{{Short description|Canadian actor and producer}} {{about||the American football coach|Joel Gordon (American football)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=August 2025}} {{Infobox person | name = Joel Gordon | image = Joel Gordon-Headshot CC BY-SA 3.0.jpg | caption = | birth_name = | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1975|11|15}} | birth_place = Toronto, Ontario, Canada | death_date = | death_place = | occupation = Actor, producer, director | years_active = 1989–present | website = {{URL|http://www.vformation.tv}} | spouse = {{marriage|Erin Gordon|2004}} | partner = | children = 4 }}
'''Joel Gordon''' (born November 15, 1975) is a Canadian actor, producer and director.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bhandari|first=Aparita|title=Young director gets Reel|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/421744741.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Apr+7%2C+2002&author=Aparita+Bhandari&pub=Toronto+Star&edition=&startpage=D.04&desc=Young+director+gets+Reel+%3B+Joel+Gordon%27s+Superbob+premieres+tonight+at+festival|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130131154858/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/421744741.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Apr+7,+2002&author=Aparita+Bhandari&pub=Toronto+Star&edition=&startpage=D.04&desc=Young+director+gets+Reel+;+Joel+Gordon's+Superbob+premieres+tonight+at+festival|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 31, 2013|accessdate=November 2, 2011|newspaper=The Toronto Star|date=April 7, 2002}}</ref>
== Early life == As a teenager growing up in Scarborough, Toronto, Joel Gordon received the Harry Jerome Award for the Arts for his work as a young actor.<ref>{{cite news|last=Irish|first=Paul|title=Harry Jerome award inspires young actor|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/offers.html?url=%2Fthestar%2Faccess%2F21540843.html%3FFMT%3DFT%26FMTS%3DABS%3AFT%26type%3Dcurrent%26date%3DMay%2B5%252C%2B1995%26author%3DBy%2BPaul%2BIrish%2BToronto%2BStar%26pub%3DToronto%2BStar%26edition%3D%26startpage%3DSC.2%26desc%3DHarry%2BJerome%2Baward%2Binspires%2Byoung%2Bactor|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307060045/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/offers.html?url=/thestar/access/21540843.html?FMT%3DFT%26FMTS%3DABS:FT%26type%3Dcurrent%26date%3DMay%2B5%252C%2B1995%26author%3DBy%2BPaul%2BIrish%2BToronto%2BStar%26pub%3DToronto%2BStar%26edition%3D%26startpage%3DSC.2%26desc%3DHarry%2BJerome%2Baward%2Binspires%2Byoung%2Bactor|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 7, 2016|accessdate=November 2, 2011|newspaper=The Toronto Star|date=May 5, 2005}}</ref> After studying acting at York University, Gordon made his professional stage debut as an actor in George F. Walker's play ''Heaven'',<ref>{{cite news|last=Coulborn|first=John|title=Those who see George Walker's fabulous Heaven get...Their just reward|url=http://jam.canoe.com/Theatre/Reviews/H/Heaven/2000/01/22/742046.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310131511/http://jam.canoe.com/Theatre/Reviews/H/Heaven/2000/01/22/742046.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 10, 2016|access-date=November 2, 2011|newspaper=Canoe.ca -- Jam! Theatre|date=January 22, 2000}}</ref> and appeared on the front cover<ref>{{cite web|title=Eye Weekly|url=http://contests.eyeweekly.com/eye/issue/issue_07.04.02/|publisher=Torstar|accessdate=November 2, 2011|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120709145257/http://contests.eyeweekly.com/eye/issue/issue_07.04.02/|archive-date=July 9, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> of ''Eye Weekly'' on June 4, 2002, for his role as Romeo in ''Romeo/Juliet Remixed''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Canadian Adaptations of Shakespeare|url=http://www.canadianshakespeares.ca/Production_Shakespeare/SearchPublicShowPlay.cfm?PlayID=186|accessdate=November 2, 2011}}</ref>
