The cherished casting director passed away on March 6th, 2023, at the Toronto General Hospital after a short illness.
Respected Canadian casting director, producer, and director Ron Leach will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and colleagues.
His profound love for the film and television industry enabled him to produce magnificent movies and series.
The departed’s dear friend Mark Johnston, founder and president of Eelay Media, shared with a media outlet that Leach was 68 years old at the time of his passing.
Johnston describes Leach’s laughter, storytelling, and generosity as just a few of his remarkable qualities, referring to him as “a force, a light, and a bright soul.”
The specific details regarding Leach’s illness were not disclosed. Nonetheless, his family has requested people to keep him in their prayers.
Spotlight on Ron Leach’s career
Leach’s career in the entertainment industry spanned over 30 years. He amassed numerous credits throughout his career and also worked as a drama coach for a part of his life.
According to the biography on his website, he cast for clients such as Hallmark, Lifetime, MarVista Entertainment, CTV, Anchor Bay, CBS, Fox, Paramount, and Global TV.
His recent casting credits included the 2020 Ottawa-shot crime thriller Two Deaths of Henry Baker (Fireside Pictures) and 2022’s The Holiday Sitter for Hallmark Channel.
His main source of income was the Toronto-based ‘Ron Leach Casting agency.’ Leach also served as vice president and president of the Acme Theatre Company, as well as president of its board of directors, for a total of 10 years.
Ron was raised in a household that embraced music, art, literature, and food.
He graduated from Sir Oliver Mowat High School in 1971, and although he intended to join the fine arts program at Ryerson University, his application was mysteriously lost.
This unexpected mishap led him to accept his first role as an agent in film and television at The Characters Talent Agency, sparking a passion that lasted his entire life.
Leach was involved on the boards of several arts organizations and served as a juror at various festivals, including the Future of Film Showcase.
Despite his demanding line of work, the departed tirelessly devoted his time to several non-profit organizations.
He ardently supported the “Friends for Life” bike rally, cycling from Toronto to Montreal for seven years to aid those battling HIV and AIDS.
Actor-writer-producer Donald Shepherd shared on Facebook, “Sending all the love to those who have felt the incredible impact from Ron, whether as a friend, teacher or a recipient of his kindness and received a helping hand.”
Ron Leach was a guiding figure and mentor for many. His sudden passing has left a void in the entertainment industry that will be incredibly challenging to fill.
