Latest news with #TheGoodDoctor
Calgary Herald
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Calgary Herald
Vancouver actor Ricky He adds romantic comedy role to his resume
Article content Ricky He is kidding around again. The Vancouver actor plays a fun-loving, high-school senior named Blake in the new romantic comedy Worth the Wait. Article content 'I thought playing high school was behind me, but I guess Blake proved that door was still wide open,' said the 29-year-old He with a laugh. 'I just have one of those faces, I guess.' Article content It's a point that's proven by the fact that he is almost always cast to play a younger character. Article content Article content A few years back, he was teen Kellan Park in a recurring role on The Good Doctor. And, recently, he has been seen as Kenny, the early 20-something deputy sheriff in the hit Russo Brothers-produced TV sci-fi horror series From. Article content Landing in time for Asian Heritage Month, the Maple Ridge-shot Worth the Wait premieres on May 23 on the streaming service Tubi. Directed by Tom Shu-Yu Lin, the film follows eight different Seattle-area couples at varying stages of their relationships, good and bad. Article content Article content He's character, Blake, is a prank-loving teenager whose mother died a few years earlier, leaving his older sister as his guardian. Blake is dating another high-school senior, Riley (Ali Fumiko Whitney). Their love story is a bit of a star-crossed situation as Riley's uncle (Sung-Ho Kang) is not thrilled when he finds out that Blake is dating his niece. Article content Article content 'Blake is kind of all over the place,' said He about his online content-creating character. 'I think at the end of the day, at the heart of it, he's a kid that's trying to stay optimistic in light of all of his circumstances. I think that he realizes that as hard and as difficult it is for him to stay optimistic, he realizes that the world must have an equally difficult time. Article content Article content The film hits a lot of emotional buttons. There's young love, long-distance love, familial love and, of course, heartbreak in its many forms. Article content 'When you kind of get into the meat and potatoes, you realize, oh yeah, this is a little bit more complex … It really is a story with a lot heart. It's certainly a story with lots of heartbreak, but it doesn't kind of lose that rom-com sensibility,' said He. 'I thought maybe this would be something that I could just kind of waltz in and have an easy, breezy time in terms of emotional prep. Then once I read the script, it was, oh yeah, we got our work cut out for us.'
Vancouver Sun
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Vancouver Sun
Vancouver actor Ricky He adds romantic comedy role to his resume
Ricky He is kidding around again. The Vancouver actor plays a fun-loving, high-school senior named Blake in the new romantic comedy Worth the Wait. 'I thought playing high school was behind me, but I guess Blake proved that door was still wide open,' said the 29-year-old He with a laugh. 'I just have one of those faces, I guess.' It's a point that's proven by the fact that he is almost always cast to play a younger character. A few years back, he was teen Kellan Park in a recurring role on The Good Doctor . And, recently, he has been seen as Kenny, the early 20-something deputy sheriff in the hit Russo Brothers-produced TV sci-fi horror series From. Get top headlines and gossip from the world of celebrity and entertainment. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sun Spots will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'I'm coming up on 30 this year but, depending on the situation, I oftentimes look at myself like, I feel like I'm still 16,' said He. Landing in time for Asian Heritage Month , the Maple Ridge-shot Worth the Wait premieres on May 23 on the streaming service Tubi. Directed by Tom Shu-Yu Lin, the film follows eight different Seattle-area couples at varying stages of their relationships, good and bad. He's character, Blake, is a prank-loving teenager whose mother died a few years earlier, leaving his older sister as his guardian. Blake is dating another high-school senior, Riley (Ali Fumiko Whitney). Their love story is a bit of a star-crossed situation as Riley's uncle (Sung-Ho Kang) is not thrilled when he finds out that Blake is dating his niece. 'Blake is kind of all over the place,' said He about his online content-creating character. 'I think at the end of the day, at the heart of it, he's a kid that's trying to stay optimistic in light of all of his circumstances. I think that he realizes that as hard and as difficult it is for him to stay optimistic, he realizes that the world must have an equally difficult time. 'So, I think he, in his own kind of quirky, goofy, silly way, is trying to alleviate some of the pain in the world. And that's the only way he knows how to do it, is by being his own authentically goofball self.' The film hits a lot of emotional buttons. There's young love, long-distance love, familial love and, of course, heartbreak in its many forms. 'When you kind of get into the meat and potatoes, you realize, oh yeah, this is a little bit more complex … It really is a story with a lot heart. It's certainly a story with lots of heartbreak, but it doesn't kind of lose that rom-com sensibility,' said He. 