John Reardon

Straddling both comedy and drama, Canadian athlete-turned actor John Reardon appeared in numerous roles across television and film but was best known as Blake Laviolette in the CBC series "Arctic Air" (2012-2013). The sandy-haired actor was born John Henry Reardon on July 30, 1975. During his high school years, John performed in several plays but only seriously considered acting professionally after he saw Paul Newman's Oscar-nominated performance in "Cool Hand Luke" (1967).

However, Reardon chose to finish his education first, studying marine biology at Mount Allison University where he was an all-star football player. After he graduated with a bachelor's degree, Reardon undertook his first steps toward becoming an actor when he joined a few improv comedy groups and eventually studied at the Toronto branch of the famous Second City troupe.

Reardon, who was still using his full birth name, first broke into show business when he was cast in a guest role in the sitcom "The Chris Isaak Show" (Showtime 2001-04). After shortening his name to John Reardon, he landed a pair of recurring roles, playing Josh Wyatt in the Canadian teen drama series "Edgemont" (CBC 2002-2005) and Randall Thompson in the supernatural series "Tru Calling" (Fox 2003-05).

In 2004, Reardon made the leap to the big screen as Heath in Shawn and Marlon Wayans's outrageous comedy "White Chicks." It was not long before Reardon nabbed bigger roles, starring in the horror movie "Severed" (2005) and playing the titular character in the Hallmark fantasy miniseries "Merlin's Apprentice" (2006), which also featured veteran actors Sam Neill and Miranda Richardson. That same year, he was part of the all-star ensemble cast of the horror spoof "Scary Movie 4".

Meanwhile, Reardon's television roles became beefier. He appeared in the short-lived science fiction series "Painkiller Jane" (Sci-Fi 2007) as the boyfriend of the title character, portrayed by Kristanna Loken. Afterwards, he was the leading man in a couple of made-for-TV movies, "A Valentine Carol" (2007) and "7 Things to Do Before I'm 30" (2008).

In April 2008, Reardon demonstrated his athletic skills when he played D.B., a thief training under a martial arts master played by David Carradine in another made for television movie titled "Son of the Dragon," a re-telling of the classic Arabian Nights tale "The Thief in Baghdad." He appeared in the dance movie "Make It Happen" (2008), playing the brother of main character Lauryn, portrayed by Mary Elizabeth Winstead.

Back home in Canada, Reardon co-starred as bush pilot Blake Laviolette in the drama series "Arctic Air" (CBC 2012- ), while continuing a recurring role as Greg Cameron in the science fiction series "Continuum" (Syfy 2013-15).