'This guy is down-to-earth': Bear Clan patrol member shares experience with Woody Harrelson in Winnipeg
A security assignment at a church in Winnipeg turned into a chance celebrity encounter with Academy Award nominee Woody Harrelson.
Michael Thiessen jumped at the opportunity to volunteer for a security and community relations job during a movie shoot in Winnipeg’s Point Douglas neighbourhood.
“He told me the address, 137 Euclid, and I’m going like, well that’s the church my parents help build, so I said, ‘Yeah, I’ll definitely do that,’” said Thiessen.
The Bear Clan, a community group that operates in Winnipeg, was hired for the movie “Champions” to act as a liaison between the community and the production staff to minimize any potential disruptions.
It was during the post-shoot debriefing near Harrelson’s trailer that the actor made his appearance.
“We were just standing there talking, and there were community members going like, ‘Can we take pictures with Woody?’ and I said, ‘I don’t think so unless he gives the OK’ and then Woody comes out of the bus and comes and sees us and says, ‘Hey guys, you want a picture?’” said Thiessen.
It wasn’t just a group picture either. Harrelson took the time to take individual photos as well as spending time talking to people.
“This guy is down-to-earth,” said Thiessen. “He’s concerned with people, with what’s going on out on the streets. There’s nothing pretentious about him.”
Thiessen discussed his role with the Bear Clan, what the organization does, and even offered up an invitation to participate in one of their patrols. However, Thiessen said he’s not sure if that went any further than talk.
This was the first movie shoot Thiessen has been involved with through the Bear Clan, but it’s not the first movie shoot the Bear Clan has provided services.
Bear Clan executive director Kevin Walker said they started providing services to the movie industry in recent years. It began with the movie 'Burden of Proof' and has grown since then.
“I think it’s important that we are able to engage with the community rather than (be) security,” said Walker. “We have a way of approaching people and dealing with people with pretty good rapport. I think it’s just an easier way on the whole community as well if we are all involved.”
Walker said for the most part, his members and the movie actors don’t interact out of respect for what they do, but if the actors choose to mingle, it is a different story.
“I look at all the movie things that we’ve gone through and done, and it’s a great experience for our volunteers to have that opportunity and get that opportunity to meet famous people,” Walker said.
This isn’t the only Harrelson encounter during his stint in Winnipeg. On November 9, Marie Manitopyes met Harrelson in Point Douglas after she went to pick up her grandson and his friend. She also got a picture with the actor.
As for Thiessen, meeting Harrelson was a highlight now immortalized in a picture, but more so it was an opportunity to serve the community differently.
“We’re making a difference. The community trusts us,” said Thiessen.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
WATCH LIVE 'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Toronto police seek suspect vehicle after security guard shot outside Drake's mansion
Toronto police are seeking help from the public as they continue to investigate a shooting that seriously injured a security guard outside rapper Drake's mansion.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
World's record-breaking hot temperature streak stretches through April
The world just experienced its hottest April on record, extending an 11-month streak in which every month set a temperature record, the European Union's climate change monitoring service said on Wednesday.