Anthony Kavanagh
Encyclopedia
Anthony KAVANAGH is a Canadian stand up comedian, actor
, singer, tv host. After a successful career on the francophone stand-up scene in Quebec, he became a major star in France, where he is now a popular television host.
, Canada
. He made his stage debut in a high school talent show at the age of 14. And in 1989, He won the Best New Comic Award of the Juste Pour Rire Festival (French Just For Laughs) in Canada. This award propelled him onto the Quebec
show business scene. Generous and charismatic, he charmed English and French speaking audiences alike.
In 1992, the comedian opened for touring artists like Julio Iglesias
and Nathalie Cole, and spent two years as Celine Dion
‘s opening act across Canada
, in French and in English
Anthony Kavanagh got his own television talk show in 1993 ”…et Anthony”, becoming the youngest talk show host in Quebec at age 23. He co-starred on the hit French Canadian comedy radio show “Les Midis Fous” on CKOI
(No.1 in their time slot), then in a recurring role on the television series “Super sans plomb” (in French) and a starring role in the the made for tv movie “Voodoo Taxi” (in English) for CBC Canada.
in 1995. This first one-man-show was a huge success and garnered rave reviews. The same year he received the outstanding new talent award at the Montreux Comedy Festival in Switzerland. In December he once more opened for Celine Dion
in Paris at the Paris-Bercy and Zenith arenas.
In 1998, After taking a year to adapt and prepare his show “Kavanagh!” for France
with famous French comedian, Pascal Légitimus, he debuted in Lyon
right in the middle of the Soccer World Cup. Nevertheless, the show drew sold-out crowds, even turning away more than 150 people a day. Not bad for an unknown comedian. In the fall he took up residence at Theâtre Trévise in Paris for seven months to sold-out audiences. He was an instead hit.
He conquered Paris with “Kavanagh !” in 1999. After less than one year in France, he was asked to do four shows at the Olympia, the most prestigious theater in France.
After 5 years, in 2003, he ends his Kavanagh! Tour after 500 shows in 7 countries and 250 000 dvd sold.
In 2008, after a 5 years break from doing stand up comedy, Anthony comes back to his first love with his new one man show “Anthonykavanagh.com” in Canada and France and Switzerland.
He returned to the stage at Théâtre du Gymnase in 2009 with his new stand up comedy show called “Ouate Else”. He then took the show on tour across France and Switzerland in 2010.
Since last year, Anthony Kavanagh performed his brand new one-man-show “Anthony Kavanagh fait son coming out” at Bobino Theater in Paris during two and half month and is currently on tour throughout France and the French-speaking world. (Belgium, Switzerland, Canada, Tunisia, French Caribbean, Monaco…)
Every year, since 2010, he hosted the “Grand Gala at the Festival Grand Rire de Québec” (Quebec Comedy Festival which aired on the Canadian SRC network).
(French-Canadian version).
Following in the footsteps of Richard Gere
on film and Usher
on Broadway
, Anthony Kavanagh was chosen in 2003 to interpret the well-known lawyer, Billy Flynn, in the French version of the famous musical comedy, Chicago
, in Montreal and Paris.
The biggest Hollywood studios called on him to lend his voice in the French version of animated hit movies such as : Mulan
(1998) by Disney : Mushu (French Canadian voice) ; Home on the Range
(2004) by Disney : Buck
(French voice) ; Madagascar 1 (2005), 2 (2008) & 3 (2012) by Dreamworks : Marty the zebra (French and French Canadian voice) ; Happy Feet
1 (2006) & 2 (2011) by Warner Bros : Memphis and Lovelace (French voice) ; The Princess and the Frog by Disney (2010) : Ray (French and French Canadian voice)
Anthony Kavanagh launched his new show, in 2006, an original concept “Les démons de l’Arkange”, and the album of the same name. The show was a musical, a concert and stand up comedy show all rolled into one. The show debuted at the Grand Rex in Paris, and then moved to Théâtre des Variétés.
The acclaimed French filmmaker, Etienne Chatiliez
(La vie est un long fleuve tranquille, Tatie Danielle, Le bonheur est dans le pré) gave him the leading male role in his latest film in 2008, “Agathe Clery
” where he played Quentin Lambert, a French businessman.
