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Image:  KD Lang

Pop Culture

They’re hot in Hollywood, but many of today’s biggest celebrities actually hail from the cooler climes of Canada.

/ 32 PHOTOS
Winter Olympics - Opening Ceremony

k.d. lang

Birthplace: Edmonton, Alberta (a Canadian prairie town)

Claim to fame: Won a Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Performance for her song “Constant Craving” (1992). She also performed at the opening ceremony for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

Early work: Won a Juno Award in 1985 for the Most Promising Female Vocalist (Canada's Grammys) after only releasing two albums with her band The Reclines.

Strange but true: Starred as a young mysterious Alaskan orphan in German filmmaker Percy Adlon's 1991 cult classic drama, “Salmonberries.”

Cameron Spencer / Getty Images North America
Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games - Day 1

Sarah McLachlan

Birthplace: Halifax, Nova Scotia

Claim to fame: Organized and co-founded the Lilith Fair tour, a concert tour focusing on emerging women singers/songwriters.

Early work: Traveled to Cambodia and Thailand in 1992 to work on “World Vision,” a Canadian-sponsored documentary on poverty and child prostitution.

Strange but true: Has released numerous remix collections. On her second, “Bloom,” the song “Just Like Me” features Run DMC and was remixed by will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas. She also performed at the opening ceremony for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

Alex Livesey / Getty Images North America
Premiere Of Universal Pictures' \"Funny People\" - Arrivals

Seth Rogen

Birthplace: Vancouver, British Columbia

Claim to fame: Was the lead actor and executive producer of Judd Apatow’s smash 2007 comedy “Knocked Up.”

Early work: Was a staff writer on the final season of “Da Ali G Show,” for which he and the other writers received an Emmy nomination.

Strange but true: Performed his first standup gig at age 13; co-wrote “Superbad” with his friend Evan Goldberg at 14; placed second in the Vancouver amateur Comedy Contest at 16.

Kevin Winter / Getty Images North America
Premiere Of Touchstone Pictures' \"When In Rome\" - Arrivals

Will Arnett

Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario

Claim to fame: Played George Oscar “GOB” Bluth II, the spoiled, middle-aged, aspiring magician and disliked son of a wealthy but dysfunctional Southern California family in FOX’s “Arrested Development.”

Early work: Appeared on an episode of “Sex and the City” as a man Miranda Hobbes dated who only wanted to have sex in places where they might get caught.

Strange but true: Initially considered himself a dramatic actor; also has done voice-over work for CBS TV promos, film trailers and numerous advertisements, including GMC trucks.

Frazer Harrison / Getty Images North America
AFI FEST 2008 Red Carpet Arrivals - Day 8

Jason Priestley

Birthplace: Vancouver, British Columbia

Claim to fame: Played goody-two-shoes twin Brandon Walsh on Aaron Spelling’s hit TV series “Beverly Hills 90210.”

Early work: His first regular role was as the unruly orphan Todd Mahaffey in NBC TV series “Sister Kate.”

Strange but true: Directed a documentary about Canadian band The Barenaked Ladies and a video for their single “The Old Apartment,” which earned him a Best Director nomination at the 1996 Canadian Music Video Awards.

Frazer Harrison / Getty Images North America
Velvet Margarita's 5th Anniversary Party & Cinco de Mayo Celebration

Dan Aykroyd

Birthplace: Ottawa, Ontario

Claim to fame: Original cast member and writer of the late-night comedy show “Saturday Night Live,” where he impersonated Jimmy Carter, Richard Nixon and Julia Child. Also became known for his roles in “Coneheads” and “The Blues Brothers.”

Early work: First feature film role and co-writing debut was a Canadian film called “Love at First Sight” (1977).

Strange but true: His wife Donna Dixon is a former model who holds the twin titles of Miss Virginia 1976 and Miss District of Columbia 1977.

Frederick M. Brown / Getty Images North America
Screening And Finale For Fox's \"24\" - Arrivals

Elisha Cuthbert

Birthplace: Calgary, Alberta

Claim to fame: Playing Kiefer Sutherland’s rebellious daughter, Kimberly Bauer, on the popular series “24.”

