic Winter Games alongside ice-dancing partner Scott Moir, 32.

"Tessa and Scott represented our country so well, with grace and class," one reader said.

Together, the London, Ont.-born duo went on to become the most decorated figure skaters in Olympic history. Tessa, 31, announced her retirement from professional figure skating and has plans to pursue her MBA in business. And although she's traded in her skates for textbooks, the beautiful brunette will never forget the feeling of having her entire country cheer her on.

"Marching into the [2018) opening ceremony, I was so grateful that we come from a country that stands for diversity, inclusion and fairness," she said. "It's so unifying. You do sense this different level of pure Canadian pride."

Photo: © Isaiah Trickey/FilmMagic

Brett Kissel

The Alberta-born singer, 30, has a base in Nashville, as many a country star does, but he still keeps his home country in his heart.

"I miss Canada every single day," the "Drink About Me" singer told HELLO! Canada. "For the most part, it's the people. There's a Canadian spirit that I can feel no matter where I go in the country. Canadians have the same core beliefs of kindness, a humble attitude, politeness and respect for one another. I'm very lucky that I get to travel around the world and live in an incredible city like Nashville, but I certainly miss Canada."

Clearly, his fans feel the same way about the JUNO Award winner, who is a father to Mila, 4, Aria, 3, and Leo, 1, with wife Cecilia, whom he married in Edmonton in 2011.

"Brett Kissel is inspirational, humble and is the definition of what it is to be Canadian," one reader says.

Photo: © Anna Webber/WireImage

Keanu Reeves

"Keanu is a good person – kind, generous, humble."

One HELLO! Canada reader's comments sums up the fine impression the actor has made on audiences. Maybe we can credit his demeanour to formative years spent north of the border?

He was born in Beirut but new up here, playing "a lot of hockey in Toronto" before the acting bug bit him.

"When I was 15 years old in Canada, I did a play called Romeo and Juliet," he explains. "I asked my mom if it was OK to be an actor. And she said, 'Whatever you want.' So thanks, Mom!"

Fans have gotten to know the private star, 55 – who made headlines last year when he publicly stepped out for the first time with his girlfriend, artist Alexandra Grant, 47 – through his varied roles in movies, whether an action star in Speed, The Matrix trilogy and John Wick or the love interest in The Lake House. And in last year's animated hit, Toy Story 4, he channelled his roots – and perhaps some of his personality – to play a Canadian daredevil.

"[Duke] Caboom is full of love and he is a showman," Keanu said of his alter ego. "He wants to entertain people and he wants to take risks for people. He just wants to entertain."

<h2>Sandra Oh</h2>
<p>Fans first fell in love with Ottawa native Sandra when she landed the part of <Strong>Christina Yang</strong> – a rough-around-the-edges surgeon with a heart of gold – on the hit medical drama <I>Grey's Anatomy</I>. And now, thanks to her titular role in the thrilling spy series <I>Killing Eve</I>, the actress's fan count has tripled in size – and for good reason.
<p>"She's so funny and so kind-hearted," one <I><STRONG>HELLO! Canada</I></strong> reader says of the Korean-Canadian star, who now boasts more than 3 million followers on Instagram. "I can't remember the last time there was any Canadian as hilarious as her."
<p>Lucky for us, Sandra, 48, credits her humour and quick wit to being Canadian.
<p>"We're funny people," she says.
<p>Photo: © JEAN-BAPTISTE LACROIX/AFP via Getty Images

<h2>Eugene and Dan Levy</h2>
<p>Comedy dynasties are a rare find, but Canada has its very own in the father-son duo of Eugene, 73, and Dan, 36. Their <strong><a href=/tags/0/emmy-awards>Emmy</strong></a>-nominated show, <I><a href=/tags/0/schitts-creek><strong>Schitt's Creek</I></strong></a>, which they wrote together, conveys the power of a supportive family and the rich inclusivity, which, Dan says, is part of the Canadian identity.
<p>"It's so rich and so diverse [in Canada]," he says. "You are getting stories that are representing so many different types of people, and so many ways of life."
<p>Photo: © Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images for Turner

<h2>David Suzuki</h2>
<p>Call it the nature of things. People can't help but love the 84-year-old TV star, environmental activist and former genetics professor who inspired generations of Canadians – in his gentle and accessible way – to embrace nature and respect the land on which we live.
<p>"He believes in saving the planet," observes a <I><strong>HELLO! Canada</I></strong> fan who voted for the Vancouver-born father of five in our poll. "Through television, radio, writing and speaking, David helps and inspires people to live in ways that will protect the Earth."
<p>Photo: © Phillip Chin/Getty Images

