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Final Exam

Yannick Bisson stands with hand in pocket. Yannick is wearing the costume from television show, "Murdoch Mysteries."

Mystery Man

TV detective Yannick Bisson discusses dunce caps, Dead Poets Society and the day his daughter graduated.

By Laura Bickle
Photo: CBC

Name: Yannick Bisson

Describe yourself in elementary school.

Enthusiastic, energetic, innocent.

Describe yourself in high school.

Reluctant, discouraged, impatient.

What was your favourite subject?

Science challenged me; I felt as though I was learning important things.

Your most challenging?

Reading aloud; I know, look at me now!

Favourite way to spend recess?

Group sports like handball — and dreaming about girls.

Fondest school-related memory?

In Grade 6, I had a friend named Richard Gonzales who had the most amazingly infectious laugh, and we did nothing but disrupt Mrs. Irvine’s class. I’ll never forget how much we laughed.

Most embarrassing memory?

I had a dunce cap placed on my head by a girl when I was in Grade 5.

Who are your favourite writers?

Robert Ludlum, James Michener, Napoleon Hill, Robert Kiyosaki, Trevanian and Noam Chomsky.

Favourite literary pieces studied?

I enjoyed anything by Steinbeck — they were always entertaining and piqued my imagination.

What are you currently reading?

The Border City Blues books by Michael Januska.

Who is your hero?

Guy Lafleur, Gilles Villeneuve.

Favourite heroes from fiction?

Jason Bourne, Tintin, Han Solo.

As a student, what career path did you dream of following?

Being a movie star or the Aqua Velva man.

What natural gift did you wish you possessed in the past?

I really hoped I’d be taller, still do.

Lesson learned in kindergarten that still applies today?

Keep your hands to yourself.

What prepared you for acting?

Group work and co-operative learning activities. Every day, I work hand in hand with a team of 100-plus people and each one has a critical role.

Who is your favourite fictional teacher?

Robin Williams in Dead Poets Society.

Most memorable teacher?

My Grade 7 and 8 theatre arts teacher, Mrs. Daniels. She was overworked and yet put on epic school musicals, taught us tech and was fabulous.

Qualities you appreciate in a teacher?

Enthusiasm and strict rules.

Best memory from graduation day?

I never got to graduate. Seeing my eldest daughter be the first in my family to graduate was a very big honour for me.