Early work: Was a field correspondent for the acclaimed Canadian TV series “Popular Mechanics for Kids.”

Strange but true: She was invited by former first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton to Washington for a meeting while she was a correspondent on “Popular Mechanics for Kids.”

Kevin Winter / Getty Images North America
Joni Mitchell At Stormy Weather 2002 Concert

Joni Mitchell

Birthplace: Fort McLeod, Alberta

Claim to fame: Environmental anthem “Big Yellow Taxi,” hit singles “You Turn Me On, I’m a Radio,” “Help Me,” “Free Man in Paris” and “Raised on Robbery.” Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.

Early work: Songwriter for such artists as Judy Collins, Fairport Convention, Tom Rush, Buffy Sainte-Marie and Dave Van Ronk.

Strange but true: In June 2007, she was featured on a postage stamp.

Robert Mora / Getty Images Europe
58th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards - Arrivals

Evangeline Lilly

Call them northern lights in the Hollywood firmament: A surprising number of Tinseltown's biggest stars hail from America's neighbor to the north, including Evangeline Lilly.

Birthplace: Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta

Claim to fame: Lead female role on "Lost" as pretty but tough Kate Austen.

Early work: Appeared in commercials for a singles chat line; had uncredited role in horror film "Freddy vs. Jason."
Strange but true: Once lived in a grass hut as a missionary in the Philippines.

Frazer Harrison / Getty Images North America
Singer Alanis Morissette from Canada performs

Alanis Morissette

Birthplace: Ottawa, Ontario

Claim to fame: Her 1995 album "Jagged Little Pill" sold 30 million copies worldwide.

Early work: Was a regular on the Nickelodeon comedy series "You Can't Do That on Television" in 1986.

Strange but true: Played the role of God in the 1999 film "Dogma."

Jean-christophe Bott / KEYSTONE
33rd Annual People's Choice Awards - Arrivals

Howie Mandel

Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario

Claim to fame: Genial host of giveaway game show "Deal or No Deal."

Early work: Played Dr. Wayne Fiscus on "St. Elsewhere" in the late '80s

Strange but true: His trademark as a stand-up comic was stretching a latex glove over his head and inflating it.

Stephen Shugerman / Getty Images North America
Actress Page arrives at the National Board Of Review of Motion Pictures awards gala in New York

Ellen Page

Birthplace: Halifax, Nova Scotia

Claim to fame: Earned Oscar and Golden Globe nominations in title role of "Juno."

Early work: Acted in TV-movie "Pit Pony" at age 10 and went on to Canadian TV series of the same name.

Strange but true: Had to wear hair extensions in "X-Men: The Last Stand" because she'd shaved her head for another film.

Lucas Jackson / X90066
Michael Buble

Michael Buble

Birthplace: Burnaby, British Columbia

Claim to fame: Has sold more than 11 million albums as an adult contemporary vocalist.

Early work: Won the Canadian Youth Talent Search in his teens.

Strange but true: Co-wrote his hit "Lost" after breaking up with his fiancée.

Richard Drew / AP
Actress Kim Cattrall arrives for the world premiere of ''Sex And The City: The Movie'' at Leicester Square in London

Kim Cattrall

Birthplace: Widnes, England (her family moved to Canada when she was 3 months old).

Claim to fame: Played sex-crazed Samantha Jones in "Sex and the City" and its movie spinoff.

Early work: "Porky's" (1982), "Police Academy" (1984)

Strange but true: Wrote the 2002 book "Satisfaction: The Art of the Female Orgasm" with her ex-husband.

Sarah Jessica Parker on ‘Sex and the City’ movie

Toby Melville / X90004
Japan Premiere of Doug Liman latest movie 'Jumper'

Hayden Christensen

Birthplace: Vancouver, British Columbia

Claim to fame: Played Anakin Skywalker in George Lucas’ “Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones”

Early work: TV series “Family Passions” (1993), “Higher Ground” (2000), “Life as a House” (2001)

Strange but true: He runs a production company, Forest Park Pictures, with his older brother Tove.