'I thought maybe this would be something that I could just kind of waltz in and have an easy, breezy time in terms of emotional prep. Then once I read the script, it was, oh yeah, we got our work cut out for us.' Before embarking on a fulltime acting career, He gave university a shot, But admittedly, he just didn't have his head in the academic game when he went to UBC over a decade ago. 'I was so in and out of school. I was missing seminars and lectures,' said He who studied psychology, history and English. He recalls the moment he knew that school wasn't his path. After staying up all night shooting a TV commercial, He headed out to UBC and caught a couple of hours of sleep in his car before a psych final exam. 'I think I just slept through it,' said He about his test performance. 'I woke up that next morning, and I was like, yeah, I think maybe I should just commit to one thing here.' That, as it turns out, was a good choice, A few years and a few small jobs later, He got a huge break when he landed a lead part in Disney Channel's musical Freaky Friday. 'When they flew me out to do the screen test down in Burbank, it was kind of the first surreal moment where I thought I could actually have a career doing this. This might really be possible,' said He whose resume also includes roles on the TV series A Million Little Things, Trial & Error and Arrow. But not all He's thoughts were about onscreen success. 'I got the job, and I was really excited, but there was almost the opposite feeling of oh my God, is this happening too fast?' said He. 'This is my first lead role; do I deserve this? All the impostor syndrome feelings were there.' Luckily, for He, each job brought him more trust in his ability. 'I was sitting across from Will Yun Lee, who plays my father on The Good Doctor, and we're doing a pretty emotional scene. I didn't have a whole lot of lines. It was just basically him monologuing to me and me being there for him,' said He. 'I just remember sitting across from him and feeling like, really, really moved. And I just out of like reflex, just started crying. The coverage wasn't even on me, but when we called cut, I just remember thinking that I can actually do this and I really love this.' He is currently expanding his show business skill set. He just finished writing, directing, producing and acting in a new proof of concept for a TV series that he's about to start pitching. 'What I can say is that it's a dark comedy, very, very loosely based on my own life. It's about a Chinese Canadian kid who grew up on the east side of Vancouver, but he enrolled in a drama program on the west side of Vancouver,' said He. He is also getting ready to head back to Nova Scotia in a month to shoot season four of From. 'I'm definitely very grateful and know I'm in a privileged position to be working,' said He, referring to the current TV/film industry-wide contraction that is going on right now. But when He does experience down times, he tries to keep busy by doing things like writing and taking part in physical activity. 'There's certainly a lot of ways,' said He when asked about activities outside of work. 'I get punched in the face — a lot. I train jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai, and that's definitely an outlet that really, really helps me … You have to find different ways to try to remind yourself that there's other things to do.' Dgee@
Daily Mail
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Brave surviving son pictured by Hallmark star's side after wife was killed in BC car-ramming attack
Hallmark actor Noel Johansen was pictured standing beside his teenage son, Ford, as the two attended at a vigil in Vancouver days after his wife was killed when an SUV rammed into a crowd of festival goers. Ford, 15, stood solemnly beside his injured father, who was one of dozens who had gathered to mourn the lives shattered following Saturday night's catastrophic car-ramming attack that left eleven people dead and many more wounded. Among the dead was Johansen's wife and Ford's mother, celebrated costume designer Jenifer Darbellay. Jenifer was killed instantly when an SUV rammed through a packed street festival celebrating Filipino heritage. Photographs from the vigil show Johansen, visibly shaken and leaning on crutches, flanked by both Ford. His seven-year-old daughter, Darby, also survived the attack but was injured. The image of father and son standing shoulder to shoulder has already become something of symbol of heartbreak and resilience - a family fractured, but not broken. The actor, who has appeared in Psych, Supernatural, Fargo and The Good Doctor, was on crutches as he madea an address during the vigil: 'What you see here is an injury that means nothing to me because what's inside my heart is broken. 'Because my wife passed away behind me at the incident. 'She never celebrated herself in her life. She never thought of herself; she thought of herself as small in terms of the reach. And I can tell you she was larger than life for any of you who know her. 'So don't be small in life, be big, reach out and reach out as a human being with everything you have, and please remember us who went through this.' Johansen is best known for his work on Hallmark Channel shows and films including: Garage Sale Mystery: All That Glitters, When Calls the Heart, Chesapeake Shores, Harvest Love, Reunited at Christmas and Roux the Day: A Gourmet Detective Mystery. A GoFundMe has been set up by Johansen's friend and business partner Michael Daingerfield has already raised more than $190,000 so far. 