History of Eric Peterson in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 23, 2026

Eric Peterson is a Canadian actor prominent in stage, television, and film. He is most recognized for his roles in three significant Canadian TV series: Street Legal (1987-1994), Corner Gas, and This is Wonderland (2004-2006).

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

October 2, 1946: Eric Peterson's Birth

On October 2, 1946, Eric Neal Peterson was born. He is a Canadian stage, television, and film actor.

Others born on this day/year

1971: Founding Tamahnous Theatre

In 1971, Eric Peterson began his acting career by helping found the collective theatre company Tamahnous Theatre in Vancouver, British Columbia. He received major roles in versions of The Bacchae and Nijinsky.

1973: Of the Fields, Lately Debut

In 1973, David French's play Of the Fields, Lately debuted.

1974: Joined Theatre Passe Muraille

In 1974, Eric Peterson moved to Toronto, Ontario, and joined Theatre Passe Muraille, a leading collective ensemble in Canada. He played main roles in several productions.

1976: Collaboration with John Gray

In 1976, Eric Peterson began to collaborate with John Gray again, writing Billy Bishop Goes to War.

1978: Billy Bishop Goes to War Premiered

In 1978, the play Billy Bishop Goes to War, co-written by Eric Peterson and John Gray, premiered in Vancouver. It toured internationally, receiving positive reviews on Broadway and in London's West End.

1982: ACTRA Award Nomination

In 1982, Eric Peterson received an ACTRA award nomination for a CBC television adaptation.

1987: Street Legal Debut

In 1987, Eric Peterson began his role in the Canadian television series Street Legal, where he gained recognition.

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1987: Gemini Award Nomination

In 1987, Eric Peterson was nominated for the Gemini Award for Best Performance by a Lead Actor in a Continuing Dramatic Role for his portrayal of Leon Robinovitch on Street Legal. He tied for the win with Winston Rekert.

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1989: Gemini Award

In 1989, Eric Peterson won the Gemini Award for Best Performance by a Lead Actor in a Continuing Dramatic Role for his role in Street Legal.

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1992: Gemini Award

In 1992, Eric Peterson won a Gemini Award for his performance in Street Legal.

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1994: Street Legal Ended

In 1994, Eric Peterson's role in the Canadian television series Street Legal concluded.

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1995: Gemini Award Nomination

In 1995, Eric Peterson was nominated for the Gemini Award for Best Performance by a Lead Actor in a Continuing Dramatic Role for his portrayal of Leon Robinovitch on Street Legal.

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1996: Honorary Doctorate

In 1996, Eric Peterson received an honorary Doctor of Letters in drama from the University of Saskatchewan.

1998: Billy Bishop Goes to War at Canadian Stage

In 1998, Eric Peterson acted in the play Billy Bishop Goes to War once more at the Canadian Stage in Toronto.

1998: Nothing Sacred

In 1998, Eric Peterson co-produced and appeared in the stage version of Nothing Sacred.

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1999: Dora Awards for Billy Bishop Goes To War

In 1999, the 20th anniversary edition of Eric Peterson's play Billy Bishop Goes To War won him Dora Awards for Best Play, Best Direction, and Best Performance.

October 2000: Performed in Hysteria

In October 2000, Eric Peterson performed in Hysteria at the Canadian Stage.

January 2001: Appeared in Clout

In January 2001, Eric Peterson appeared in Clout at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa.

2001: Gemini Award for Pre-School Program

In 2001, Eric Peterson received his fourth Gemini Award for Best Performance in a Pre-School Program.

2004: Corner Gas and This is Wonderland

In 2004, Eric Peterson began roles in two Canadian television series, Corner Gas and This is Wonderland.

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2004: Canadian Comedy Award Nomination

In 2004, Eric Peterson was nominated (alongside Brent Butt) for a Canadian Comedy Award in the "Pretty Funny Television Performance – Male" category for his role on Corner Gas.

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2006: This is Wonderland Ended

In 2006, Eric Peterson's role in the Canadian television series This is Wonderland ended.

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January 2007: Performing in Half Life

Since January 2007, Eric Peterson has been performing in Half Life, a play by John Mighton, at the Canadian Stage.

2007: Canadian Comedy Award Nomination

In 2007, Eric Peterson was nominated for "Best Male Performance" at the Canadian Comedy Awards for his role on Corner Gas.

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December 13, 2008: Starred in Festen

On December 13, 2008, Eric Peterson starred as Helge Klingenfeldt in The Company Theatre's production of Festen at the Berkeley Street Theatre in Toronto.

2009: Reprised Role in Billy Bishop Goes to War

In 2009, Eric Peterson reprised the lead role in Billy Bishop Goes to War at the Soulpepper Theatre Company in Toronto.

2009: Corner Gas Live-Action Ended

In 2009, the live-action version of Corner Gas concluded its run, featuring Eric Peterson.

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2010: Planned Return of Billy Bishop Goes to War and Of the Fields, Lately

In 2010, the Soulpepper Theatre Company planned to bring back Billy Bishop Goes to War, and Eric Peterson played Wiff Roach in Soulpepper's revival of David French's 1973 play Of the Fields, Lately.