Famous Immigrants Who Became Canadian Celebrities

Canada is known for being a welcoming country, and many talented immigrants have found success after moving there. Some of the biggest names in entertainment, sports, and business started their journey in another country before calling Canada home. Here’s a look at some of the most well-known immigrants who became Canadian celebrities.

Elon Musk was born in Pretoria, South Africa, and later moved to Canada to study at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. His time in Canada was the first step toward his future as a global entrepreneur. While in Canada, he worked various jobs before transferring to the University of Pennsylvania in the United States. Musk later founded companies like Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter). Despite becoming an American citizen, his connection to Canada remains strong through family ties and early career experiences.

Jim Carrey, one of the most famous comedians in Hollywood, was born in Newmarket, Ontario, but his family originally came from France. His parents immigrated to Canada in search of a better life. Carrey started performing stand-up comedy in Toronto before making it big in the U.S. His breakout role on In Living Color led to major movies like Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, The Mask, and Bruce Almighty. Though he became a Hollywood star, he has always expressed pride in his Canadian roots.

Celine Dion was born in Charlemagne, Quebec, to a family with French ancestry. Although she was born in Canada, her parents were immigrants, and she grew up speaking French. She started her career at a young age, gaining international fame after winning the 1988 Eurovision Song Contest. With hits like My Heart Will Go On, she became one of the best-selling female artists of all time. Despite her global success, she has remained connected to her heritage and continues to support Canadian charities.

Keanu Reeves was born in Beirut, Lebanon, to an English mother and a Hawaiian-Chinese father. His family moved to Toronto when he was a child, and he grew up in Canada. Reeves started acting in Canadian television before moving to Hollywood, where he became famous for roles in The Matrix and John Wick series. Despite his international fame, he has spoken fondly of his time in Canada and often visits Toronto.

Aubrey Drake Graham, better known as Drake, was born in Toronto to a Canadian mother and an American father. His father was a musician from the United States who moved to Canada. Drake first gained fame as an actor on Degrassi: The Next Generation before transitioning to a rap career. He became one of the most successful rappers in the world, with hits like God’s Plan and Hotline Bling. Even after reaching global stardom, he remains loyal to Toronto, frequently referencing it in his music.

Sandra Oh was born in Ottawa to South Korean immigrant parents. She grew up in Canada before moving to the U.S. to pursue acting. She gained fame for her roles in Grey’s Anatomy and Killing Eve, earning multiple awards, including Golden Globes and Emmy nominations. Oh has always embraced her Canadian identity and has spoken about the opportunities she received growing up in Canada.

Justin Bieber was born in Stratford, Ontario, to a single mother. His ancestors were European immigrants who settled in Canada. Bieber gained fame through YouTube videos before being discovered by Usher and signing a record deal. He quickly became a global pop star with hits like Baby and Sorry. Despite his international success, he frequently acknowledges his Canadian upbringing and often returns to his hometown.

Rachel McAdams was born in London, Ontario, to a family with European roots. She became famous for roles in Mean Girls, The Notebook, and Doctor Strange. McAdams began her career in Canadian television before making a name for herself in Hollywood. She still maintains a home in Canada and has expressed her love for the country.

Michael J. Fox was born in Edmonton, Alberta, but his family has Scottish and Irish roots. He moved to the U.S. as a teenager to pursue acting and gained fame with Back to the Future and Family Ties. After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, he became a strong advocate for medical research. Despite his long career in the U.S., he has always considered Canada his home.

Abel Tesfaye, known as The Weeknd, was born in Toronto to Ethiopian immigrant parents. He grew up in Canada and started his music career by uploading songs online. His unique sound and hits like Blinding Lights and Save Your Tears made him a global star. Even after his rise to fame, he remains connected to his Canadian roots and frequently visits Toronto.

Canada has provided a home for many talented individuals who went on to achieve international fame. Whether in music, film, technology, or sports, these immigrants and their families have contributed greatly to Canada’s culture and reputation. Their stories highlight how Canada continues to be a land of opportunity for people from all backgrounds.