'I am literally in shock as I write this - but I want to do something for Noel and his two children Ford, 15, and Darby, 7,' Daingerfield said of his friend and the family. 'This is an incredibly difficult time for Noel, and moving forward with his life is going to feel insurmountable. 'Jen was a one-of-a-kind. She was an incredibly thoughtful, warm, caring, smart, stylish, artistic woman. A gifted painter, a selfless mother, and a loving wife. She gave the best hugs, was always there to listen without judgement, and had the sweetest voice. 'She was not only special to me and my family (wife and kids), but she was special to many other friends and people - giving of herself volunteering on the PAC committee at Sir Alexander Mackenzie, Darby's school.' Horrifying video and pictures showed utter devastation as mangled bodies were strewn across the road following the crash. Dazed bystanders could be seen racing away from the scene and from victim to victim as local cops swooped and arrested the driver, Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30. Lo allegedly to have told witnesses he was 'sorry' as he was dragged out of the car. Lo severe mental breakdown after his brother was murdered last year and his mother then tried to commit suicide. He is now facing eight counts of second-degree murder and remains in custody. Authorities have previously said that the suspect was 'known to police in certain circumstances' and was believed to have been suffering from delusions and paranoia prior to the attack. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was 'devastated to hear about the horrific events at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver... We are all mourning with you.' The Psych star was on crutches at a vigil for the victims as he choked back tears while addressing the crowd Jagmeet Singh, leader of Canada's New Democratic Party, was among the attendees at the event, but left minutes before the vehicle arrived, CTV news said. 'This is so horrific, I don't even know what to say,' Singh said. 'I was just there, and I just imagine the faces of the kids that I saw smiling and dancing.' Usually the city parks dump trucks to block streets for festivals but for unknown reasons that didn't happen on Saturday. The festival had drawn families, children, and neighbors from across Vancouver, many eager to enjoy the warm spring evening, unaware of the horror about to unfold. Instead, the street became a makeshift triage center as bystanders rushed to provide first aid before paramedics could arrive. Videos posted on social media showed stunned festivalgoers standing beside twisted tents, toppled chairs, and scattered belongings, the aftermath of what should have been an ordinary, joyous community event. Eyewitness videos from the scene show severe injuries among festival attendees, including reports of a baby trapped under a vehicle, while emergency responders could be seen performing CPR on victims. The 11 dead range in age from just five to 65. Lo's mental breakdown was believed to have happened when his father died shortly after the family moved into their Vancouver home, according to the Globe and Mail. His brother, Alexander, 31, was then found murdered inside a home at around 1am on January 28, 2024, the Vancouver Sun reports. Dwight William Kematch, 39, was arrested at the house and was later charged with second degree murder. 'It pains me deeply to put these words down, but my brother has been taken from us in a senseless act of violence, something we never saw coming,' he wrote at the time. 'Our reality has abruptly shifted. Despite our disagreements, the harsh truth that he's no longer with us hits me with an overwhelming force. 'I'm burdened with remorse for not spending more time with him,' Kai-Ji continued. 'I implore you to keep his soul in your thoughts and prayers.' Vancouver police secure the scene after a car drove into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Festival -- April 26, 2025 Meanwhile the driver has been identified as a 30-year-old man who suffered a severe mental breakdown after his brother was murdered last year and his mother then tried to commit suicide as suspect, Kai-Ji Adam Lo, is now facing eight counts of second-degree murder The fundraiser netted over $9,000 for Alexander's funeral. But just months later, in August, Kai-Ji was back asking for donations - this time after his mother attempted suicide and ended up in the hospital for a month. 'The unimaginable grief brought upon my mother is something that is worse than my own sadness,' Kai-Ji wrote. 'For she brought him into this world, only for him to leave abruptly, it is a sadness I cannot begin to express.' 'She lost a son already and is on the verge of losing her home. This has driven her to attempt to take her own life,' he shared. In the aftermath, Lo is said to have had several run-ins with police and health care professionals. Authorities even showed up to the Lo's house within the last two weeks to ask for security footage, neighbors told the Globe and Mail. They described how they could often hear Lo screaming inside. 'He always was yelling with his mom. I don't know why,' one of the neighbors said. 'He is really nervous,' the neighbor said of Lo. 'Very- always scared of something happening that might hurt him.' In fact, just hours before Saturday's attack, a family member had even contacted a psych ward, the Sun reports.
