If you haven't picked your Halloween costume for this year yet, here’s a list of characters notorious for their unique style.
By: Anna Maria Moubayed
(Abby Grant / CanCulture)
As Halloween slowly begins to approach, many people go through their existing wardrobe to put together a fun costume, while others start hunting for costume ideas and clothing pieces. Either way, you’re in luck! This article has a list of Canadian actors from movies and TV shows, with roles that put them on the map.
1. Catherine O’Hara
This Canadian actress, comedian, and writer was a central character in the classic holiday film Home Alone. All you need to be Kevin’s mom is a beige coat, a white shirt, a scarf to protect you from the winter cold, a pair of gold earrings, and a worried look on your face. Walk around town looking for your son, screaming “Kevin!” and people are sure to recognize you as one of the best movie moms of all time.
Alternatively, grab whatever obnoxious item you can find around the house and turn it into “designer clothing” to fully embody O’Hara’s famous Moira Rose character from the Canadian TV show Schitt's Creek. This can span anywhere from a tablecloth with a belt to your pet as a headpiece. Of course, pay close attention to the wig you choose to match the outfit and your mood. Most importantly, don’t forget the red lipstick.
2. Eugene Levy
If you want to have a cute couple’s costume, here’s an idea: Moira’s character is only complete with her husband, Johnny Rose, who was played by Canadian actor, comedian, producer, director and writer Eugene Levy. Put on your best suit, borrow your dad’s best handkerchief and add some flour into your hair to get that iconic “silver fox” look. Now all you have to do is buy a town for your son.
3. Matthew Perry
Matthew Perry is a Canadian-American actor, executive producer, and comedian. He is best known for his role as Chandler Bing in the TV series Friends. Practice your jokes, sarcastic remarks, and stressing the wrong words in a sentence. All you need for his look is a shirt, your dad’s vest, and maybe a funky tie.
4. Jim Carrey
The famous actor, comedian, writer, and producer is known for his energetic performances, making sure you’ll be the life of the party. With his long list of movie and TV show characters, you have many options. Let’s focus on three movie characters that would make great Halloween costumes.
Stanley Ipkiss, his character from The Mask will require you to drink a lot of coffee to match his energy. Other than that, all you will need is a green mask or face paint and a dashing yellow suit.
Be your natural self dressing up as Lloyd Christmas, Carrey’s character from the movie Dumb and Dumber. Wear your most comfortable clothes, get the bowl cut, and add in a tooth gap. All that’s left is your partner in crime and your dog-shaped mode of transportation.
Alternatively, grab your craziest pair of pants, along with your craziest shirt, and maybe a fluffy pink tutu to replicate another one of his famous characters: Ace Ventura from the movie Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. Perhaps the most important part of this costume will be getting the hair just right, so make sure you stock up on a lot of hair gel.
5. Sandra Oh
Get ready to show off all your high school biology knowledge! Oh’s famous character, Cristina Yang from Grey’s Anatomy will not only be a killer Halloween costume but also highly effective as a COVID-19 safety measure. Incorporate a medical mask into your costume to stay safe.
You can also dress as her helpful principal character from The Princess Diaries or a badass teacher from Ramona and Beezus. Grab a nice shirt and a matching pencil skirt, and get ready to deal with princess drama or make a troubled little very happy.
6. Ryan Gosling
Polish up your dance routine, make sure to practice your jazz pieces on the piano, and put on your best suit and tie set to be Ryan Gosling’s famous character Sebastian "Seb" Wilder from La La Land. Let your friends know that you might break out in song at any moment and they should consider themselves warned. See if you can borrow a pair of tap shoes to complete the look.
7. Christopher Plummer
This legendary Canadian actor had a career that spanned seven decades. Who wouldn’t want to be him? His iconic role in the classic movie The Sound of Music portrayed the strict, yet caring and handsome Captain Von Trapp. For this look, you will need a dashing suit, fit for a captain, and either a guitar or a whistle, depending on whether you want to be the strict or caring side of the Captain. Finally, you will need seven children. The latter is usually hard to find, but you could always substitute them with pets, plushies, or potatoes.
8. Rachel McAdams
Grab any pink piece of clothing you own, we’re going shopping! Channel your inner spoiled, popular high schooler by putting together a jarringly pink and undoubtedly uncomfortable outfit. Rachel McAdams’ iconic Regina George character from Mean Girls is sure to make people recognize who you’re dressed up as instantly. This evil genius not only bossed the crew around but wreaked havoc when things didn’t go according to her plan. Get ready for the “spring fling” like it’s your Olympics. Have you started training yet?
9. Michael J. Fox
Maybe the future will get better? It is no secret that the Back to the Future movies are staples in movie history. Become Michael J. Fox’s legendary character Marty McFly and get ready to travel. All you need is a pair of jeans, some layered shirts, a confused look on your face, possibly your passport and proof of vaccination to be able to travel, and a puffy vest to top it all off; the perfect outfit for a Canadian fall.
10. Tommy Chong
Tommy Chong’s character Leo from That 70s Show is possibly the perfect Halloween costume. Grow out your hair and beard and find a ’70s closet you can invade. You will need a lot of denim clothing. Truly let your weird side shine with this character. Share your hippie-era stoner wisdom with the people around you, and the worthy will listen.
These classic characters make for great Halloween costumes. Whether you have all the time in the world to put together the perfect outfit or you want to use what you already have and create a last-minute costume, these characters will get you recognized by all trick-or-treaters. Don’t be scared of modifying these costumes to fit your style, comfort, and our Canadian weather. Happy Halloween!