Sir John A. Macdonald's Living Statue - Toronto Sun Favourite Photo!

Fond memories performing as Sir John A. Macdonald's Living Statue at the Queen Victoria Birthday Day Parade!

Sir John A. Macdonald's Living Statue & Canada Day!

Sir John A. Macdonald's Living Statue at the Canadian National Exhibition.

Sir John A. Macdonald's Living Statue meets former Canadian Prime Minister - Joe Clark!

Sir John A. Macdonald's Living Statue - one of the favourite photos again!

Easter time? Fond memories at Fergus Market - Sir John A. Macdonald's Living Statue with a "new" friend!

Happy Easter!

A sincere tribute to Mr. Ernie Coombs fondly remembered as Mr. Dressup - honoured to have met him New Year's Eve - First Night, Toronto, Ontario

Reflections to remember ALL who have tragically lost their lifes and here's to much needed peace throughout our world. Sir John A. Macdonald's Living Statue... photos from Ottawa 2001 in front of Parliament Building in Ottawa, Ontario

Sir John A. Macdonald's Living Statue pleased to return to Gatineau, Quebec again - this time for the wonderful Gatineau Preservation Center's 5th Anniversary!

Always pleased to promote Canadian heritage, it was a great and interesting experience!

"History Comes Alive" with the Living Statue of Sir John A. Macdonald at Waterdown's 10th Annual Victorian Festival. Pleased to be invited to perform there again - indeed, bringing history alive in a positive manner - attracting crowds and making the important presence and awareness of our Canadian heritage known - with Living Statue of our First Canadian Prime Minister"!

Thanks to the Hamilton Spectator (Mr. Paul Hourigan) - indeed, there are many layers of makeup - the application of makeup makes the performance begins before the actual show!

"A KLASSIC HOLIDAY" wish is extended to everyone! A visual summary of many fond memories of special performances with various characters and creations! This year including the "newly-requested-for-and created" John Galt's Living Statue for the City of Guelph's 175th Anniversary, and also the "Duke of Wellington" for the University of Waterloo.

Very enthusiastic about the upcoming 2003 - as there are always new creative ideas and juices flowing...

Starting off 2003 - pleased to reflect on my first Living Statue characters of my Living Statue Series - namely: Canada's Father of Confederation - inspired also by the wonderful statue in Hamilton, Ontario - my hometown.

Always pleased to utilize the art of mime to communicate with all cultures. This month's feature is a fond memory of 2002 with a wonderful Amish couple.

The month of St. Patrick's Day - a favourite for the Irish - this month features Sir John A. Macdonald's Living Statue on the front page of the Kitchener Record.

Sadly, this March a very disturbing and sadden world faced a war. With this year, being so important with elections, may our politicians make the right decisions. Let us hope and pray that the war ends soon.

Yes, one could hope for more spring-like weather after a fierce ice-storm in early April! Canada's weather is certainly unpredictable!

For something definitely predictable - the impact and attraction of audiences to Sir John A. Macdonald's LIVING Statue! Moving on and looking back and moreso ahead - on the upcoming tourist season in Canada - this month reflects on the fond memories of performances at last year's C.N.E. performances!! Pleased to portray Canada's Father of Confederation in a unique way and look forward to upcoming performances for audiences and welcomed tourists across Canada! PS: Many thanks to Mr. Hunt for the photo that was kindly photographed and sent, along with his kind feedback.

Always a pleasure - Sir John A. Macdonald's Living Statue was invited to perform again in the wonderful Queen Victoria's Birthday Parade celebrations in Toronto this year! Turn-out may have been a bit lower than usual due to SARS, however the sun shone brightly on those spectators and parade participants.

Many thanks to both the TORONTO SUN and GLOBE AND MAIL for their media coverage, and of course special THANKS to Mr. Gary Toffoli for his dedication, support and excellent efforts to make this year's parade another success!

Returning to Edmonton again, this month is in tribute to a talented fellow performer (Wayne Condo) who died suddenly - while performing - giving laughter to the crowd even in his final moments on this earth.

May his spirit live on and may his memory and contribution to the art-form of busking be remembered and inspire future generations of performers.

