Gordon Pinsent statue in hometown of Grand Falls-Windsor is a fitting tribute, says nephew

There was Gordon Pinsent, the award-winning actor, director, writer and producer, the "codfather," voice of Babar, the Rowdyman and one of the most beloved characters Newfoundland and Labrador has ever known.

Then, there was Uncle Gord, the fun-loving relative, who was always quick with a joke, and made time for everyone in the family, especially the children.

"When Uncle Gord came home, he didn't bring Gordon Pinsent with him," said nephew Ron Smith. "When he was home, he was Uncle Gord … Nobody got left out. For some reason that was very important to him."

Now, there's Gordon Pinsent, the bronze statue — a tribute to the man who paved the way for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians in their pursuit of work on stage and screen.

Pinsent died in 2023 at the age of 92.

The statue was a joint project of the town of Grand Falls-Windsor and the province. Morgan MacDonald created the sculpture, which was unveiled over the weekend during the Salmon Festival.

"He'd be honoured, but I think he'd definitely be somewhat humble, maybe a little embarrassed," Smith said.

"If he were here, he would try and get around that with humour. When Gord felt humbled or a little embarrassed, he automatically went to humour."

The statue currently resides outside of Grand Falls-Windsor's town hall. It will be moved to another location so Pinsent looks down High Street, and the neighbourhood where he grew up.

Holly Dwyer, a town councillor who helped spearhead the initiative, hopes to expand on the tribute with storyboards and a display to further tell Pinsent's story.

"We wanted the statue to be classy," she said. "We wanted it to absolutely resemble him through the decades of work that he was known for. But we also wanted it to be inviting."

Since the weekend unveiling, Mayor Barry Manuel said the response has been phenomenal.

"This place has been buzzing with activity," he said. "People continue to come down and sit on the bench and speak to Gordon in some cases. It definitely brings up a lot of good memories for people."

Manuel said Pinsent is a big part of the community and the statue represents the connection.

WATCH | Pinsent is now immortalized with a statue in his hometown: 

Gordon Pinsent, a golden light in N.L. film, is now immortalized in bronze

19 hours ago

Duration 2:58

A statue of the late Newfoundland actor was unveiled in his hometown of Grand Falls-Windsor over the weekend, with representation from friends and family. The CBC’s Troy Turner reports on what he meant to the community.

For Smith, the tribute makes perfect sense. If there was ever an ambassador for the province, and Grand Falls-Windsor in particular, his uncle led the way.

"He sold the province everywhere he went, whether he was talking to politicians, whether he was talking to people within the acting [community]. And it didn't matter," said Smith.

"If you asked him where you're from is from Newfoundland. And he never has said, 'I'm from Canada.' He said he was from Newfoundland and, more specifically, Grand Falls."

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