Don Cullen: Cultural Catalyst
Channel: Back Lane Studios
Date: 08/02/2021

We were deeply saddened to learn that Don Cullen, writer, actor, impresario and generous soul, passed away on June 25, 2022. We were so grateful to have been able to make this documentary and appreciated his support and his patience! Don had quite a career, but in his self-deprecating way, always credited luck rather than his talent for his success. He played on Broadway in Beyond the Fringe, was a regular on the Wayne & Shuster show, wrote countless scripts and perhaps, most remarkable of all, founded the Bohemian Embassy on St. Nicholas St. -- by chance. Artists such as Margaret Atwood, Ian & Sylvia and Gwendolyn MacEwen read and performed at Don's upstairs coffee house. He was particularly proud of the fact that Mitch Podolak, founder of the Winnipeg Folk Festival, got his start at the Bohemian Embassy. 
Always modest, Don played an important role on Toronto's and Canada's cultural scene, but  never looked for the recognition he deserved.  He should have received an Order of Canada for his accomplishments and for the opportunities he gave to so many other Canadian artists and performers. 

This documentary was made by seniors in a program funded in part by the Government of Canada's New Horizons for Seniors Program. 

backlanestudios.ca