Excellent time - great memories and wonderful connecting with all buskers and audiences performing in Alberta again....

Thanks to Shelley Switzer et al! for Edmonton International Street Performers Festival and all the others: Spruce Grove Street Performers Festival, Grande Prairie Summer Sizzling Street Performers Festival and last but not least: Red Deer Centrefest - many thanks for the excellent press!

Another academic and special year with the double-cohort for university begins! This year at Hart House, University of Toronto "Art and Canadian History and Culture come to life" with Sir John A. Macdonald's Living Statue!

Honoured to perform welcoming students. Many thanks to Dave Cook for the photos and especially Judy Schwartz, Art Gallery Director and Curator.

Sir John A. Macdonald's Living Statue performs at Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia - October 24, 2003 as "Canadian Heritage Launches Web Version of Canadian Biographies". As always, proud to represent Canadian history and culture in a postive manner with the Living Statue of Canada's Father of Confederation.

Sincere thanks to Denise McCulloch, Senior Communications Officer, Library and Archives Canada for this wonderful opportunity.

Pleased to return again for the wonderful family event - First Night Toronto at Skydome. Thanks to Mr. Glenn Sernyk for a fantastic event.

Sir John A. Macdonald's Living Statue is pleased to pose standing at attention with Toronto Chief of Police - Julian Fantino. Here's to a Happy 2004!

Sir John A. Macdonald's Living Statue was pleased to perform at:

The Canadian Royal Heritage Museum - celebrating Queen Victoria's Birthday at the house where our 13th Canadian Prime Minister John Diefenbacker was born in the Village of Neustadt, Ontario.

Private O'Neil's Living Statue was developed shortly thereafter the July feature photo - indeed, this is in tribute of my relatives (my grandfather and father who fought in the wars!). With pride and gratefulness, I will remember you...

Indeed, pleased to perform in my home-town - The Hamilton Farmers Market with my "family" character - Private O'Neil's Living Statue! Many thanks to Mr. D. Turner for the wonderful opportunity.

Charlie Chaplin's Canadian Tramp and Sir John A. Macdonald's Living Statue make the news in Acton

for the wonderful first-time fun performance opportunity at the Acton Fall Fair! Three times in one weekend paper - thanks to the great audiences and Mr. T. Foster for the opportunity!

Pleased to perform for the Veterans Canada in Toronto - in remembrance - again, Private O'Neil's Living Statue has been a very effective and particularly special character to me!

Fond memories performing behind the scenes at the CBC's "THE GREATEST CANADIAN" finale! Rare photos of the actual filming behind the scenes are available. Please stay tuned...

It's that time of year again - time to appreciate my Irish "O'Neil" roots. Wishing one and all: HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY! Indeed, very pleased to return again as Charlie Chaplin's Canadian (Irish) Tramp to the upcoming St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 13th, 2005.

Speaking of "green", Sir John A. Macdonald's Living Statue was very pleased to "take a stand" at the great Heritage Day Celebrations in Hamilton! Thanks to Cathie Coward, Photographer for The Hamilton Spectator. (Mon., February 21, 2005)

The Year of the Veteran (2005) - brought about performances of Private O'Neil's Living Statue. This character was created in memory of my father and grandfather who fought in the WWWI and WWWII. Thanks to Art-Beat for the article.

Private O'Neil's Living Statue extends special thanks to Veterans Affairs Canada for the May 8th performance in Toronto, Ontario at the "Ontario Celebration of the 60th Anniversary of Victory in Europe" Day!

Private Edward "Duckie's O'Neil's Living Statue and Sir John A. Macdonald's Living State perform in Toronto and Ottawa!

Pleased to poise with Ontario Premier - Dalton McGuinty!

Pleased to perform at the Ottawa Race Weekend with a great supporter and cheerer: "Sir John A. Macdonald's Living Statue"!

Pleased to perform with Private Edward "Duckie" O'Neil's Living Statue for a special Canada Day performance at Airborne RV Aeroporte - CFB Petawawa (celebrating 100 years)!

Combining a serious tone with one character and able to add fun with another (one performer with many styles and characters!) at Edmonton Klondike Days 2005!