== Career == Gordon's first movie appearance as an actor was in ''Rude'', which was screened at Cannes.<ref>{{cite news|title=Young Director Gets Reel|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/421744741.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Apr+7%2C+2002&author=Aparita+Bhandari&pub=Toronto+Star&edition=&startpage=D.04&desc=Young+director+gets+Reel+%3B+Joel+Gordon%27s+Superbob+premieres+tonight+at+festival|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130131154858/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/421744741.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Apr+7,+2002&author=Aparita+Bhandari&pub=Toronto+Star&edition=&startpage=D.04&desc=Young+director+gets+Reel+;+Joel+Gordon's+Superbob+premieres+tonight+at+festival|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 31, 2013|accessdate=November 2, 2011|newspaper=Toronto Star|date=April 7, 2002}}</ref>
In 2008, Gordon appeared in ''Max Payne'' as the character Owen Green.<ref>{{cite web|last=Sloss|first=Eric|title=A Look at "Max Payne" – The Review|url=http://www.upcoming-movies.com/newsdetails.aspx?z=1&articleid=627|accessdate=November 2, 2011|date=October 17, 2008|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130205203318/http://www.upcoming-movies.com/newsdetails.aspx?z=1&articleid=627|archive-date=February 5, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> Also in 2008, Gordon produced and directed the award-winning television documentary ''Embracing da Kink'', which won the 2008 Golden Sheaf Award for best Documentary in the Arts/Culture category at the Yorkton Film Festival.<ref>{{cite journal | url=https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/article/486001 | archiveurl=https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/article/486001/ | archivedate=August 27, 2008 | title=Nominees in major categories for the 23rd Gemini Awards | journal=The Toronto Star | publisher=Toronto Star | date=August 27, 2008 | accessdate=November 1, 2011 }}</ref>
Gordon's work as a television producer has earned three Gemini nominations from the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television.<ref>{{cite news|title=Nominees in major categories for the 23rd Gemini Awards|url=https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/article/486001|accessdate=November 2, 2011|newspaper=The Toronto Star|date=August 27, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Canada's Awards Database|url=http://www.academy.ca/hist/history.cfm?nname=Joel+Gordon&winonly=0&awards=0&rtype=1&curstep=4&submit.x=0&submit.y=0|work=Gemini Awards|publisher=Academy of Canadian Cinema And Television|accessdate=November 2, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404182547/http://www.academy.ca/hist/history.cfm?nname=Joel+Gordon&winonly=0&awards=0&rtype=1&curstep=4&submit.x=0&submit.y=0|archive-date=April 4, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>
CBC Television aired "Wrestling with Destiny" in March 2004, which Gordon produced and directed. It chronicles the life of Olympic and World Wrestling Champion, Daniel Igali.<ref>{{cite news|title=A teacher must grapple with the idea of playing a villain|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/a-teacher-must-grapple-with-the-idea-of-playing-a-villain/article18261012/|website=The Globe and Mail|date=March 5, 2004 |accessdate=August 10, 2018|last1=Christie |first1=James }}</ref> "Wrestling with Destiny" won five Leo Awards including Best Sports Program or Series.<ref>{{cite web|title=2005 Winners|url=http://www.leoawards.com/2013/2005_winners.html|website=Leo Awards|accessdate=August 10, 2018}}</ref>
One of Gordon's most notable television biographies was a 48-minute documentary on Margaret Atwood entitled ''Turning Pages: The Life and Literature of Margaret Atwood''.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bolan|first=Sandra|title=Filmmaker enjoyed inside look at Margaret Atwood|url=http://www.yorkregion.com/news/news/article/652332|accessdate=November 2, 2011|newspaper=Stouffville Sun-Tribune (yorkregion.com)|date=March 17, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Turning Pages: The Life and Literature of Margaret Atwood|url=http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?Entt=RDM2695849&R=2695849|publisher=Toronto Public Library|accessdate=November 2, 2011}}</ref>