He played the male lead as American GI, Gary Larochelle, in the made-for-TV movie by Philippe Niang, “Les amants de l’ombre” in 2009. It was a huge hit, attracting over four million viewers.
Supporting role in the mini-series: “La Fille au Fond du Verre à Saké“, by Emmanuel Sapolsky. Aired on Canal Plus, in 2009. He played an homosexual French Canadian car designer living in Paris, Maxime Leroy.
This year, for the new season of “Fais pas ci, fais pas ça”, (French hit tv series), Anthony Kavanagh guest stars, the new neighbor, sports agent, Chris Lenoir.
, the biggest television network in Europe and the most popular in France, invited him to emcee, the “NRJ Music Awards
” (equivalent to the MTV Music Awards) six years in a row. He welcomed major French and international stars like David Guetta
, Beyoncé, Jay-Z
, Britney Spears
, U2
, Black Eyed Peas, Usher
, Coldplay
, Madonna
, just to name a few. His charisma, outstanding presence, and combined North American and French culture helped make this show a must-see annual showcase to this day.
In 2006, he hosted numerous primetime French tv shows on France 2
television network “The Dancing Show”, “Fête de la Musique
” and the “Symphonic Show” with the renowned «Night of Proms» orchestra.
He also returned to television in 2010, as host of a show he co-wrote and co-produced called “Nous avons les images”, broadcast on Comédie Channel in France and Super Écran in Canada.
Actor
An actor is a person who acts in a dramatic production and who works in film, television, theatre, or radio in that capacity...
, singer, tv host. After a successful career on the francophone stand-up scene in Quebec, he became a major star in France, where he is now a popular television host.
Early life
Anthony Kavanagh was born to Haitian parents on September 26, 1969 in the suburbs of MontrealMontreal
Montreal is a city in Canada. It is the largest city in the province of Quebec, the second-largest city in Canada and the seventh largest in North America...
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
. He made his stage debut in a high school talent show at the age of 14. And in 1989, He won the Best New Comic Award of the Juste Pour Rire Festival (French Just For Laughs) in Canada. This award propelled him onto the Quebec
Quebec
Quebec or is a province in east-central Canada. It is the only Canadian province with a predominantly French-speaking population and the only one whose sole official language is French at the provincial level....
show business scene. Generous and charismatic, he charmed English and French speaking audiences alike.
In 1992, the comedian opened for touring artists like Julio Iglesias
Julio Iglesias
Julio José Iglesias de la Cueva , better known simply as Julio Iglesias, is a Spanish singer who has sold over 300 million records worldwide in 14 languages and released 77 albums. According to Sony Music Entertainment, he is one of the top 15 best selling music artists in history,...
and Nathalie Cole, and spent two years as Celine Dion
Celine Dion
Céline Marie Claudette Dion, , , is a Canadian singer. Born to a large family from Charlemagne, Quebec, Dion emerged as a teen star in the French-speaking world after her manager and future husband René Angélil mortgaged his home to finance her first record...
‘s opening act across Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, in French and in English
Anthony Kavanagh got his own television talk show in 1993 ”…et Anthony”, becoming the youngest talk show host in Quebec at age 23. He co-starred on the hit French Canadian comedy radio show “Les Midis Fous” on CKOI
CKOI
CKOI is a network of French-language adult top 40 outlets broadcasting throughout the province of Quebec. Created by Corus Québec on November 6, 2009, the network and its stations are currently owned and operated by Cogeco....
(No.1 in their time slot), then in a recurring role on the television series “Super sans plomb” (in French) and a starring role in the the made for tv movie “Voodoo Taxi” (in English) for CBC Canada.
Stand-up comedy
He presented his first stand-up comedy show, “Kavanagh!” across QuebecQuebec
Quebec or is a province in east-central Canada. It is the only Canadian province with a predominantly French-speaking population and the only one whose sole official language is French at the provincial level....
in 1995. This first one-man-show was a huge success and garnered rave reviews. The same year he received the outstanding new talent award at the Montreux Comedy Festival in Switzerland. In December he once more opened for Celine Dion
Celine Dion
Céline Marie Claudette Dion, , , is a Canadian singer. Born to a large family from Charlemagne, Quebec, Dion emerged as a teen star in the French-speaking world after her manager and future husband René Angélil mortgaged his home to finance her first record...
in Paris at the Paris-Bercy and Zenith arenas.