<h2>Stephan James</h2>
<p>He might be instantly recognizable from his breakthrough role opposite Hollywood star <strong><a href=/tags/0/Julia-roberts>Julia Roberts</a></strong> in <I>Homecoming</I>, but Stephan, 26, prefers to stay grounded, lending his support to the B.L.A.C.K. Ball. It's an annual evening he runs with his brother, actor <strong><a href=/tags/0/shamier-anderson>Shamier Anderson</a></strong>, 29, during the <strong><a href=/tags/0/tiff>Toronto International Film Festival</a></strong> to promote diverse talent in the arts.
<p>"It's always a special feeling when I touch down at Pearson," says the affable Torontonian. "I feel the cold wind as soon as I step outside of the terminal, and I think, 'Ah, I'm home.'"
<p>Photo: © Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Amazon Studios

<h2>Eric McCormack</h2>
<p>The TV icon with a total of four Emmy nominations (including one win) and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame will never forget where he came from.
<p>"I have always had a lot of Canadian pride," the <I>Will & Grace<I> star, 57, told <I><strong>HELLO! Canada</I></strong> last year before receiving an Honorary Doctorate as his alma mater, Toronto's Ryerson University.
<p>"I love saying the word, 'Oh, yeah. I'm from Canada!'" he said.
<p>The Toronto native now splits his time between Los Angeles and British Columbia.
<p>"I am at my happiest riding around on my Vespa in downtown Vancouver," says the dad of one.
<p>Photo: © Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

<h2>Jillian Harris</h2>
<p>Born in Calgary and now residing in the picturesque city of Kelowna, B.C., the <I>Love It or List It: Vancouver</I> host and Instagram star, 40, jokes she loves Canada for its "hot guys" – including husband <strong>Justin Pasutto</strong>, 32, and actor Ryan Gosling (of course!) – as well as its scenery.
<p>"I have travelled all over the world and I still think Canada is the most beautiful country," she says.
<p>The feeling is mutual! "She inspires me to be creative," one <I><strong>HELLO! Canada</strong></I> reader says. "I love how much she gives back to her community, and how much she cares about Canadian companies!"
<p>Photo: © Andrew Chin/Getty Images for Nordstrom

<h2>Catherine O'Hara</h2>
<p>A Toronto native and Second City alum, <I>Beetlejuice</I> and <I>Home Alone</I> star Catherine is unequivocally funny. She's a woman of many personas, and thanks to her role as the eccentric, snobbish Moira Rose on the hit Canadian comedy <I>Schitt's Creek</I>, her talents have won her famous fans around the world.
<p>While virtually accepting her Canadian Screen Award for Best Lead Actress earlier this year, the actress and mom of two, 65, gave a shout-out to her homeland, saying it was an honour to be celebrated by her "fellow fun-loving Canadians."
<p>Photo; © Leon Bennett/FilmMagic

<h2>Jason Priestley</h2>
<p>Despite being claimed by Americans thanks to his incredible success on the hit 1990s show <I>Beverly Hills, 90210</I>, Jason, 50, hasn't lost his allegiance to the maple leaf. In a 2016 interview with <I>FLARE</I>, Jason, who has a daughter <strong>Ava</strong>, 13, and son <strong>Dashiell</strong>, 10, with wife <Strong>Naomi</strong>, enthused: "Everything that Canada stands for makes me proud to be a Canadian."
<p>Having spent quarantine whipping up delicious family meals, Jason is happy to be a homebody.
<p>"I hope all you fathers are feeling as blessed as I am today," he posted on Father's Day.
<p>Photo: © JC Olivera/Getty Images

<h2>Scott McGillivray</h2>
<p>This star is a true Canuck! Admitting that his picture-perfect day would start with bacon and pancakes for breakfast and end with a family campfire, the 42-yea-rold home renovation expert and father of two from Richmond Hill, Ont. believes "Canada is the best kept secret on the planet."
<p>Why?
<p>"Because it's a place where you can be anything you want. We're capable of doing anything on a global platform, but we do it quietly and kind of keep to ourselves about it."
<p>Photo: © George Pimentel/Getty Images for Disney Studios

<h2>Kiefer Sutherland</h2>
<p>While her and his dad <strong><a href=/tags/0/Donald-sutherland>Donald Sutherland</strong></a> have done a lot to put Canada on the acting map, Kiefer, 53, wants his Hollywood co-workers to know that his home country is not just know for saying "sorry" all the time!
<p>"We're driven, and I think we have real, succinct individual points of view," he's said.
<p>Photo: © Karwai Tang/WireImage

