John Reardon: “Dogs Remind Us To Have Fun”

John Reardon is a Canadian actor and the star of the hit series Hudson &Rex. Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, John studied at RADA, performing in a number of plays on their mainstage, including Hamlet.

On-screen, John has been cast in recurring roles on shows including the FOX Family Channel series Edgemont, FOXʼs Tru Calling, Syfyʼs Eureka, Showtimeʼs The L Word, CWʼs Hellcats and Bravo’s Girlfriend’s Guide to Divorce.

Leading roles include the feature, Make it Happen, the mini-series 'Merlinʼs Apprentice' as well Son of the Dragon, which was filmed in China.

Fan favorite roles include his supporting roles in the Wayansʼ brothers hit White Chicks and slasher comedy Scary Movie 4 and with his role in the blockbuster film Tron: Legacy.

John played the role of Blake Laviolette for the three seasons of Arctic Airon CBC. He also shot on three seasons of the Showcase sci-fi thriller series Continuum.

Recurring roles include the series Van Helsing, The Killing and Painkiller Jane. Reardon played the lead role on Love on the Sidelines, where his football background comes into play (no pun intended).

John caught up with K9 Magazine to talk about his work, life and canine co-star.

Tell us all about all the dogs you've loved in your life. (this is your chance to tell us everything about your dogs, past or present. Names, ages, breeds - we want to know everything!)

The first dog I ever remember playing with was my uncle’s dog Luther who was a German Shepherd. I was maybe 3 or 4 and he used to chase me around their farm in Nova Scotia.

We were good buds and I loved his enthusiasm to play. He always wanted to be a part of whatever we were doing.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Hudson & Rex on Citytv (@hudsonandrex)

My family had a Lhasa Apso, a Dalmatian and a golden retriever when I was a kid. All three were great friends but it was amazing how different their personalities were.

Our Lhasa was like an older sibling, always protective of us. The Dalmatian just had to run all day long and our golden wanted to lay next to you on the couch and watch tv.

You're obviously a huge dog lover. How long have dogs been a major part of your life and how would you explain the importance of dogs to someone who hadn't ever experienced the joy of a canine/human relationship in their life?

Dogs have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Cats too. My first pet was a white cat when I was really young. I am a huge advocate for animal companionship.

They possess many qualities humans often suppress because our lives get too busy. They remind us to have fun.

What are your favorite things to do with your dog(s)?

Getting outdoors, being active, and going for a run - are all things I love about having a dog because this is so crucial to their happiness.

It is for us as well, but we can find ways to talk ourselves out of doing it. Dogs keep you active and engaged in the world.

You have a really interesting career... What advice would you give to the many people who wanted to follow your path in career terms? What are the absolute best (and worst) things about your work?

My advice would be to keep open, have fun, treat people with respect and enjoy the process. It’s a lot of hard work. But that is a positive.

https://www.tiktok.com/@hudsonandrex/video/7221568603554876677

Here are our quick-fire questions, are you ready?

Which do you prefer and why?

Big dogs or little dogs?

Big dogs!

Calm, relaxed dogs or dogs who live at 100mph?

Born to run.

Dogs who do as they're asked most of the time or dogs who do pretty much whatever they like whenever they like?

I like spirit but I also want a dog who is excited to be a part of what I’m doing. You bond more.

Dogs who love to walk by your side or dogs who like to race off and cover ten thousand yards in 3 seconds?

They can run as long as they come back.

Days off or days at work?

Days at work.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Hudson & Rex on Citytv (@hudsonandrex)

The fastest route or the scenic route?

Scenic, it’s the journey, not the destination.

Nighttime or early morning?

Early morning. I like coffee.

Describe the last time you laughed out loud because of something you saw a dog do.

Every day on set the dogs make me laugh. They have a great sense of humor.

What do you like to do in your downtime?

Anything I can with my kids and family. Especially being outdoors in the sun and nature.

Let us in on a secret that very few people know about you.

I studied to be a biologist before I went to theater school.

What is your current favorite…?

TV show?

The Office.

Album?

Tom Petty, Full Moon Fever.

Film?

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.

Website?

NASA.gov.

Animal charity(s)?

SPCA, Save Our Oceans.

If you had to choose just one, what product or service would you say has most changed your life do you think and why? (can be technology, beauty, food, pet-related, book - anything)

The audible app on my phone. I go through an unhealthy amount of books on tape.

Tell us about some of the most memorable moments from your work.

Some of the Newfoundland landscapes are hard to describe in words. They are truly stunning.

Finish the following sentence, "dogs are..."...

Hairy 😄

And finally, this is always a tough question and often requires some serious thought… If dogs had the ability to speak and you could ask your dog just one question and one question only, what would you ask them and what do you think that they'd say?

Am I taller in person? I think they would definitely say "Yes".

This is an opportunity to talk about any causes, projects, business ventures, etc that are important to you and you'd like us to tell our readers about.

The SPCA in St John’s Newfoundland is currently raising money for a new faculty. It has been a long time in coming and will do wonders in the community. Even small donations go a long way!

Thanks, John!

Watch Hudson & Rex Season 5 on Alibi.

Facebook: facebook.com/HudsonAndRex/
Twitter: @hudsonandrex
Instagram: @hudsonandrex
TikTok: @hudsonandrex