"Edmonton actor (Eric Johnson) relishes Knick role"/ "Edmonton born actor shares his showbiz experiences with students"

Feb. 18, 2022: This is from my old physical news articles:

Dec. 23, 2014 "Edmonton actor relishes Knick role": Today I found this article by Elizabeth Withey in the Edmonton Journal:

The first time one of his patients died on the operating table, Eric Johnson was shaken.

“It was very visceral, very real,” the Edmonton-raised actor recalls of the bloody, tragic first surgery scene in the critically acclaimed Cinemax series The Knick. Sure, he and the other actors (including star Clive Owen) knew the scenario was completely fabricated. But they couldn’t quite shake it as make-believe.

The prosthetics looked and felt legit. They were all covered in fake blood. “We really felt the failure of the surgery not working. It was pretty incredible. I have a much bigger appreciation for what doctors go through now, that’s for sure.”

Johnson plays surgeon Dr. Everett Gallinger on The Knick, which airs on HBO Canada.

Directed by the prolific Steven Soderbergh (Traffic, Erin Brockovich, the Ocean’s Trilogy, Sex, Lies, and Videotape), the gritty drama (now renewed for a second season) follows doctors in a fictionalized version of New York’s Knickerbocker hospital. 

The show is set in the early 20th century, amid crushing racial and immigration tensions, centering on the brilliant and flawed Dr. John Thackery, played by Owen. 

Owen’s formidable portrayal of a gifted surgeon and cocaine addict has just earned him a Golden Globe nomination for best actor in a television drama series.

Other cast members include Eve Hewson (daughter of U2 frontman Bono)

and Andre Holland (who can be seen in the upcoming civil rights drama Selma).

Johnson is still getting used to moving in these celebrity circles. “I grew up in a very different world,” he says, sitting in his parents’ cosy, antique-filled living room in Mill Creek. But “no matter what level you’re at, it’s just people.”

Johnson was elated when he landed the role of Gallinger. He’d only just made a dream list of directors he’d like to work with, and Soderbergh was at the top of it.

The first season was shot in Brooklyn over four months beginning in September 2013. 

“The whole first few weeks of shooting, I was just waiting to get fired.

“It’s a dream job. You’re pinching yourself. I’m very much spoiled going forward.”

The 35-year-old got his start in acting in Edmonton at the age of nine, taking part in a summer acting program with Stage Polaris. 

At 11, he got his first stage role in a local show and was hooked. 

“It was kind of awesome, rad. I got to miss a month of school,” 

he recalls. 

“It was so nice to be treated as a peer, not a child.”

At 14, Johnson got a part in Legends of the Fall, playing Brad Pitt’s character as a child. The film won an Academy Award for best cinematography. 

All of a sudden, “Hollywood didn’t seem so far away. Even though I was here, it wasn’t unattainable.”

Though he and his parents sometimes argued about what he should do with his life (university! real estate licence!), Jane and Fred Johnson were ultimately supportive of their son’s dreams. 

As a teen, he got to go to Los Angeles solo for a screen test. 

“My parents put a lot of trust in me. 

I appreciate them not standing in the way of those opportunities.”

In 2001, four years after finishing high school at Bonnie Doon, 

Johnson got his first big break, landing a role as a football jock in Smallville. 

He met his future wife, writer producer Adria Budd, on the set, though they didn’t hit it off at first.

“I heard you’re from Edmonton. I’m from Edmonton,” Budd said to him after tapping him on the shoulder.

Johnson’s first impression: this person is short, and a little scary. She asked him what year he’d graduated. “1997,” he told her.

“Never mind!” said Budd, realizing she was nearly nine years older. 

“I’d had a couple of younger boyfriends and that was not on my list,” she recalls now. 

“And actor was not on my list either.”

Eventually it worked out — despite the fact that Johnson is from the south side while Budd grew up in Clareview.

“Those northside girls, you can’t trust ’em,” Johnson jokes.

Johnson’s career continued to flourish after he and Budd got married in 2004. 

He played the lead in a short-lived sci-fi series called Flash Gordon, 

and had roles in the Canadian police drama Rookie Blue 

and the Fox series Alcatraz.

Since his career started in childhood, Johnson never gave a thought to having a stage name (despite pressure from the Screen Actors Guild). 

He’s grown used to sharing his name with other prominent people. 

“I’m married to Jessica Simpson, 

I’m a world renowned guitarist, 

and I’m in the NHL,” 

he says, chuckling. 