<h2>Cobie Smulders</h2>
<p>Having been born and raised in Vancouver, Cobie, 38, was thrilled when the writers of <I>How I Met Your Mother</I> approached her during the sitcom's run.
<p>"They said, 'We're hiking about making Robin a Canadian.' And I said, 'OK.' And they said, 'We think that it's exotic.' And was like, 'Never been called that in my life. But sure!'"
<p>Today, the star of TV's <I>Stumptown</I> always finds a way to dish on Canadian culture in her interviews. With such enthusiasm for Canada, no doubt her husband, former <I>Saturday Night Live</I> actor <strong>Taran Killam</strong>, 38, and their two young daughters feel the red-and-white love, too!
<p>Photo: © John Shearer/Getty Images for dcp

<h2>Donald Sutherland</h2>
<p>At home, he's Kiefer's dad. But at work, they called him President Snow. Donald's star turn on <I>The Hunger Games</I> franchise followed a lifetime of roles in exceptional films including <I>Ordinary People</I> and <I>Eye of the Needle</I>.
<p>At 84, the Saint John, N.B. native is still going strong and loves to hibernate in Canada with French-Canadian actress <STRONG>Francine Racette</strong>, his wife of 48 years, whenever they can.
<p>"There's a maple leaf in my underwear somewhere," he has joked of his patriotism. "... And my sense of humour is Canadian."
<p>Photo: © Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images

<h2>Ellen Page</h2>
<p>Ellen, 33, has evolved from a quirky teenager in 2007's coming-of-age film <I>Juno</I> to a highly respected social activist who doesn't shy away from using her public platform to tackle serious issues such as racial justice.
<p>These days, the <I>X-Men</I> star, married to Ottawa-born dancer <strong>Emma Partner</strong>, 25, is busy with <strong><a href=https://blacklivesmatter.ca/>Black Lives Matter</strong></a> protests while also promoting her Netflix documentary, <I>There's Something in the Water</I>, about what she calls "environmental racism" in her home province of Nova Scotia.
<p>Photo: © Dia Dipasupil/WireImage

<h2>Rachel McAdams</h2>
<p>From her breakout role in <I>Mean Girls</I> to her lauded performance in <I>Spotlight</I>, there's no denying Rachel is a Hollywood superstar. Still, the actress feels most at home when she's back on familiar soil.
<p>"I definitely find that I have more scope and room and fresh air in Canada and back with my family, who make sure I remember that I'm just a little southern Ontario girl, small-town girl, you know?" says Rachel, 41, who was born in London, Ont. and splits her time between Los Angeles and Toronto.
<p>Famously private, she shares a toddler son with screenwriter boyfriend <Strong>Jamie Linden</strong>, 39.
<p>Photo: © Taylor Hill/Getty Images

<h2>Shawn Mendes</h2>
<p>Born and raised in Pickering, Ont., the GRAMMY-nominated singer credits our long winters for his musical success.
<p>"I think because it's winter for 10 months of the year and we're forced to stay inside... we get in touch with our emotions better, and therefore we are able to put it on paper better."
<p>And while the star, 21, might get to travel the world for a living, he still considers Canada his home and loves pretty much anything associated with it – from milk bags to bacon to <a href=/tags/0/justin-bieber><strong>Justin Bieber</strong></a>. "I don't think I've ever truly told him he was my main inspiration for what I wanted to do," he's said.
<p>Photo: © Rich Fury/Getty Images

<h2>Buffy Sainte-Marie</h2>
<p>Saskatchewan-born Buffy, 79, is a Canadian legend – one who's been true to herself. Since breaking into the music scene in her early 20s, the Indigenous singer/songwriter an activist's work has been focused largely on issues facing Indigenous peoples. While at times that didn't always earn her the greatest record sales, she never shied away from speaking her truth. And at the end of the day, it was her resilience and strength that made her an inspiration too many.
<p>"She's been through so much and has always acknowledged her roots," says a <I><strong>HELLO! Canada</I></strong> reader.
<p>Photo: © George Pimentel/Getty Images

<h2>Jann Arden</h2>
<p>It's no secret Jann is beloved by Canadians. The Calgary-born singer/songwriter, 58, has released an impressive amount of music over the course of her nearly three-decade career, including 16 albums and more than 40 singles. She simply strikes the right note.
<p>"Her music [is] so honest and true," says one <I><strong>HELLO! Canada</I></strong> reader.
<p>The star has more candour in store for fans: This fall she'll release a memoir, <I>If I Knew Then: Finding Wisdom in Failure and Power in Aging</I>.
<p>Photo: © Getty Images

