One actor/comedian I have had on my most sought-after list since this venture began in 2019 is my guest this week on brioux.tv: the podcast. Jonny Harris just happens to be a very busy guy working two CBC series at once. On Murdoch Mysteries, now in its 19th season, his character Constable Crabtree has been a fan favourite since the very beginning. His own series, Still Standing, starts its 11th season this Tuesday with Harris visiting the remote, desert-like terrain of the Osoyoos Indian Band in southern British Columbia.
At a time when all of Canada has its elbows up, Harris brings his folksy, community-first approach to towns across Canada trying to rebound from tough times. He visits St. Thomas, Ont., once a thriving auto centre. He heads to Acton, Ont., once worth the drive to visit the now defunct leather tannery.
Harris gets the entire town out for these TV showcases, and spreads good cheer and positive stories of rebirth. Along the way, he’s not above getting an elephant shaved into the back of his head (not kidding — watch it happen). Murdoch Mysteries continues Mondays; Still Standing returns Tuesday, Jan. 6. Both are on CBC and CBC Gem.
I spoke with Jonny about a month ago at the CBC Winter press launch held at the CBC Broadcast Centre in Toronto. On the same day, I also recorded audio interviews with the stars of Saint-Pierre (Josephine Jobert, Allan Hawco); Small Achievable Goals (Meredith MacNeill, Jennifer Whalen); the new reality series Must Love Dogs starring CFL star Brady Oliveira and Alex Blumberg; and retiring CBC Executive Vice President Barbara Williams. Look for podcasts featuring all of them in the coming weeks.
To listen to this audio-only podcast with Jonny Harris, simply click on the white arrow in the blue circle above.