Scottish Sun
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Brit actor left with ‘incredible sadness' after wife killed when car ploughed into crowd at Vancouver street festival
A BELOVED British actor has shared a heartbreaking tribute to his "larger than life" wife who was killed after a car ploughed into crowds in Vancouver. Hallmark star Noel Johansen was with his family at the Lapu Lapu festival over the weekend when a deranged SUV driver left 11 people dead and dozens injured. 9 Brit actor Noel Johansen paid tribute to his wife at a vigil after she was one of 11 people killed by a crazed driver Credit: AP 9 Mum Jenifer suffered fatal injuries after being rammed by a black Audi on Saturday Credit: AP 9 A mangled SUV was seen at the scene after a car barrelled into a crowd on Saturday 9 Noel, who has appeared on hit shows such as Fargo and The Good Doctor, addressed a large group mourners as he said a final goodbye to his costume designer wife Jenifer. The happily married couple were at the street celebration along with seven-year-old daughter, Darby and 15-year-old son Ford, 15. But just before 8:15pm on Saturday, the 50-year-old mum was hit by a speeding car and suffered fatal injuries. Noel held back tears at the vigil in Canada as he explained how Jenifer was stood just feet behind him and the kids when the deadly crash took place. The London-based actor said: "She never celebrated herself in her life. "She never thought of herself; she thought of herself as small in terms of the reach. "And I can tell you she was larger than life for any of you who know her." He went on to describe her as a selfless, creative and empathetic person. Noel was on crutches as he spoke to other mourners due to injuries he also suffered in the collision. The devastated dad made it clear that his worst injury is a broken heart. At least 7 children injured as car 'deliberately' ploughs into crowd of kids leaving school in ram attack in Japan Both children were left with minor bruises. Recalling the moment the car smashed into the family, Noel said it felt like a "giant tidal wave". "It hit us before we knew. I was falling in slow motion trying to save my head from smashing in the pavement," he added. A GoFundMe page has also been set up by the actor's friend and business partner Michael Daingerfield. Jen was a one-of-a-kind. She was an incredibly thoughtful, warm, caring, smart, stylish, artistic woman Michael Daingerfield Over 1,700 people have raised over £92,000 so far to help the Johansen family. Michael also left a touching tribute to Jenifer as he set up the page. He said: "Jen was a one-of-a-kind. She was an incredibly thoughtful, warm, caring, smart, stylish, artistic woman. "A gifted painter, a selfless mother, and a loving wife. She gave the best hugs, was always there to listen without judgement, and had the sweetest voice." 9 The aftermath of the crash site as emergency officials rushed to the street festival Credit: UKNIP 9 People attend a vigil for those who died in the horror car ramming Credit: Rex 9 Police are continuing to investigate the deadly crash site Credit: Rex Since the horror evening, a suspect has been charged with eight counts of second degree murder. Cops arrested Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, and warned "further charges are anticipated". It comes after eyewitnesses revealed the terrifying moment an Audi hit a crowd of "hundreds" at the Lapu Lapu festival. Horrifying footage showed victims and debris strewn across the road - with at least seven people lying on the ground. Among those killed included a five-year-old and a 65-year-old. Other clips appeared to show festival-goers trying to help those on the floor. Emergency services were also seen working at the scene following the harrowing incident. A black Audi with a mangled bonnet was later seen in the street after the crash. The force insisted that the incident was not being treated as a terrorist attack. The investigation remains ongoing, and police have asked anyone with information to contact them. 9 Noel was on crutches after being injured in the attack Credit: AP
The Irish Sun