Once, he and his wife happened to be staying in the same L.A. hotel as the guitarist Eric Johnson. 

When Budd had a birthday gift delivered to her husband, it was sent to the guitarist by mistake.

In The Knick, Johnson plays one of the more loathsome characters (and there are several).

Gallinger is a privileged white boy who makes his racist views clear, especially in his dealings with Dr. Algernon Edwards (Holland), the only black doctor in the hospital.

“People love hiring me to be someone people hate! I do that a lot!” 

jokes Johnson, whose Twitter bio reads: 

“That guy you hated on Rookie Blue, 

used to hate on Smallville 

and now hate on The Knick.”

Over the course of the series, Gallinger’s life slowly unravels with one family tragedy after another. 

As the viewer, you’re conflicted: 

do I hate this guy, 

or do I feel sorry for him? 

Johnson excels in portraying Gallinger’s complexity. 

“I wanted to make him as human as possible.”

Johnson won’t give anything away about Season 2, which begins filming in February. 

“Things continue to get worse,” he hints. 

“Don’t even think this is rock bottom.” He chuckles. 

“If you hate me now ...”

In real life, Johnson places a high value on family. He and his wife have a seven-year -old daughter, Calla. Every year, the Toronto-based trio comes to Edmonton for Christmas.

“One of my favourite things to do is shovel the walks,” he says. 

No joke. For a guy who works in a world of make-believe, manual labour — and the great outdoors — is a refreshing change. Not that he’d ever change his line of work: 

“I figured out how to get paid to play pretend.”

https://www.pressreader.com/canada/edmonton-journal/20141223/281500749605826

Jan. 8, 2015 "Edmonton born actor shares his showbiz experiences with students": Today I found this article by Trevor Robb on the Metro news:

Eric Johnson will be the first to admit that speaking to a room full of junior high school students is far more intimidating than starring in a hit television series.

"It's nerve wracking -- I always find it nerve wracking when I'm talking in front of people as myself as opposed to performing," said the Edmonton-born actor, who dropped by Westlawn Junior High School, 9520 165 St NW, Wednesday to share his experiences in show biz with over 250 students.

"I didn't know what to expect and I didn't know what they'd want to know about, so I let them ask as many questions as possible. But the kids were great."

At just 14 years old, Johnson -- who now resides in Toronto -- got his big break on the silver screen starring as a younger Brad Pitt acting alongside Anthony Hopkins in the 1994 movie, Legends of the Fall.

Today at 35-years-old, Johnson has starred in several hit television series including the

Superman series Smallville, 

cop drama Rookie Blue, 

and most recently alongside Clive Owen in the critically acclaimed Cinemax and HBO Canada series, The Knick.  

A junior high school buddy with Johnson growing up, Steven Greene is the curriculum coordinator at Westlawn School. 

As part of the school's Career and Technology Foundations (CTF) program, Greene hoped a visit by Johnson would help his students understand the importance of literacy and the hard work that's required to becoming a success in the film and television industry.

"One of the things that we're doing is letting students meet professionals and have them talk passionately about the work that they do," said Greene. 

"In one of the Q&A sessions, a few kids were asking about the big barriers he (Johnson) faced and he spoke quite a bit about overcoming that, and that even when things are hard to keep going."

Grade 8 students Juno Deanon, 13, and Adi Mistry, 13, came away from Johnson's speech admittedly inspired.

"I liked how he gave us such detailed information of how 

he took chances as a child 

and grabbed all opportunities to succeed 

and become what he is today -

- a successful man," 

said Deanon.

Both students are huge fans of Smallville, But admit they had no clue Johnson was an Edmontonian.

"It makes me proud that he's from Edmonton so that there's someone to represent us in movies and films," said Mistry.

Johnson admits being from Edmonton can be a hindrance for those looking to become a star, but it shouldn't hamper anyone from achieving their goals.

"I always looked to somebody like 

Leslie Nielsen, who's from Edmonton, 

or Michael J. Fox, who lived here for a year, 

those guys were inspirations to me," 

said Johnson. 

"It was my thought growing up that Hollywood is a place that's very far away and you know, how is that attainable? 

But if anything, I hope I gave the students a little encouragement that a career in film and television is a possibility."

https://edmontonsun.com/2015/01/07/edmonton-born-actor-shares-his-showbiz-experiences-with-students

My opinion: This part stood out to me:

"I always looked to somebody like 

Leslie Nielsen, who's from Edmonton, 

or Michael J. Fox, who lived here for a year, 

those guys were inspirations to me," 

I wanted to be an actor when I was a teen and he was like this role model and inspiration that if he can be a successful actor than so can I.

