Paul Gross

Paul Michael Gross was born on April 30, 1959 and is a Canadian actor, producer, director, singer, and writer. He was born in Calgary, Albert, Canada. He is best known for his lead role as Constable Benton Fraser in the television show Due South in conjunction with his 2008 war film Passchendale. He wrote, produced, directed and stared in Passchendaele.

When Due South's final season came, Gross acted as an executive producer as well as starring in in and wrote the season three opener and finale. He also wrote and sang for the show. Some of his work can be found on the two Due South soundtracks.

Later, he found success with a Canadian TV series called Slings and Arrows.

Gross went to the University of Albert in Edmonton to study acting. However, he left during his third year. He later went back to finish the half-credit he need to get his fine arts degree. He appeared in the following stage productions: Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, Observe the Sons of Ulster, Marching Towards the Somme, and As You Like It. He was in the play Successful Strangers and later starred in his first movie Turning to Stone.

Gross had increased recognition as the Mountie Benton Fraser in the TV series Due South. He didn't want to do the show at first, like fellow co-worker David Marciano. Creator Paul Haggis wasn't sure he wanted Gross for the role. After a meeting, Constable Benton Fraser was cast.

When Due South returned for a third season, Gross returned as Benton Fraser and was also executive producer. He earned a salary of $2-$3 million per season and was the highest paid Canadian actor in entertainment history. He wrote a number of episodes for the last season. His favorite episodes are "Gift of the Wheelman", "All the Queen's Horses", "Mountie on the Bounty", and "Call of the Wild".

Gross was married in 1987 to actress Martha Burns. They have two children Jack and Hannah.

Gross is also involved in many groups and charities that deal with childhood poverty.

In 2009, he received the Governor General's Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement.

RESOURCES: http://en.wikipedia.com/wiki/Paul_Gross