In 1998, After taking a year to adapt and prepare his show “Kavanagh!” for France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
with famous French comedian, Pascal Légitimus, he debuted in Lyon
Lyon
Lyon , is a city in east-central France in the Rhône-Alpes region, situated between Paris and Marseille. Lyon is located at from Paris, from Marseille, from Geneva, from Turin, and from Barcelona. The residents of the city are called Lyonnais....
right in the middle of the Soccer World Cup. Nevertheless, the show drew sold-out crowds, even turning away more than 150 people a day. Not bad for an unknown comedian. In the fall he took up residence at Theâtre Trévise in Paris for seven months to sold-out audiences. He was an instead hit.
He conquered Paris with “Kavanagh !” in 1999. After less than one year in France, he was asked to do four shows at the Olympia, the most prestigious theater in France.
After 5 years, in 2003, he ends his Kavanagh! Tour after 500 shows in 7 countries and 250 000 dvd sold.
In 2008, after a 5 years break from doing stand up comedy, Anthony comes back to his first love with his new one man show “Anthonykavanagh.com” in Canada and France and Switzerland.
He returned to the stage at Théâtre du Gymnase in 2009 with his new stand up comedy show called “Ouate Else”. He then took the show on tour across France and Switzerland in 2010.
Since last year, Anthony Kavanagh performed his brand new one-man-show “Anthony Kavanagh fait son coming out” at Bobino Theater in Paris during two and half month and is currently on tour throughout France and the French-speaking world. (Belgium, Switzerland, Canada, Tunisia, French Caribbean, Monaco…)
Every year, since 2010, he hosted the “Grand Gala at the Festival Grand Rire de Québec” (Quebec Comedy Festival which aired on the Canadian SRC network).
Acting career
In 1998, he lent his voice to the character Mushu for Disney animated films, MulanMulan
Mulan is a 1998 American animated film directed by Tony Bancroft and Barry Cook, with story by Robert D. San Souci and screenplay by Rita Hsiao, Philip LaZebnik, Chris Sanders, Eugenia Bostwick-Singer, and Raymond Singer. It was produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and released by Walt Disney...
(French-Canadian version).
Following in the footsteps of Richard Gere
Richard Gere
Richard Tiffany Gere is an American actor. He began acting in the 1970s, playing a supporting role in Looking for Mr. Goodbar, and a starring role in Days of Heaven. He came to prominence in 1980 for his role in the film American Gigolo, which established him as a leading man and a sex symbol...
on film and Usher
Usher (entertainer)
Usher Terry Raymond IV , who performs under the mononym Usher, is an American singer-songwriter, and actor. He is considered around the world to be the reigning King of R&B. Usher rose to fame in the late 1990s with the release of his second album My Way, which spawned his first Billboard Hot 100...
on Broadway
Broadway theatre
Broadway theatre, commonly called simply Broadway, refers to theatrical performances presented in one of the 40 professional theatres with 500 or more seats located in the Theatre District centered along Broadway, and in Lincoln Center, in Manhattan in New York City...
, Anthony Kavanagh was chosen in 2003 to interpret the well-known lawyer, Billy Flynn, in the French version of the famous musical comedy, Chicago
Chicago (musical)
Chicago is a musical set in Prohibition-era Chicago. The music is by John Kander with lyrics by Fred Ebb and a book by Ebb and Bob Fosse. The story is a satire on corruption in the administration of criminal justice and the concept of the "celebrity criminal"...
, in Montreal and Paris.
The biggest Hollywood studios called on him to lend his voice in the French version of animated hit movies such as : Mulan
Mulan
Mulan is a 1998 American animated film directed by Tony Bancroft and Barry Cook, with story by Robert D. San Souci and screenplay by Rita Hsiao, Philip LaZebnik, Chris Sanders, Eugenia Bostwick-Singer, and Raymond Singer. It was produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and released by Walt Disney...
(1998) by Disney : Mushu (French Canadian voice) ; Home on the Range
Home on the Range
"Home on the Range" is the state song of Kansas, U.S.Home on the Range may also refer to:* Home on the Range , a drama directed by Arthur Jacobson* Home on the Range , a Disney animated feature film...
(2004) by Disney : Buck
Buck
Buck may refer to:People:*Buck *Buck *Michael Buckley *Buck BrannamanPlaces:* Buck, Pennsylvania, an Unincorporated community in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania...