Franck Robichon / EPA
** FILE ** In this undated publicity photo released by NBC,  Jill Hennessy stars as medical examiner Dr. Jordan Cavanaugh in the network's dramatic series \"Crossing Jordan.\"   the show has been renewed for next season NBC said Friday, April 28, 2006. (AP Photo/NBC Universal Photo, Mitch Haaseth)

Jill Hennessy

Birthplace: Edmonton, Alberta

Claim to fame: Starred as crime-fighting medical examiner Jordan Cavanaugh on "Crossing Jordan."

Early work: Played assistant D.A. Claire Kincaid on "Law & Order" from 1993 to '96.

Strange but true: Has an identical twin; they played twin call girls in 1988 horror film "Dead Ringers."

Mitch Haaseth / NBC UNIVERSAL
MTV TRL Presents Jim Carrey

Jim Carrey

Birthplace: Newmarket, Ontario

Claim to fame: Golden Globe-winning star of such comedy hits as the "Ace Ventura" films, "Dumb and Dumber" and "Bruce Almighty," as well as dramas such as "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind."

Early work: Played Fire Marshall Bill and other zany characters on TV's "In Living Color."

Strange but true: Auditioned to be a cast member of "Saturday Night Live" but was turned down.

Evan Agostini / Getty Images North America
Linda Evangelista poses for photographer

Linda Evangelista

Birthplace: St. Catharines, Ontario

Claim to fame: One of the first generation of supermodels who revolutionized the fashion industry.

Early work: Was discovered at the Miss Teen Niagara Contest in 1978.

Strange but true: Appeared in George Michael music videos "Freedom" and "Too Funky."

John D Mchugh / AFP
Avril Lavigne

Avril Lavigne

Birthplace: Belleville, Ontario

Claim to fame: Released her debut album “Let Go” at the age of 17 and introduced various young girls to skater pants.

Early work: Singing at local festivals, county fairs.

Strange but true: At 14 she won a local radio contest to perform a duet onstage with fellow Canadian and singer Shania Twain.

Peter Kramer / KRAPE
Premiere Of Sony Pictures' \"Superbad\" - Arrivals

Michael Cera

Birthplace: Brampton, Ontario

Claim to fame: Starred in hit comedies "Superbad" and (with fellow Canadian Ellen Page) "Juno."

Early work: Played the son of Jason Bateman's character on the critically acclaimed but ratings-challenged TV series "Arrested Development" for three seasons.

Strange but true: Auditioned for Haley Joel Osment's role in "The Sixth Sense."

Michael Buckner / Getty Images North America
Nelly Furtado

Nelly Furtado

Birthplace: Victoria, British Columbia

Claim to fame: Her 2000 Grammy-award winning single “I’m Like a Bird” and her 2006 hip-hop hit “Promiscuous.”

Early work: “Whoa, Nelly” (2000), “Folklore” (2003).

Strange but true: Can play the ukulele and the trombone.

Chris Pizzello / A-PIZZELLO
Pamela Anderson arrives at the White Hou

Pamela Anderson

Birthplace: Ladysmith, British Columbia

Claim to fame: Sex symbol actress whose spouses have included rock musicians Tommy Lee and Kid Rock.

Early work: Was the "Tool Time girl" on hit '90s sitcom "Home Improvment"

Strange but true: Won fame as Canada's "Centennial Baby" for supposedly being the first child born in Canada on the nation's Centennial Day.

Aude Guerrucci / AFP
\"Lars And The Real Girl\" Premiere - Arrivals

Ryan Gosling

Birthplace: London, Ontario

Claim to fame: Best Actor Oscar nomination as a drug-addicted high school teacher in "Half Nelson" (2006).

Early work: Costarred with Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Justin Timberlake in the 1990s version of "The Mickey Mouse Club."

Strange but true: Has had no formal acting training.

Bryan Bedder / Getty Images North America
TIFF 2007 - \"Married Life\" World Premiere

Rachel McAdams

Birthplace: London, Ontario

Claim to fame: Played the queen bee Regina George in “Mean Girls.”

Early work: “Perfect Pie” (2002), for which she won a Genie (Canada's Oscar); “The Hot Chick” (2002)

Strange but true: Started competitive skating at the age of 4 but quit at 18 to pursue acting.