In 2012, he co-created and started production on ''Love is Moving'', a TV series that aired on NRB Network and on Global Television Network in 2013. The television series follows young people who participate in the Love Movement curriculum and then put love into action in their communities.<ref>{{cite web|title=Love is Moving|url=http://www.nrbnetwork.tv/Pages/Teensvideo.aspx?ItemID=341|publisher=NRB Network|accessdate=January 14, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=City youth group making TV debut|url=http://www.chathamdailynews.ca/2013/03/05/city-youth-group-making-tv-debut|publisher=chathamdailynews.ca/|accessdate=January 14, 2014}}</ref>
=== Work outside of film and television === Along with Benjamin Porter in 2010, Gordon co-founded Love Movement, which is a Christian organization, movement and curriculum that promotes a greater understanding of love and how it can be applied through loving God, and loving others. The first national partner to join Love Movement in shaping the curriculum is World Vision Canada. The official launch date for Love Movement was February 14, 2012.<ref>{{cite news|last=Storey|first=Mags|title=The Love Movement needs your stories|url=http://www.christianweek.org/stories.php?id=1754|accessdate=December 21, 2011|newspaper=ChristianWeek News|date=November 7, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120602003408/http://www.christianweek.org/stories.php?id=1754|archive-date=June 2, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=CCFAA-eZine>{{cite web |url=http://ezine.dmdigital1.com/August2011CCAA/?page=16 |title=August2011CCAA |accessdate=December 21, 2011 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426065128/http://ezine.dmdigital1.com/August2011CCAA/?page=16 |archivedate=April 26, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Love Movement Website|url=http://www.lovemovement.org}}</ref>
== Filmography ==
=== Acting === {| class="wikitable" ! Year ! Title ! Role ! Genre |- | 2008 | ''Max Payne'' | Owen Green | Movie |- | 2008 | ''The Line'' | Rev. Reese | TV series |- | 2004 | ''This is Wonderland''<ref>{{cite web|title=This is Wonderland| website=YouTube | date=March 31, 2007 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rG_bIFtOkio|accessdate=December 12, 2013}}</ref> | Darwin |TV series |- | 2001 | ''Danger Beneath the Sea'' | Terry Peel | TV movie |- | 1999 | ''Animorphs'' | Hugo | TV series |- | 1998 | ''Down in the Delta'' | Jesse | Movie |- | 1998 | ''Blind Faith'' | David Mercer | Movie |- | 1998 | ''My Date with the President's Daughter'' | Curtis | TV movie |- | 1993 | ''Are You Afraid of the Dark?''<ref>{{cite web|title=Are You Afraid of the Dark?|url=http://www.tv.com/shows/are-you-afraid-of-the-dark/the-tale-of-the-dream-machine-23765/|accessdate=December 12, 2013}}</ref> | Billy | TV series |}
=== TV producing and directing === {| class="wikitable" ! Year ! Title ! Role ! Genre ! Awards |- | 2013 | ''Love Is Moving''<ref name="Share Newspaper">{{cite web|title=ReelWorld film fest helps showcase local talent|url=http://sharenews.com/reelworld-film-fest-helps-showcase-local-talent/|publisher=Share Newspaper|accessdate=December 12, 2013}}</ref> | Co-executive producer, producer | TV series | |- | 2008 | ''Embracing da Kink''<ref>{{cite web|title=Kink|url=http://www.vformation.tv/Site/Embracing_Da_Kink.html|work=V-Formation Productions – Documentaries|publisher=V-Formation Productions Inc.