“We’re dealing with children, and the hour restrictions they have on set, so you’re always acutely aware of the cost,” said Potter. He gave 30 years of service to the Canadian Cancer Society, acting as National President in 1995/96. It’s the 18th episode directed by Potter. Wow. © 2020 London Free Press, a division of Postmedia Network Inc. All rights reserved. When Georgie unexpectedly struggles with a new challenge, Amy steps in to help her unearth the cause. He is the son of the late Ron Potter, a London Life regional manager and former pro football player drafted by the Toronto Argonauts who later coached for the Western University Mustangs and was inducted into Western’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2000. “I guess I’ll always prefer acting,” said Potter. Potter credits Heartland’s executive producer Heather Conkie for the show’s longevity. Surrounded by his family, Ron passed away peacefully at the age of 83 on Thursday, September 15th, 2016 at University Hospital, as a result of a pulmonary embolism. She offered Potter a role in Biloxi Blues. Unauthorized distribution, transmission or republication strictly prohibited. Amy and the family pull together as the gravely ill Ty returns home and is admitted to hospital. Read more about cookies here. In fact, he quit college to play in a band (Licks) and played with a few acclaimed London musicians, including the late Duncan Grant and bass player Colin Stewart. There was an error, please provide a valid email address. Cherished husband of Judith (nèe Snyder) for 58 years.

Fearing the worst, Jack is shocked to learn the reason for an old friend’s unexpected visit to Heartland. Then he settled down and took a job, like his father, with London Life, while continuing to play music and act in local theatre. “He’s the kind of character who stirs up trouble and people either hate him or love to hate him.”. Walker (née MacFarlane), Elizabeth "Helen", Cameron (née Burnard), Florence Muriel Clarisse, Vanderland (née Bristow), Constance Winnifred, Patterson (née Thomson), Peggy Margaret Ruth, Sandiland (née Cunningham), Isabelle Elma, Hartley-Scott, Elizabeth Joan (The Duchess of Bedford Park), Rickeard Walker (née Barry), Patricia Helen. Henry suggested Potter consider acting as a career. If you don't see it please check your junk folder. That’s a simple truth about the entertainment business — but one the former Londoner hasn’t had much to worry about since quitting his job as an insurance salesman to take an acting job. Caring and forever entertaining Grandpa of Jesse, Quinn, Claire, Gray, Logan, Brady, Callum and Shea. When asked whether he preferred acting or directing, Potter was hesitant. Almost 30 years later and Chris Potter still doesn’t know for certain where he’ll find his next gig. Ron is survived by his only brother Richard (Norma) Potter. Amy struggles with the feeling that something is not right with Ty while she and Jack strive to help the ghost horse. When an unexpected guest arrives at Heartland, Amy and Jack question the real reason for the surprise visit. It was soon after he was recruited by the CBC for a role in Material World. And I’m very thankful and very lucky.”. His kind, confidence building approach benefitted everyone who knew him. The show, in its 11th season and the longest running hour-long television drama in Canadian television history, stars Londoner Amber Marshall as Amy Fleming, who with sister Lou Fleming (Michelle Morgan), grandfather Jack Bartlett (Shaun Johnston), and Amy’s husband, Ty Borden (Graham Wardle) give audiences a sense of the highs and lows of living on a ranch. “I passed on it when it was first offered to me,” said Potter. This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic.

His mother, Judith, was a singer and housewife involved in community theatre.

M.Ed. “He’s an antagonist in the show,” said Potter. His legacy may well be most established as the result of the countless hours of time he donated to charity. A secret from Jack’s past threatens to change his relationship with the family forever. Donations can be made to the Ron Potter Athletic Scholarship Fund at Western University, Advancement Services, 1151 Richmond Street, Westminster Hall, Suite 260, London, Ontario  N6A 3K7, the Alzheimer Society London and Middlesex or the charity of your choice. While Amy deals with a panicked horse trapped in a trailer, Georgie heads off on a desperate search for Tim. “There are actors who won’t do television, but I never gave that much thought to care because my priority was always employment, constant work in a business I love to be in. When one of Tim’s team-building events turns competitive, Georgie gets stuck partnering with Jade’s cocky rival. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Sign up to receive a curated collection of links and highlights from our award-winning breaking news coverage, in-depth analysis and unmatched investigative features at lunchtime weekdays.

