Speaker Biography
Best known as the award winning producer and star of the hit TV series Survivorman (OLN Canada, The Science Channel US, Discovery Channel International, City TV (Rogers) Canada), Les Stroud is the only producer in the history of television to produce an internationally broadcast series entirely written, videotaped and hosted alone. The godfather of ‘Survival TV’, Survivorman is one of the highest rated shows in the history of OLN Canada, the Science Channel US and Discovery Channel US. Licensed for broadcast worldwide, the series’ ratings in the US hit 2 million on individual episodes.
He has been nominated for 12 Canadian Screen Awards (formerly known as the Geminis.) A celebrated keynote speaker, musician and author, his books “Survive! – Essential Skills and Tactics to Get You Out of Anywhere–Alive!” (Harper Collins) and “Will to Live” have made the New York Times bestseller list. Nominated for Best Travel Writer at the Canadian National Magazine awards, Les is currently at work on his third book (Harper Collins). Musically, Stroud has shared the stage with the top in the business, including Alice Cooper, Steven Stills, Tommy Shaw, Robbie Krieger, Blues Traveler, Tesla, Jacob Dylan, Chicago and The Roots.
Revered worldwide for his iconic harmonica playing, Les’s style runs an eclectic gambit, from art-folk-roots rock to contemporary art rock. He has written all the theme songs for his TV series and scored several independent films before the intensity of television producing took over. He has won numerous regional music festivals, recorded three CDs (one in collaboration with the Northern Pikes) and is currently recording his fourth and fifth albums. His third CD,Wonderful Things, features guest appearances by Bryan Potvin, Oh Suzanna and Cowboy Junkies’ Jeff Bird. The release includes a feature documentary film entitled The Barn Sessions, produced by long-time collaborator Barry Farrell.
In 2013, he performed at the prestigious Green Ball in Washington, DC where he met Vice President Joe Biden. Stroud has made numerous talk show appearances including The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Larry King Live, and The Hour with George Stroumboulopoulos (CBC), to name a few. He has been parodied on hit TV sitcoms ‘The Office’ (segment officially titled, ‘Survivorman’) and ‘King of the Hill’. During their 2010 Royal Tour of Canada, Les was invited by the Prime Minister of Canada to meet the Queen of England and the Duke of Edinburgh.
A proud member of the prestigious Explorers Club, Les received Fellow (highest rank) of the Royal Canadian Geographic Society. Les has received both the Distinguished Alumni award and was nominated for the Premier’s award for excellence for work in his field. He contributes to dozens of charities and benefits, and is an advanced survival trainer for the Canadian Military Armed Forces.
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