Son of the late Stephen Arthur and Flossie (Cooper) Pinsent, Gordon served with the Royal Canadian Regiment from 1948-51. Gordon received an L.L.D. from the University P.E.I. in 1975, an Honorary doctorate from Queen's University in 1988, as well as from the Memorial University of Newfoundland and the University of Prince Edward Island. Gordon is a member of the Honorary Advisory Board for the Newfoundland Symphony Youth Orchestra. He has a daughter Leah as well as a son and daughter from an earlier marriage (Barry and Beverly Kennedy). He has a brother named Harry. Gordon left Newfoundland at the age of 17 and began his career on stage. His first theatrical experiences were in Winnipeg, Manitoba. While there he was involved in the first live radio drama out of Winnipeg. He then moved east, working in Toronto and Stratford, Ontario. In addition to acting, he has written a number of stage plays including 'Corner Green' for the Newfoundland amateur drama festival. The play was staged in St. John's, Newfoundland in April of 1997, and was was based upon life his hometown of Grand Falls, Newfoundland. Gordon is very active in charities.
Gordon Edward Pinsent was born to Stephen Arthur and Flossie (Cooper) Pinsent on July 12, 1930. Gordon was known as "Porky" as a child, and dreamed of performing as early as he can remember. He served with the Royal Canadian Regiment from 1948-51. Gordon received an L.L.D. from the University P.E.I. in 1975, an Honorary doctorate from Queen's University in 1988, as well as from the Memorial University of Newfoundland and the University of Prince Edward Island. His wife is actress Charmion King, whom he met during his early theater days. He has a daughter, actress Leah Pinsent, from that union, as well as a son and daughter from an earlier marriage (Barry and Beverly Kennedy). He has two brothers, Harry and Haig, and three sisters: Nita, Hazel, and Lil, who passed away in 1998. Gordon left Newfoundland at the age of 17 and began his career on stage. His first theatrical experiences were in Winnipeg, Manitoba. While there, he was involved in the first live radio drama out of Winnipeg. He eventually moved east, working in Toronto and Stratford, Ontario. He has since won numerous credits and awards, and is one of Canada's most well-respected artists. In addition to acting, he directs and produces, and has written a number of novels and screenplays, as well as plays for the stage. He is a member of the Honorary Advisory Board for the Newfoundland Symphony Youth Orchestra, and is very active in various charities. His humorous and poignant autobiography, "By the Way", was published in September of 1992, and includes antecdotes of his personal life as well as his experiences in the entertainment business.