Here is the Apr. 2026 blog post where I write all about him:

Why I never liked Smallville/ Why I'm a big fan of Eric Johnson

https://badcb.blogspot.com/2026/04/why-i-never-liked-smallville-why-im-big.html

He is now part of Gary Goddard Agency:

https://ggagency.ca/johnson/

Here is another article I found of his that's on his agency's page: 

https://ggagency.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Eric-Johnson-Cineplex-Mag-Feb-2017.pdf

My week:

Sun. Apr. 5, 2026 Leo poll:

Megan M, St Johns, Newfoundland, would like to know:

How much did you spend on Easter this year?

I spent nothing

42.15% (1767)

Under $50

32.35% (1356)

Over $50

25.50% (1069)

My opinion: I spent nothing because my family and I don't celebrate it.

Tues. Apr. 7, 2026 Susan R, Winnipeg, Manitoba, would like to know:

At what ago do you plan to retire?

At 65 years of age or over    36.60% (1577)

I am already retired    32.72% (1410)

Before 65 years old    30.68% (1322)

My opinion: At 65 years of age or over.

Fri. Apr. 10, 2026:

Jeffrey P, Abbotsford, British Columbia, would like to know:

Do you plan on taking a cruise this year?

No

90.84% (3769)

Yes

9.16% (380)

My opinion: No, but I want to go on a cruise.

Sun. Apr. 5, 2026: I was going to listen to this song: 

Here they are performing live.  I love the choreography and dancing.

[Simply K-Pop CON-TOUR] XG(엑스지) - 'LEFT RIGHT' _ Ep.558 | [4K]

1,588,667 views Mar 2, 2023 #XG #엑스지 #LEFT_RIGHT

XG, ‘LEFT RIGHT’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6moExcUqPs

I then found this and there is new choreography with umbrellas, and trench coats.  There is different lighting.  

I like this song version more with the acoustic guitar.

I like the choreography more.

XGALX NEW GIRL GROUP - LEFT RIGHT (Y2K ver.) | Choreography

1,070,583 views Premiered Jan 25, 2025 #XGALX #LEFTRIGHT

. 🔴 All Rights Administered by 𝗫𝗚𝗔𝗟𝗫 🔴 XG's LEFT RIGHT by XGALX trainees.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcrUC6wr7sY

Here they are performing this live:

XG - LEFT RIGHT ACOUSTIC VERSION | 1st WORLD TOUR 'The first HOWL' FANCAM [MELBOURNE] 16FEB2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKnYEO4Qag4

"Toys ‘R’ Us Canada closing more stores, will ask permission to sell business: docs"/ "Toys 'R' Us Canada not playing around in various battles over its trademarks"

Mar. 27, 2026 "Toys ‘R’ Us Canada closing more stores, will ask permission to sell business: docs": Today I found this article by Tara Deschamps on BNN Bloomberg:

TORONTO — As Toys ‘R’ Us Canada prepares to ask a court for permission to put the business up for sale, it’s closing at least two more stores.

In new court documents, the chain says it’s notified the landlords at the 

St. Laurent Centre in Ottawa 

and Woodgate Plaza in St. John’s, Nfld. 

that its stores there will soon close.

The filings show Toys ‘R’ Us Canada will hand back both of those properties to landlords

 as well as two more locations it already closed at the 

Niagara Pen Centre in Ontario 

and in Vaudreuil Dorion, Que.

The closures come as the toy seller prepares to head back to court next month to get permission to launch a sales process for the business.

If a court gives the company the go-ahead, 

filings show anyone interested in buying the business or its assets will make bids in May

before Toys ‘R’ Us Canada will choose one or more buyers in June.

The sales process and wind down of stores is part of the retailer’s creditor protection process, 

which began earlier this year when it was having trouble coping with its mounting debt.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 27, 2026.

Tara Deschamps, The Canadian Press

https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/business/2026/03/27/toys-r-us-canada-closing-more-stores-will-ask-permission-to-sell-business-docs/

Apr. 6, 2026 "Toys 'R' Us Canada not playing around in various battles over its trademarks": Today I found this article by Tara Deschamps on BNN Bloomberg:

Toys ‘R’ Us Canada is battling 

tech giant Acer Inc., 

a Calgary swingers club 

and a Russian business 

over trademarks the struggling retailer says will cause confusion with its own branding.

