Austin Willis

Austin Willis

Doctor of Fine Arts

Austin Willis received an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts in honour of his achievements in the performing arts. The well known actor and journalist began his early education in Halifax and graduated from Kings College School in Windsor in 1936. Willis decided to pursue a career in journalism rather than work in his family's piano business. He worked for The Chronicle Herald and Mail Star and was a radio announcer for CHNS before moving to Toronto to become an announcer with CBC Radio.

In 1942, he joined the navy and was posted to Naval Information. He later became a stage actor in London, England and worked in radio and television. He performed in two Broadway plays and appeared in American films including the classic James Bond film "Goldfinger". After completing a Canadian TV series called "Seaway", he moved to California where lived for the next twenty years. Willis was recently inducted into the Order of Canada.