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Brit actor left with ‘incredible sadness' after wife killed when car ploughed into crowd at Vancouver street festival
A BELOVED British actor has shared a heartbreaking tribute to his "larger than life" wife who was killed after a car ploughed into crowds in Vancouver. Hallmark star Noel Johansen was with his family at the Lapu Lapu festival over the weekend when a deranged SUV driver left Advertisement 9 Brit actor Noel Johansen paid tribute to his wife at a vigil after she was one of 11 people killed by a crazed driver Credit: AP 9 Mum Jenifer suffered fatal injuries after being rammed by a black Audi on Saturday Credit: AP 9 A mangled SUV was seen at the scene after a car barrelled into a crowd on Saturday 9 Noel, who has appeared on hit shows such as Fargo and The Good Doctor, addressed a large group mourners as he said a final goodbye to his costume designer wife Jenifer. The happily married couple were at the street celebration along with seven-year-old daughter, Darby and 15-year-old son Ford , 15. But just before 8:15pm on Saturday, the 50-year-old mum was hit by a speeding car and suffered fatal injuries. Noel held back tears at the vigil in Canada as he explained how Jenifer was stood just feet behind him and the kids when the deadly crash took place. Advertisement read more in Vancouver The London-based actor said: "She never celebrated herself in her life. "She never thought of herself; she thought of herself as small in terms of the reach. "And I can tell you she was larger than life for any of you who know her." He went on to describe her as a selfless, creative and empathetic person. Advertisement Most read in The Sun Noel was on crutches as he spoke to other mourners due to injuries he also suffered in the collision. The devastated dad made it clear that his worst injury is a broken heart. At least 7 children injured as car 'deliberately' ploughs into crowd of kids leaving school in ram attack in Japan Both children were left with minor bruises. Recalling the moment the car smashed into the family, Noel said it felt like a "giant tidal wave". Advertisement "It hit us before we knew. I was falling in slow motion trying to save my head from smashing in the pavement," he added. A Jen was a one-of-a-kind. She was an incredibly thoughtful, warm, caring, smart, stylish, artistic woman Michael Daingerfield family friend Over 1,700 people have raised over £92,000 so far to help the Johansen family. Michael also left a touching tribute to Jenifer as he set up the page. Advertisement He said: "Jen was a one-of-a-kind. She was an incredibly thoughtful, warm, caring, smart, stylish, artistic woman. "A gifted painter, a selfless mother, and a loving wife. She gave the best hugs, was always there to listen without judgement, and had the sweetest voice." 9 The aftermath of the crash site as emergency officials rushed to the street festival Credit: UKNIP 9 People attend a vigil for those who died in the horror car ramming Credit: Rex Advertisement 9 Police are continuing to investigate the deadly crash site Credit: Rex Since the horror evening, a suspect has been charged with eight counts of second degree murder. Cops arrested Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, and warned "further charges are anticipated". It comes after eyewitnesses revealed the terrifying moment an Audi hit a crowd of "hundreds" at the Lapu Lapu festival. Advertisement Horrifying footage showed victims and debris strewn across the road - with at least seven people lying on the ground. Among those killed included a five-year-old and a 65-year-old. Other clips appeared to show festival-goers trying to help those on the floor. Emergency services were also seen working at the scene following the harrowing incident. Advertisement A black Audi with a mangled bonnet was later seen in the street after the crash. The force insisted that the incident was not being treated as a terrorist attack. The investigation remains ongoing, and police have asked anyone with information to contact them. 9 Noel was on crutches after being injured in the attack Credit: AP Advertisement 9 A sign saying seen near the scene where a car drove into a crowd of people during the Lapu Lapu festival Credit: Rex