Evan Agostini / Getty Images North America
Celine Dion

Celine Dion

Birthplace: Charlemagne, Quebec

Claim to fame: Five-time Grammy-winning vocalist who has sold 50 million albums worldwide.

Early work: Composed her first song, "It Was Only a Dream," at age 12 with her mother and brother.

Strange but true: Is reputed to possess an astonishing five-octave vocal range.

Peter Kramer / KRAPE
Universal Pictures Premiere Of \"Definitely, Maybe\"

Ryan Reynolds

Birthplace: Vancouver, British Columbia

Claim to fame: Rising Hollywood leading man whose roles include "The Amityville Horror" (2005), "Smokin' Aces" (2006) and "Definitely, Maybe" (2008).

Early work: TV series "Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place" (later "Two Guys and a Girl"), 1998-2001.

Strange but true: Was engaged to fellow Canadian Alanis Morissette before becoming engaged to, and later marrying Scarlett Johansson.

Scott Wintrow / Getty Images North America
59th Annual Emmy Performer Nominee Party - Arrivals

Sandra Oh

Birthplace: Nepean, Ontario (a suburb of Ottawa)

Claim to fame: Won a Golden Globe and a SAG Award as Dr. Cristina Yang on "Grey's Anatomy."

Early work: Won a Best Actress Genie award (Canada's Oscar) for "Double Happiness" (1994).

Strange but true: Ex-wife of filmmaker Alexander Payne, who directed her in "Sideways" (2004).

Vince Bucci / Getty Images North America
VH1's Big In 2003 Awards - Show

Shania Twain

Birthplace: Windsor, Ontario

Claim to fame: Country-pop singer whose "Come On Over" is the biggest-selling album ever by a female artist and the biggest-selling country album of all time.

Early work: Sang in bars at age 8 to help support her family. Strange

but true: Preserves her complexion with an ointment normally used on cow's udders to protect them from winter weather.

Frank Micelotta / Getty Images North America
Actor Keanu Reeves arrives for the premi

Keanu Reeves

Birthplace: Beirut, Lebanon (he grew up mainly in Toronto, Ontario).

Claim to fame: Top Hollywood leading man whose films include the "Matrix" trilogy, "Speed," and "Street Kings."

Early work: Teen comedies "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure" (1989) and "Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey" (1991).

Strange but true: Is left-handed, but plays right-handed bass guitar in rock band Becky.

Gabriel Bouys / AFP
The Pink Party To Benefit Cedars-Sinai Women's Cancer Research Institute - Arrivals

Sarah Chalke

Birthplace: Ottawa, Ontario

Claim to fame: Plays Dr. Elliot Reid on Emmy-winning sitcom "Scrubs."

Early work: Replaced Alicia Goranson as Becky Conner on hit sitcom "Roseanne" when Goranson left the show to go to college.

Strange but true: Was a reporter on the Canadian children's show "KidZone" at age 12.

Alberto Rodriguez / Getty Images North America
Mike Myers

Mike Myers

Birthplace: Scarborough, Ontario

Claim to fame: Comedy star whose biggest roles include zany secret agent Austin Powers and the voice of animated ogre Shrek.

Early work: Was a member of Second City comedy groups in Toronto and Chicago before joining "Saturday Night Live" and then starring in SNL spinoff movie "Wayne's World" (1992).

Strange but true: Was sued by Universal Pictures for backing out of a movie based on his "Saturday Night Live" sketch "Sprockets" because he didn't think the script he'd written for it was good enough.

Jason Decrow / AP
William Shatner

William Shatner

Birthplace: Montreal, Quebec

Claim to fame: Played Captain Kirk in "Star Trek" TV series and seven subsequent films; other TV series include "T.J. Hooker" and "Boston Legal."

Early work: Portrayed terrified airplane passenger in "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet," a classic episode of "The Twilight Zone."

Strange but true: Provoked controversy when he kissed African-American costar Nichelle Nichols in a 1968 episode of "Star Trek": It was the first interracial kiss between characters in a U.S. TV drama series.

Damian Dovarganes / AP
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