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October 28th, 2011 
admin Brunch is a favourite past time shared by many and should be an extraordinary experience, one that you will cherish. Vancouver has some wonderful places for brunch. Each of the places I visit is unique for what is offered along with the type of service and selection of dishes. I am on a journey around the city to find these extraordinary places and, at the same time, I will be joined by a notable personality who may be a Film Producer or Director, Musician, Arts Festival Director, Actor or other well-known individual for Brunch at restaurants in and around Vancouver.
For my third brunch in this series, I was joined by Actor, Musician & Director, Mackenzie Gray at Market by Jean-Georges in Vancouver!
Mackenzie Gray
Mackenzie Gray is a Canadian film, television, and stage actor. A professional actor for over 30 years, he has worked on stage numerous times in Britain, Canada and the United States. He has also appeared in over 130 films and television shows and was a series lead on a major US network. Gray has also done voiceover work for animated series, documentaries and video games. In addition to performing, Gray is a director, writer and producer in film and theatre. He wrote vignettes and “shorts” for several episodes of “Sesame Street” from 1984 to 1986.
Gray also has a musical background. He was the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the Toronto rock band The Fridge Stickers. Mackenzie has composed and recorded many songs, incidental music and scores for films, TV shows and web features. In 2008, he co-produced the award winning feature film Poe: Last Days of The Raven. He taught Film History at The Art Institute of Vancouver for 5 years and teaches Acting for Film at The University of British Columbia.
Mackenzie has worked on stage in Canada, Britain and in the United States in hundreds of plays, musicals and cabarets. He was most recently seen onstage as Steve in the Pulitzer Prize-winning August: Osage County at The Stanley Theatre in Vancouver, and as the “Foreman” in the Snickers commercial featured during SuperBowl XLV. In addition, he played several roles in the Tom Waits/William S. Burroughs award-winning hit rock opera The Black Rider, in Toronto and Vancouver.
I met Mackenzie last year through friends, he recently joined me for a wonderful brunch at Market by Jean-Georges in the Shangri-La Hotel Vancouver
What were your most recent films?
- Alcatraz (produced by JJ Abrams) that was filmed in Vancouver.
- Ninjago –animation tv series
- The Haunting Hour –tv series for kids and teens with a scary horror theme
What do you do in your spare time?
Sitting in cafes having cups of tea and watching people go by while reading the newspapers. I also play guitar with a band “rekkerz” for fun at Wreck Beach in the summer.
Blueberry Soda
Mackenzie had a Cranberry & Soda and Richard had a Blueberry Soda.
Did you always want to be an Actor?
Yes, at 5 years old my parents played me “Camelot” and I always wanted to recite. I performed plays throughout school. In high school I formed my own theatre group –writing my own material, doing plays in Toronto (Jarvis collegiate), creative friends who are musicians (also went to art school in my teens), after high school I went straight to London moving there at 18.
Why London?
All of my heroes were British Actors and I loved London. That is where I went to get trained in those days. I did Theatre first and acted on stage for 4 years.
I went back to Toronto to the U of T for 4 years and trained as an actor, designer and director. I Graduated in 1983 and landed a role in “Summer Folk” the biggest show in Toronto. From Toronto I was doing theatre, film and television.
Then I did an audition film for a production in Vancouver, the whole process was crazy, but the agents in Vancouver loved it and they booked me for 13 episodes to start, playing Greg Harney the hitman. 1st class ticket to Vancouver, $5,000 signing balance, $17,500 per week.
The Net (based on Sandra Bullock) that`s what brought him to Vancouver. He was set up with a Vancouver agent sharing him with his Toronto agent.
Butternut Squash Soup
Mackenzie and Richard both had the delicious Butternut Squash Soup, Ginger and Pumpkin Seed.
What is your favourite food?
Fresh peaches and strawberries, lamb, sole and asparagus.
Which restaurant are you looking forward to dining at next?
NU Restaurant
What is your favourite neighbourhood restaurant?
- Lucy’s Eastside Diner (cool people, artists, musicians)
- East is East
- Crave
- Sawasdee
Poached Eggs, Bacon & Toast
Snapper with Nut and Seed Crust
Mackenzie had the Poached Eggs, Bacon & Toast with no potatoes and Richard had the Snapper with Nut and Seed Crust, Sweet and Sour Broth.
Where was your most recent trip?
Chicago for work
Where is your next trip?
Toronto or London
What do you think is missing in Vancouver specifically in the arts community?
Funding and focus and audience
Who are your Mentors?
- Christopher Plumar
- Malcomn Macdowell
- Michael Pare
- Ken Gas
- Dr. Charles Peaker
- Sir John Gielgud
Berries in Sangria
Chocolate Pudding
Mackenzie had the Berries in Sangria and Richard had the Chocolate Pudding.
Any advice for local actors?
- Don’t let the people who say it is tough and don’t do it – Learn, listen and just do it and you can get anywhere. Don’t drink the kool-aid.
- Vancouver is the easiest place in the country to make it.
- Work about developing technique and craft that will support your art.
- Networking and branding are good things to know but are in definition of being an actor.
What else are you working on currently?
I am also producing and directing and re-writing a play called “Math our Loud” which will be shown in schools on a tour. The characters are in a dream, are confused about math, guided by a wizard of odds.
If you were offered a play in NY or London would you do it?
Yes in a heartbeat.
What are your favourite places to hangout in Vancouver?
- Guilt & Co
- Gerard Lounge
- Twisted Fork
- Nelson and the Seagull
What are your favourite restaurants in that past that are no longer?
Allegro
Style: A La Carte or Brunch Prix Fixe for $35 (Choice of two plates and a dessert)
Attire: Business Casual
Time: Brunch is offered 11:30am – 3pm Sunday
Market by Jean-Georges
1115 Alberni Street, Vancouver
Menu: Sunday Brunch Menu
For Reservations, please call 604-685-1115
Stay tuned to my next guest Interview along with the next Brunch in and around Vancouver.
By: Richard Wolak
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