Michael Kopsa to Receive Award at UBCP/ACTRA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Michael Kopsa to receive the John Juliani Award for Excellence at UBCP/ACTRA 11th Annual Awards Gala

VANCOUVER, BC (November 8, 2022) On November 19, Michael Kopsa, a revered actor and longtime member of the UBCP/ACTRA community will be honoured posthumously with the distinguished John Juliani Award of Excellence, at the 11th annual UBCP/ACTRA awards show. The John Juliani Award of Excellence is bestowed upon a performer for achievement as a performing artist and their distinguished contribution to the film and television industry.

“Michael was an incredible actor with a commanding presence that embodied the humility, pride, intensity, skills, and individuality required to navigate, and thrive in our industry. Throughout his career, he actively sought opportunities to make a difference and support the next generation of talent. He truly cared about his community. He was very loved and will be truly missed,” said Ellie Harvie, President of UBCP/ACTRA. 

Born in Toronto, Michael attended Jarvis Collegiate and the University of Toronto before being accepted into the Neighborhood Playhouse conservatory in New York. From there, he was invited to study at the prestigious Circle in the Square.

Michael was a prolific voice, film, and stage actor, who, off-camera, was a superb carpenter and an accomplished musician and painter. 

Michael’s road to amassing over 200 acting credits includes selling his carpentry tools and packing up his pickup to move across the country to follow his dreams of being an actor. A move that proved to be the best path for him with the impressive career in the entertainment industry that followed.

Michael became a force in the anime world, voicing Gundam, Death Note, Ghost in The Shell, and Galaxy Angel. He wasthe Beast in X-Men: Evolution, Samukai in Lego Ninjago, and the Controller in Iron Man: Armored Adventures. He was also the voice of Roger Baxter in Littlest Pet Shop. His film credits include The Fantastic Four, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, The Twilight Zone, Apollo 18, and Love Happens. His TV credits include Barry in Beggars and Choosers, Ray Ellis in Falcon Beach, General Kerrigan in Stargate, Jack Truax in The Dead Zone, Raul in Van Helsing, and the chilling Captain Windmark in The Fringe. As for the stage, his powerful performances in Hospitality Suite and Playland at Pacific Theatre are legendary. He won an outstanding actor award for his role as Satan in The Last Days of Judas Iscariot with Pound of Flesh theatre. 

Michael was a devoted father and well respected and admired in the arts community. He fought a courageous battle with a brain tumor, facing each day with humor, grace, and tenderness. He passed away on October 23, 2022. 

NOTE TO PRESS: A red carpet will precede the Awards Gala, starting at 5:00 PM (all media must be set up by 4:45 PM). Media must RSVP to Lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca to secure a spot on the carpet. Interviews and photos are available. 

Actor/Comedian Kalyn Miles will be hosting the UBCP/ACTRA Awards to be held on Saturday, November 19, 2022, at the Vancouver Playhouse. Over 600 industry professionals, including UBCP/ACTRA members, the press, and politicians will be in attendance. Meet the nominees here.

The Union of British Columbia Performers (UBCP/ACTRA) is an autonomous branch of ACTRA (Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television, and Radio Artists), the national organization of professional performers working in the English-language recorded media in Canada. ACTRA represents the interests of 28,000 members across Canada – the foundation of Canada’s highly acclaimed professional performing community. 

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Media are invited to interview nominees on the red carpet and/or leading up to the awards.

Media Contact: Lesley Diana | The Promotion People | 604-726-5575 | Lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca

For more information: UBCP/ACTRA Communications Department www.ubcpactra.ca  e: communications@ubcpactra.ca | o: 604.689.0727 

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