Acting
Don Borisenko
Don Borisenko was a notable Canadian actor whose career spanned from the late 1950s to the 1970s, during which he gained recognition for his compelling performances in both film and television. Often referred to as "the Canadian James Dean," Borisenko's early successes led him to England, where he starred in two significant films by fellow Canadians. In 1960, he showcased his talent in Sidney J. Furie's wartime drama "During One Night," followed by a prominent role in Mark Robson's historical thriller "Nine Hours to Rama" (1963), portraying Naryan Apte, the associate of Gandhi's assassin, Nathuram Godse, played by Horst Buchholz.
After a pivotal moment in his career when he left the set of Robert Aldrich's "The Dirty Dozen" (1967) due to dissatisfaction with his role—ultimately reassigned to Donald Sutherland—Borisenko transitioned to television, making appearances in various shows in Canada and the UK. In the 1970s, he relocated to Los Angeles, adopted the name Jonas Wolfe, and featured in films such as "Black Gunn" (1972) and "The Laughing Policeman" (1973). Additionally, he opened a music venue that famously hosted Van Halen's first paying gig.
Eventually, Borisenko turned away from acting, focusing on his passions for poetry, painting, and sculpture, leaving behind a rich legacy in the arts.
