Jan Rubeš

Jan Rubeš (June 6, 1920 – June 29, 2009) was a Czech-Canadian actor and opera singer. Born in Volyně, Czechoslovakia, he emigrated to Canada following the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968.

Rubeš was a versatile performer, appearing in both stage and screen productions. He was known for his rich baritone voice and his extensive repertoire of operatic roles. His stage performances included productions at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City.

In Canada, Rubeš became a familiar face on television and in film. He starred in the CBC Television series The Beachcombers, playing the character of Mr. Grosso. He also appeared in numerous other Canadian and international productions, including films such as The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz, The Believers, Witness, and The Freshman.

Rubeš was a recipient of the Governor General's Performing Arts Award, Canada's highest honour in the performing arts. He was also inducted into the Order of Canada. His career spanned several decades and encompassed a wide range of artistic endeavours, making him a significant figure in both Czech and Canadian cultural history. He was married to Susan Douglas Rubeš, a producer and arts patron.