|access-date=November 2, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120131042534/http://www.vformation.tv/Site/Embracing_Da_Kink.html|archive-date=January 31, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> | Executive producer, director | TV documentary | Winner 2008 Golden Sheaf Award,<ref>{{cite web|title=2008 Golden Sheaf Award winners|url=http://www.goldensheafawards.com/default.aspx?page=34|publisher=Yorkton Film Festival|accessdate=November 2, 2011|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111101134752/http://www.goldensheafawards.com/default.aspx?page=34|archivedate=November 1, 2011}}</ref> 2008 Gemini Nominee |- | 2007 | ''Turning Pages: The Life and Literature of Margaret Atwood''<ref>{{cite web|title=Turning Pages: The Life and Literature of Margaret Atwood|url=http://www.knowledge.ca/program/turning-pages-the-life-and-literature-of-margaret-atwood|publisher=Knowledge Network|accessdate=November 2, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100727175259/http://www.knowledge.ca/program/turning-pages-the-life-and-literature-of-margaret-atwood|archive-date=July 27, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Margaret Atwood|url=http://www.vformation.tv/Site/Margaret_Atwood.html|publisher=V-Formation Productions Inc.|accessdate=November 2, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120130001235/http://www.vformation.tv/Site/Margaret_Atwood.html|archive-date=January 30, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> | Producer, director | TV documentary | |- | 2006 | ''Leading Man: The Life and Times of William Hutt''<ref>{{cite web|title=The Life and Times of William Hutt|url=http://www.cbc.ca/lifeandtimes/hutt.html|publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (cbc.ca)|accessdate=November 2, 2011}}</ref> | Producer, director | TV documentary | Nomination 2007 Gemini Award<ref>{{cite web|title=Canada's Award Database|url=http://www.academy.ca/hist/history.cfm?nname=Joel+Gordon&winonly=0&awards=0&rtype=1&curstep=4&submit.x=0&submit.y=0|work=Gemini Awards|publisher=Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television|accessdate=November 2, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404182547/http://www.academy.ca/hist/history.cfm?nname=Joel+Gordon&winonly=0&awards=0&rtype=1&curstep=4&submit.x=0&submit.y=0|archive-date=April 4, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> |- | 2004 | ''Wrestling with Destiny: The Life and Times of Daniel Igali''<ref>{{cite web|title=Life and Times of Daniel Igali|url=http://www.cbc.ca/lifeandtimes/igali.html|publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (cbc.ca)|accessdate=November 2, 2011}}</ref> | Producer, director | TV documentary | Winner 2005 Leo Awards,<ref>{{cite web|title=Leo Awards – 2005 Winners|url=http://www.leoawards.com/2010/2005_winners.html|publisher=Leo Awards}}</ref> Nomination 2004 Gemini Award<ref>{{cite web|title=Gemini nominees for news, docs, sports unveiled|date=October 20, 2004|url=http://www.ctvnews.ca/CTVNews/TopStories/20041020/gemini_nominations_041020/|publisher=CTV News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331121042/http://www.ctvnews.ca/CTVNews/TopStories/20041020/gemini_nominations_041020/|archive-date=March 31, 2012|accessdate=September 30, 2024}}</ref> |- | 2002 | ''Superbob''<ref name="Share Newspaper" /> | Director | Movie | Winner 2002 Star! ReelChoice Audience Award,<ref>{{cite web|title=Awards|url=http://festival.reelworld.ca/2002/awards.php|publisher=Reel World Film Festival|accessdate=December 12, 2013|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706202149/http://festival.reelworld.ca/2002/awards.php|archivedate=July 6, 2011}}</ref> |- |}
== References == {{Reflist}}
== External links == {{commons category}} * [http://www.vformation.tv/ V-Formation Productions Inc. homepage] * {{IMDb name|0330324}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Gordon, Joel}} Category:1975 births Category:Living people Category:Black Canadian male actors Category:Canadian male film actors Category:Canadian male television actors Category:Canadian male voice actors Category:Canadian documentary film producers Category:Film directors from Toronto Category:Male actors from Toronto Category:Film producers from Ontario Category:Black Canadian filmmakers Category:Harry Jerome Award winners