(French voice) ; Madagascar 1 (2005), 2 (2008) & 3 (2012) by Dreamworks : Marty the zebra (French and French Canadian voice) ; Happy Feet
Happy Feet
Happy Feet is a 2006 American-Australian computer-animated family film with music, directed and co-written by George Miller. It was produced at Sydney-based visual effects and animation studio Animal Logic for Warner Bros., Village Roadshow Pictures and Kingdom Feature Productions and was released...
1 (2006) & 2 (2011) by Warner Bros : Memphis and Lovelace (French voice) ; The Princess and the Frog by Disney (2010) : Ray (French and French Canadian voice)
Anthony Kavanagh launched his new show, in 2006, an original concept “Les démons de l’Arkange”, and the album of the same name. The show was a musical, a concert and stand up comedy show all rolled into one. The show debuted at the Grand Rex in Paris, and then moved to Théâtre des Variétés.
The acclaimed French filmmaker, Etienne Chatiliez
Étienne Chatiliez
Étienne Chatiliez is a French film director. He was born in Roubaix, France.After starting out directing many advertising clips, he is now a well-known director of feature-length films with some success.- Filmography :...
(La vie est un long fleuve tranquille, Tatie Danielle, Le bonheur est dans le pré) gave him the leading male role in his latest film in 2008, “Agathe Clery
Agathe Cléry
Agathe Cléry is a French film released in 2008. Directed and co-written by Etienne Chatiliez, with co-writer Laurent Chouchan, this caustic musical is his sixth film.-Cast:* Valérie Lemercier - Agathe Cléry* Anthony Kavanagh - Quentin Lambert...
” where he played Quentin Lambert, a French businessman.
He played the male lead as American GI, Gary Larochelle, in the made-for-TV movie by Philippe Niang, “Les amants de l’ombre” in 2009. It was a huge hit, attracting over four million viewers.
Supporting role in the mini-series: “La Fille au Fond du Verre à Saké“, by Emmanuel Sapolsky. Aired on Canal Plus, in 2009. He played an homosexual French Canadian car designer living in Paris, Maxime Leroy.
This year, for the new season of “Fais pas ci, fais pas ça”, (French hit tv series), Anthony Kavanagh guest stars, the new neighbor, sports agent, Chris Lenoir.
Television
Since 2001, TF1TF1
TF1 is a national French TV channel, controlled by TF1 Group, whose major share-holder is Bouygues. TF1's average market share of 24% makes it the most popular domestic network...
, the biggest television network in Europe and the most popular in France, invited him to emcee, the “NRJ Music Awards
NRJ Music Awards
The NRJ Music Awards, created in 2000 by the radio station NRJ in partnership with the television network TF1 takes place every year in mid-January at Cannes as the opening of MIDEM...
” (equivalent to the MTV Music Awards) six years in a row. He welcomed major French and international stars like David Guetta
David Guetta
Pierre David Guetta , known professionally as David Guetta , is a French house music producer and DJ. Originally a DJ at nightclubs during the 1980s and 1990s, he co-founded Gum Productions and released his first album, Just a Little More Love, in 2002. Later, he released Guetta Blaster and Pop Life...
, Beyoncé, Jay-Z
Jay-Z
Shawn Corey Carter , better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...
, Britney Spears
Britney Spears
Britney Jean Spears is an American recording artist and entertainer. Born in McComb, Mississippi, and raised in Kentwood, Louisiana, Spears began performing as a child, landing acting roles in stage productions and television shows. She signed with Jive Records in 1997 and released her debut album...
, U2
U2
U2 are an Irish rock band from Dublin. Formed in 1976, the group consists of Bono , The Edge , Adam Clayton , and Larry Mullen, Jr. . U2's early sound was rooted in post-punk but eventually grew to incorporate influences from many genres of popular music...
, Black Eyed Peas, Usher
Usher (entertainer)
Usher Terry Raymond IV , who performs under the mononym Usher, is an American singer-songwriter, and actor. He is considered around the world to be the reigning King of R&B. Usher rose to fame in the late 1990s with the release of his second album My Way, which spawned his first Billboard Hot 100...
