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.