<h2>Drake</h2>
<p>He's arguably one of the most patriotic Canadians out there. Toronto-born rapper Drake started his career on the teen drama <I>Degrassi: The Next Generation</I> and went on to become one of the world's most successful artists. He shouts out his homeland every chance he gets. Whether he's sitting courtside at a Raptors game, singing about growing up in Toronto or thanking the city during one of his (many) acceptance speeches, the GRAMMY winner, 33, is clearly just as proud of Canada as we are of him.
<p>Photo: © CHRIS DELMAS/AFP via Getty Images

<h2>Sarah McLachlan</h2>
<p>What's not to love about Halifax native Sarah? The mother of two embraces causes close to her heart – she's behind a Canadian school of music that benefits at-risk youth – and she writes from the heart.
<p>"Maybe that's why so many other people connect with my music because it is from an emotional point of view," says the "Building a Mystery" singer/songwriter, 52. "I am writing about pretty pedestrian things, things that so many of us go through."
<p>Photo: © Isaiah Trickey/FilmMagic

<h2>Measha Brueggergosman</h2>
<p>Not only is Measha, 43, an award-winning Oper singer, the Fredericton native is also a survivor, having gone through two emergency heart surgeries – one in 2009, the other in 2019. And the mom of two has become an outspoken advocate for women.
<p>"As women, we tend to put other people before our own health," she has said. "But you need to put on your oxygen mask before helping other people... I know how hard it is to choose yourself. And yet every time I've done it, everybody around me has benefited."
<p>Photo: © George Pimentel/WireImage

<h2>Avril Lavigne</h2>
<p>Avril became n international star in the early 2000s, climbing the charts with hits like "Complicated" and sparking a fashion trend among teens copying her rocker look. But the Belleville, Ont. native hasn't forgotten her roots. In fact, her latest album, <I>Head Above Water</I> and. Its title track have her thinking fondly of home.
<p>"I loved that," the star, 35, said when told the the single took off on the Christian music charts. "But I'm not surprised because that's where I got my start and how it all began. I grew up in a small town singing in church, so it made me very happy."
<p>Photo: © Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

<h2>Sophie Grégoire Trudeau</h2>
<p>While the Montreal-born wife of Canada's prime minister has won fans around the world with her classic style, it's her dedication to women's and children's causes that makes her such a passionate ambassador. A hands-on mom to children <strong>Xavier</strong>, 12, <strong>Ella-Grace</strong>, 11, and <strong>Hadrien</strong>, 6, whom she shares with husband <strong><a href=/tags/0/justin-trudeau>Justin</a></strong>, the former <I>etalk</I> correspondent, 45, is also a certified Hatha yoga instructor!
<p>"The reason I love it so much is that everyone can benefit from it and everyone is welcome," she said in an Instagram post celebrating International Yoga Day.
<p>Photo: © Samir Hussein/WireImage

<h2>P.K. Subban</h2>
<p>No matter where his hockey career takes him, the New Jersey Devils defence man, 31, who hails from Toronto, makes sure to give back, donating millions via his foundation to Canadian causes. These days, he's one half of a sports super couple – he and his Olympic ski-champion fiancée <strong>Lindsey Vonn</strong>, 35, have five million social media followers between them. This is in part because of their bathroom-based Instagram Live stream, "Tub Time," launched during the pandemic.
<p>"It's our release," he says of their good clean fun. "We all need some happiness together."
<p>Photo: © Getty Images

<h2>Margaret Atwood</h2>
<p>It's not often that a novelist is glimpsed on the Emmys red carpet. But then, Margaret isn't your average author. Since the small-screen version of <I>The Handmaid's Tale</I> made her a household name, she's been rubbing elbows with the likes of <Strong><a href=/tags/0/elisabeth-moss>Elisabeth Moss</a></strong>, who stars in the TV adaptation. But the 80-year-old writer of more than 50 books remains humble.
<p>"I'm Canadian, so I'm not allowed to say I'm good at anything," she jokes.
<p>Photo: © Lars Niki/Getty Images for New York Women in Film & Television

<h2>Winnie Harlow</h2>
<p>Finding fame on <I>America's Next Top Model</I> in 2014, Toronto-born Winnie brought pride to her home country by unabashedly showcasing her natural complexion. Since then, the supermodel, 25, has used her voice (and face) to help banish the stigma surrounding vitiligo, the skin-lightening condition that she's had since childhood. It caused her to be bullied at school.
<p>"I'm really honoured to represent Canada. It's such an amazing country," she told <I><strong>HELLO! Canada</I></strong> in 2018, walking in her first Victoria's Secret show.
<p>Photo: © Getty Images