The toy chain is opposing applications the three businesses filed in hopes of registering as trademarks a backwards R, the phrase “Club R” and the word “Wonderlab,” respectively, in their products or marketing.

It’s handling the cases even as the retailer remains in creditor protection 

and searches for investors for the business or buyers for assets, 

like the trademarks, 

which could be sold to help the company with its severe cash crunch. 

It owes at least $120 million to suppliers alone and says its landlords are also out “substantial” amounts.

Toys R’ Us Canada has said in its creditor protection filings that it is opposing the use of names and symbols linked to its brand to “protect its proprietary rights and goodwill.” 

Its lawyer did not respond to The Canadian Press’ requests for comment on the cases.

Furthest along in the process is the case over Wonderlab, 

the indoor playground 

and crafting space 

that Toys “R” Us Canada started experimenting with in 2013. 

It recently renamed the concept Playlab.

A Russian company known as Biomicrogeli wants permission to use the Wonderlab name on a wide range of products including lactose food products, toiletries like shower gel, soap and shaving cream, as well as diaper rash ointments, documents filed with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) show.

Because Toys “R” Us Canada’s Wonderlab trademark covers food, beverages, diapers, medicine and skin, hair and bath products, the retailer’s lawyers say letting Biomicrogeli use Wonderlab would be “confusing,”

especially because the Russian company’s products “would target the same consumers and would be sold in the same channels of trade.”

The argument was bolstered by an affidavit from a director of store planning worried there could be a “serious safety concern” if a child were to assume that a Wonderlab product from Biomicrogeli — which could contain chemicals — is safe to try out as they would in the toy store’s Wonderlab.

A lawyer for Biomicrogeli did not respond to a request for comment.

Many of the trademark applications Toys “R” Us Canada is opposing were made in the four years leading up to the company entering creditor protection in February but are still ongoing because it can take years to get permission to use a symbol when there is opposition.

No matter the circumstances a company is in when a fight comes to fruition, “you don’t want somebody else infringing on your rights,” said Erin McEwen, a trademark agent at Nelligan Law in Ottawa.

“It dilutes your brand, really, 

because consumers could think that that other brand 

is associated with your brand.”

She found 162 active trademarks registered to Toys “R” Us Canada but said it’s not unusual for companies to have that many, nor for them to pay lawyers to

identify 

and oppose 

every application that has any shred of similarity to a company’s own trademarks.

Businesses are so aggressive in defending them because 

trademarks allow companies to tamp down on competitors 

and remain one of the most lucrative assets companies have.

“They could sell them. 

They could license them,” 

McEwen said. 

“There’s so many things they could do with them.”

For example, when Hudson’s Bay filed for creditor protection and closed all its stores last year, 

it made $30 million by selling intellectual property, 

including the company name 

and rights to its iconic stripes, 

to Canadian Tire Corp. Ltd.

Among the trademarks Toys “R” Us Canada has are a reversed R — it says it’s had rights to that for at least 45 years. 

In addition to the main brand’s logo,

 backwards letter is found in the Babies “R” Us name. 

The company also has trademarks for Puppies “R” Us 

and Bruin, the chain’s toyline which uses a reversed R.

However, Acer Inc. now wants to use a backwards and capitalized letter R with an arrow on electronics and accessories.

Acer and its lawyer did not respond to a request for comment, but Toys “R” Us Canada has said letting the company use the logo on electronics and accessories would be “confusing.”

A letter Toys “R” Us Canada’s lawyer filed with the CIPO says it will eventually make the same point in a tussle with Club Rendezvous Inc., a Calgary swingers club looking to use “Club R.”

If the Alberta business can use the name, it would affect the 

distinctiveness, 

strength, 

level of protection 

and value that Toys “R” Us’s Club R trademark has, 

the retailer’s lawyer says.

Club Rendezvous’ owners, who The Canadian Press agreed not to name because their families are unaware of their involvement in the business, said they “do not believe there is any realistic likelihood of confusion” between their business and Toys “R” Us Canada because they operate in “a completely different industry and market segment.”

“We have built the Club R brand in good faith and remain confident in our position,” they said in an email. 

“At this stage, given the matter is ongoing, we are limited in what we can comment on publicly but will continue to co-operate fully with the process.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 6, 2026.

Tara Deschamps, The Canadian Press

https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/business/company-news/2026/04/06/toys-r-us-canada-not-playing-around-in-various-battles-over-its-trademarks/