“That was the encouragement I really needed to have — that it was possible for me to have an acting career,” said Potter, now 57. Meet the cast and learn more about the stars of of Heartland with exclusive news, photos, videos and more at TVGuide.com Amy, Ty and the entire Heartland family are thrilled to welcome a new member into the fold. Meanwhile, Jack helps Tim, Casey, and the entire rodeo community pull through a devastating loss. 2020! The father supported his son in his athletic pursuits. Ron and Judy moved to London from West Toronto in 1965 and have lived in their home on Hunt Club Drive since that day. We already miss him, and his wonderful sense of humour. In hindsight, Potter’s acting seems almost a natural fit in his life. Ron was awarded the Gov’t of Canada’s Canadian Volunteer Award. She's known to Heartland fans as horse whisperer Amy Fleming, but 25-year-old Amber Marshall tied the knot before her character on the popular … Stroud, Kenneth, RCMP Ret., Ontario Hydro Ret. It’s a role Potter initially balked at accepting when offered it in 2007. MBA, McGregor, Lillian Penelope “Penny” (née Stilson), Gloude (nee Leghorn), Elizabeth Middleton Tweedie, Lumbers, Grace Doreen RN, UE (née Richardson), Scott, Mary 'Margo' Marguerite (née Hall), van Welzen, Willem "Bill" Jacobus Nicholaas, Hennessy, Geraldine 'Jerry' Avis (née Delong), Van Esch (nee Coatsworth), Barbara Jeanie, Smith (nee O'Byrne), Isabella Anne "Bella", Mitchell (nee McDougall), Phyllis Gertrude, Beiwinkler (nee Van Lammeren), Helena Maria, Assis, Leopoldino ‘Leo’ J.P., M.D. In 2009, he received the Dr. Ivan Smith Award, Alumni Western’s highest tribute. Flannigan, Louis ‘Lou’ Herman - B.A. A celebration of Ron’s life will be held at the Windermere Manor, 200 Collip Circle, London, on Saturday, September 24th, 2016 with visitation from 2:00-4:00 p.m. followed by the celebration at 4:00 p.m. Tim is caught in the middle of Jade’s showdown with a new hotshot bronc rider. “She’s maintained a tone for the show and she doesn’t deviate from that,” said Potter. (When he made the jump to acting) I didn’t know if there were rocks or water below, but I was pretty sure there was water.”, Today, he credits his early years as a professional musician and experience with community theatre for preparing “me for all the rejections and whatever it takes to succeed in this business.”, Potter said Henry’s advice was a “pivotal moment in my life and it was the right choice.”. Please try again, 365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4. Ron was a leader. Potter is married to Karen Yuhasz, a former high-school teacher, and they have four adult children.

He was a gifted athlete excelling in football in particular. “I think Heartland fills an entertainment void. He was a teammate, coach, employer, mentor and motivator. Beginning in January 1963, the majority of those years spent as Regional Manager of the London Central Agency.

An out-of-town horse clinic takes a dangerous turn for Amy, Tim and Georgie.

Ron is the recipient of the 125th Anniversary Confederation Medal and the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal. When Amy helps a mounted archer reconnect with her horse, she also unravels the mystery behind Spartan’s recent behavior. After tragedy strikes, Amy and Georgie work together to help Tim’s traumatized barrel- racing horse. Jake’s unexpected arrival at Heartland forces Mallory to admit to Amy and Jack the real reason she came back to Heartland. Garnering him a CIAU championship ring as a coach of the 1971 team. Potter credits Heartland’s executive producer Heather Conkie for the show’s longevity. Ron was born on February 13th, 1933 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario. Potter said one down side of his career is the constant moving involved with being an actor. Peter Caine on Kung Fu: The Legend Continues for four seasons, and then on to the drama Silk Stalkings for four seasons (where he made his directorial debut) and then a season on Queer as Folk. “She’s maintained a tone for the show and she doesn’t deviate from that,” said Potter. His coaching titles included a Canadian Championship as Head Coach of Toronto’s 1964 undefeated East York Argonauts. “I’ve been lucky enough to have choices about the direction of my career,” mused Potter in an telephone interview ahead of this Sunday’s Heartland episode that he directed and airs at 7 p.m. “But not knowing what you’re doing every year is a lifestyle for all of us.”. Proud and loving father of sons, Chris (Karen) and Tim (Jill), and daughter Robin (Neil McDougall). Ron is remembered as stylish and a true gentleman. Ron worked with London Life for 35 years. Jake’s unexpected arrival at Heartland forces Mallory to admit to Amy and Jack the real reason she came back to Heartland. “Then there’s the weather, which is constantly changing, and the animals, all of it taped in remote locations.”. Toronto native, Chris Potter, is a veteran of the film & television industry. Spending time with Terry and Darrel Fox on Terry’s Journey of Hope.

(December 6, 1941), Cummings/Thompson, Lenore (née Johnston) Beatrice, Cornies, Susan Michelle “Sue” (née Howson), Crawford, Lilian Margaret Rose (née Hewison). Hello Heartlanders, and welcome again to a new year, and a new decade! Potter also stars in the series as Amy and Lou’s father, Tim Fleming, a former champion rodeo rider who left their mom and struggled with drug and alcohol abuse and later bought a nearby ranch trying to reconnect with his daughters, but somehow always finding trouble or conflict. She supported her son in his artistic pursuits. Forest For The Trees 1015 - Mar 5, … But as an actor and director, Potter is well positioned to describe Heartland as a “logistical challenge” that can deliver surprises on a fairly regular basis. Drafted out of high school by the Toronto Argonauts and ultimately winning Canadian championship titles with the KW Dutchmen of the Sr. ORFU. “It’s been challenging and difficult to maintain friendships,” said Potter, who spends most of his warm weather months in Canada shooting Heartland outside Calgary (May through to December). We encountered an issue signing you up. Please click here to send a donation notification to the family    Over the years, Potter has also made guest appearances on dozens of television shows and appeared in a long string of movies. A welcome email is on its way. Ex-Londoner Chris Potter has forged a long, successful career in TV, tap here to see other videos from our team. “It’s easily the most impressive crew I’ve ever worked with,” said Potter, noting many were recruited to work on the Oscar winning 2015 film,The Revenant, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and also on the television series, Fargo.

It’s multi-generational and not a show that depends on cutting-edge technology.”. “I knew that if I didn’t do it, I wasn’t sure I’d be a very happy person. Ron was a leader. While some actors may have a snooty attitude towards roles on television, not Potter. He also directs the Nov. 19 episode.