, Coldplay
Coldplay
Coldplay are a British alternative rock band formed in 1996 by lead vocalist Chris Martin and lead guitarist Jonny Buckland at University College London. After they formed Pectoralz, Guy Berryman joined the group as a bassist and they changed their name to Starfish. Will Champion joined as a...
, Madonna
Madonna (entertainer)
Madonna is an American singer-songwriter, actress and entrepreneur. Born in Bay City, Michigan, she moved to New York City in 1977 to pursue a career in modern dance. After performing in the music groups Breakfast Club and Emmy, she released her debut album in 1983...
, just to name a few. His charisma, outstanding presence, and combined North American and French culture helped make this show a must-see annual showcase to this day.
In 2006, he hosted numerous primetime French tv shows on France 2
France 2
France 2 is a French public national television channel. It is part of the state-owned France Télévisions group, along with France 3, France 4, France 5 and France Ô...
television network “The Dancing Show”, “Fête de la Musique
Fête de la Musique
The Fête de la Musique, also known as World Music Day, is a music festival taking place on June 21.-History:The idea was first broached in 1976 by American musician Joel Cohen, then employed by the national French radio station France Musique. Cohen proposed an all-night music celebration at the...
” and the “Symphonic Show” with the renowned «Night of Proms» orchestra.
He also returned to television in 2010, as host of a show he co-wrote and co-produced called “Nous avons les images”, broadcast on Comédie Channel in France and Super Écran in Canada.
Various Shows
- 2010 : Anthony Kavanagh fait son coming out
- 2009 : Ouate Else
- 2008 : Anthonykavanagh.com
- 2006 : Les Démons de L’Arkange
- 2003 : ChicagoChicagoChicago is the largest city in the US state of Illinois. With nearly 2.7 million residents, it is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous in the US, after New York City and Los Angeles...
, the musical - Billy Flynn - 1995-99 : Kavanagh !
Filmography
- 2010 : The Princess and the Frog : Ray (french and quebec voices)
- 2008 : Agathe CléryAgathe CléryAgathe Cléry is a French film released in 2008. Directed and co-written by Etienne Chatiliez, with co-writer Laurent Chouchan, this caustic musical is his sixth film.-Cast:* Valérie Lemercier - Agathe Cléry* Anthony Kavanagh - Quentin Lambert...
- Quentin Lambert - 2008 : Madagascar 2Madagascar 2Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa is a 2008 animated film written by Etan Cohen, and directed by Eric Darnell and Tom McGrath. This sequel to the 2005 film Madagascar continues the adventures of Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, and Gloria the Hippo...
- Marty le zèbre (french voice) - 2005 : MadagascarMadagascarThe Republic of Madagascar is an island country located in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of Africa...
- Marty le zèbre (french voice) - 2004 : Home on the RangeHome on the Range"Home on the Range" is the state song of Kansas, U.S.Home on the Range may also refer to:* Home on the Range , a drama directed by Arthur Jacobson* Home on the Range , a Disney animated feature film...
- Buck (french voice) - 2000 : Antilles sur Seine
- 1998 : MulanMulanMulan is a 1998 American animated film directed by Tony Bancroft and Barry Cook, with story by Robert D. San Souci and screenplay by Rita Hsiao, Philip LaZebnik, Chris Sanders, Eugenia Bostwick-Singer, and Raymond Singer. It was produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and released by Walt Disney...
- Mushu (quebec voice)
Movies
- 2011 : Fais pas ci, fais pas ça - Chris Lenoir
- 2011 : Oggy et les cafards (voices)
- 2009 : Les Amants de l’ombre - Gary Larochelle
- 2008 : La Fille au fond du verre à saké - Maxime Leroy
- 2005 : Le cœur a ses raisonsLe Cœur a ses raisonsLe cœur a ses raisons is a French language Québécois téléroman which heavily parodies American soap operas, often involving great exaggeration to ridiculous proportions. Its English title would literally be The Heart Has Its Reasons, but the distributor has chosen to translate it by Sins of Love...
- Brock Steel - 1989 - 1991 : Super sans plomb
- 1991 : Voodoo Taxi
Shows
- 2010 : Nous avons les images on Comédie channel !
- 2006 : Shymphonic Show on France 2France 2France 2 is a French public national television channel. It is part of the state-owned France Télévisions group, along with France 3, France 4, France 5 and France Ô...
. - 2006 : Dancing Show on France 2.
- 2001 à 2006 : NRJ Music Award