Sébastien Dhavernas, Canadian actor

Sébastien Dhavernas: A Distinguished Career in Canadian Arts and Public Service

Sébastien Dhavernas, born on January 19, 1950, in Montreal, Quebec, is a prominent Canadian actor whose diverse career spans decades across stage, screen, and voice work. Beyond his significant contributions to the performing arts, Dhavernas has also made a notable impact as a cultural advocate and political figure, deeply rooted in Quebec's vibrant artistic landscape.

Early Life and Distinguished Education

Dhavernas's foundational education laid the groundwork for his varied career. He completed his classical studies at the esteemed Collège Stanislas in Montreal, an institution known for its rigorous academic curriculum. Following this, he explored a year of Sociology at McGill University, broadening his understanding of societal structures. His passion for performance ultimately led him to the Conservatoire d'art dramatique de Montréal, where he honed his acting skills, preparing him for a multifaceted professional life.

A Legacy in Canadian Entertainment: The Dhavernas Family

Sébastien Dhavernas is part of a distinguished acting family, contributing to a significant legacy in Canadian performing arts. He is married to the accomplished actress Michèle Deslauriers, known for her extensive work in theatre, film, and television. Their artistic lineage continues through their daughters: Caroline Dhavernas, a widely recognized actress celebrated for her roles in international series such as NBC's *Hannibal* and Fox's *Wonderfalls*, and Gabrielle Dhavernas, a prolific voice actress who has lent her talents to numerous animated productions and dubbed films, becoming a familiar voice to many Canadian audiences.

The Voice of Quebec: Advocacy and Iconic Roles in Dubbing

Beyond his on-screen and stage performances, Sébastien Dhavernas has achieved considerable recognition for his French-language voice overdubbing work. Most famously, he attained widespread fame as the distinctive French voice of Roger Rabbit in the 1988 classic film, *Who Framed Roger Rabbit*, a role originally voiced by Charles Fleischer in the English version. This iconic portrayal cemented his status as a leading dubbing artist in Quebec.

Dhavernas's commitment to the local industry extended to his advocacy efforts. In 1989, he publicly urged the Government of Canada to implement legislation mandating that the majority of French-dubbed television programs broadcast in Quebec be overdubbed within the province itself, rather than predominantly in France. This crucial initiative aimed to safeguard Quebec's distinct linguistic and cultural nuances, support local talent, and ensure that dubbed content resonated authentically with French-Canadian audiences. His influence in this area led to him being described as responsible for overseeing dubbing issues within Quebec's Union des artistes, the primary professional association representing artists in Quebec.

Leadership Beyond the Stage: Theatre and Arts Governance

Sébastien Dhavernas's acting career is not limited to screen and voice; he has also graced the theatre stage, including a notable performance in a Quebec production of the iconic musical *Les Misérables*. Demonstrating his commitment to the broader arts community, he served as president of the Canadian Artists and Producers Professional Relations Tribunal (CAPPRT). CAPPRT is a quasi-judicial federal tribunal established under the Status of the Artist Act, playing a vital role in administering collective bargaining and resolving disputes between professional artists and producers at the federal level, underscoring Dhavernas's leadership in arts governance.

From Arts Advocate to Political Contender: A Public Service Journey

Sébastien Dhavernas transitioned his dedication to public service into the political arena. In the 2008 Canadian federal election, he ran as a candidate for the Liberal Party of Canada in the Montreal riding of Outremont. His campaign was largely motivated by a strong stance against significant cuts to arts funding that had been introduced by the Conservative government led by Stephen Harper. Despite making his decision to run only days before the election, Dhavernas mounted a competitive campaign, ultimately finishing second to the formidable New Democratic Party incumbent, Thomas Mulcair, who would later become the leader of the NDP.

Following his federal electoral bid, Dhavernas remained engaged in the political landscape. He was appointed to a Liberal Party political commission headed by Serge Joyal, indicating his continued influence within party strategy and policy development. Although he initially intended to seek the Liberal nomination for Outremont again in the lead-up to the 2011 federal election, he was subsequently advised that the seat would be reserved for a designated "star candidate," a common practice in Canadian party politics to secure high-profile contenders.

Dhavernas then turned his attention to municipal politics, running for Montreal city council in the 2013 municipal election. Representing Équipe Denis Coderre pour Montréal, a major municipal party, he contested the Verdun division of Desmarchais-Crawford. In a closely fought race, he narrowly lost to Sterling Downey, a candidate from Projet Montréal, another prominent municipal political party in Montreal.

Continuing Contributions: Writing and Public Discourse

Beyond his artistic and political pursuits, Sébastien Dhavernas continues to contribute to public discourse through his writing. He has notably served as a contributor for HuffPost's French-language Quebec site, offering his insights and commentary on various issues, further solidifying his role as a public intellectual in Quebec.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sébastien Dhavernas

Who is Sébastien Dhavernas?

Sébastien Dhavernas is a Canadian actor, voice artist, cultural advocate, and former political candidate known for his extensive work in French-language dubbing, theatre, and his advocacy for the arts in Quebec.

What is Sébastien Dhavernas known for in voice acting?

He is most famously known for being the French-language voice of Roger Rabbit in the popular 1988 film *Who Framed Roger Rabbit*.

What role did Sébastien Dhavernas play in Quebec's dubbing industry?

Dhavernas was a vocal advocate for legislation requiring French-dubbed television programs in Quebec to be overdubbed within the province to preserve local accents and support the Quebec dubbing industry. He was also involved in overseeing dubbing issues for the Union des artistes.

What was Sébastien Dhavernas's political involvement?

He ran for the Liberal Party of Canada in the 2008 federal election, primarily campaigning against arts funding cuts. He also ran for Montreal city council in the 2013 municipal election.

Which prominent figures are part of Sébastien Dhavernas's family?

Sébastien Dhavernas is married to actress Michèle Deslauriers, and they are the parents of acclaimed actress Caroline Dhavernas and prolific voice actress Gabrielle Dhavernas.