Private O'Neil's Living Statue

and

Charlie Chaplin's Canadian Tramp

Pleased to return to perform again with familar and additional characters this year at the "Arts Naturally"in Scarborough, Ontario, plus a preview - utilized as an excellent marketing tool "Queen Victoria's Living Statue" for sponsor "Scotia Bank" for an upcoming busker festival in Toronto!

Again, focussing on the "Year of the Veteran" performances with Private Edward "Duckie" O'Neil's Living Statue at the Toronto Busker Festival near St. Lawrence Market!

Sir John A. Macdonald's Living Statue in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada performs for the Federated Law Societies - Thursday, November 3rd, 2005.

Picture - a unique one!!

Sir John A. Macdonald's Living Statue in the Centre Foyer of the Senate Centre Block, Parliament Hill!

The actual spot where our 1st Prime Minister Sir John A. Macdonald stood! A unique time for the Living Statue - a unique picture and feeling!

Ending the Year of the Veterans with Private Edward "Duckie" O'Neil's Living Statue in hometown, Hamilton, Ontario at Carmen's Banquet Hall.

Although officially 2005 was named "The Year of the Veteran", let's not ever forget or put aside the many sacrifices that the veterans and all who died in the wars, as well as their families. Lest we forget and may God bless them all! Here's to much peace in 2006!

Presenting another new character - created for D.A. Gracey and Associates Ltd. for the Canada Blooms show in Toronto!

MICHEL - THE FRENCH CHEF's LIVING STATUE!

Emphasizing again - Klassic Komedy has an eye for new ideas!

Able to create a spontaneous and unique character for a specific event!

Michel - The French Chef's Living Statue is one of the many examples!

Pleased to perform with Private O'Neil's Living Statue for the very first time at The North Bay Heritage Festival - celebrating their 20th year anniversary!

Congratulations - and many thanks for a memorable time!

Pleased to return again for performances at The Canadian Lakehead Exhibition in Thunder Bay, Ontario again! This time with Private O'Neil's Living Statue - Thanks to Brian Nieminen for the cartoon photographs.

This month - it was a privilege to perform at The Toronto Busker Festival - supporting Epilepsy Canada!

The summer was fantastic with performances at Toronto's wonderful and popular Harbourfront!

Another wonderful opportunity to perform Private O'Neil's Living Statue in Canada's beautiful capital city - Ottawa, Ontario! Thanks to Brian Wilson for the photos!

Reflections of the past and dreams of a great 2007! Charlie Chaplin's Canadian Tramp was pleased to return again to Lulu's Roadhouse for another New Year's Eve Reunion! As one of the originals, it was great fun to go down memory lane!

Thanks to Ian Robertson, (Sun Media) of the Toronto Sun (April 9, 2007) for his wonderful and moving photo of Private Duckie Edward O'Neil's Living Statue - paying tribute as the latest tragedy occurs for Canadians - the loss of 6 soldiers killed in Afghanistan. May God grant them eternal rest and bless their loved ones with strength and courage.

For more information of this article, please visit:

Toronto Sun - Article - April 9, 2007

This month reflects of my first international performance tours, before my Living Statue Series, before my version Charlie Chaplin was christianed "Charlie Chaplin's Canadian Tramp" namely: Japan (Expo '90 and Thailand - Dusit Phuket)! My love of Asia - performing in several countries there has brought me much satisfication in bringing smiles to people across the world! I've been blessed with many opportunities - indeed, in the 1990's before the sad reality of the unforgettable 9-11. Also, sadly I thought of the Dusit Phuket dealing with the tsumani - Boxing Day - December 26, 2004 that also hit Phuket.

This is very unique - going way back into my past - 1986!!!! WOW!! I have always had a creative soul within me. These pictures are taken in down-town Gore Park in Hamilton! There I am not in character - yes, that's really me! I'm thinking of a character... "THE LONELY GUY" - and there's a bit of explanation of what was going on in my head... It's hard to believe that staring at statues would have such an impact of my life.... as by staring at our city's Sir John A. Macdonald and Queen Victoria - from there came "The Living Statue Series".