Laurent Pitre has quickly become a notable and adaptable actor in the Canadian entertainment scene, highlighting his impressive abilities across various projects. His remarkable performances in the acclaimed film “Peace by Chocolate,” the popular CBC Gem series “Something Undone,” and the long-running show “Hudson & Rex” have received significant recognition both in Canada and abroad. In “Peace by Chocolate,” a touching film inspired by a Syrian family’s relocation to Canada after the destruction of their chocolate factory, Pitre effectively plays Liam. This character brings humor to the story. As the first employee of the family’s new chocolate venture, Liam offers loyalty and positivity, essential traits as they navigate the difficulties of starting over in a new environment. Pitre’s dedication to his role is evident in his meticulous development of Liam’s character, imagining him as a carefree traveler. This approach added depth to his performance, imbuing it with a vibrant sense of joy and innocence. His improvisational skills contributed to some of the film’s standout moments, including a funny mix-up on Liam’s first day with his Syrian boss. “Peace by Chocolate” has received global praise at over 40 film festivals, winning several awards, including the Audience Award for Best Feature at Heartland International Film Festival and Naples International Film Festival.
In the acclaimed series “Something Undone,” Pitre plays the challenging role of Taylor, a fentanyl addict living in Eagle Ridge Trailer Park. The story follows two true crime podcasters investigating a cold case from the 1980s, blending their personal struggles with the dark secrets they find. Taylor’s character is crucial to the plot, creating doubt in the main character, Farid, which ultimately unveils the true identity of the antagonist. Pitre skillfully balanced cynicism with vulnerable innocence in his portrayal of Taylor. The character’s addiction and sharp understanding of human nature added significant depth to the story, making Pitre a vital part of the production. His performance was so closely aligned with the character that detailed scenes were often captured in just a few takes, as the director and producers noted. “Something Undone” has received widespread praise, achieving several nominations and awards at notable festivals, including the SXSW Grand Jury Award for Episodic Pilot and the Best Short Form Series award at Series Mania.
Pitre demonstrates his versatility as an actor by being Parker Colson in the acclaimed series “Hudson & Rex”. In the episode titled “In the Doghouse” (Season 6, Episode 8), Pitre portrays an inmate and former library assistant who plays a crucial role in Detective Hudson’s investigation into the mysterious death of another prisoner. The character of Parker Colson presents a mix of traits; he appears modest and fragile but can resort to dangerous behavior when faced with significant pressure. Under duress from fellow inmates, Colson gets drawn into a scheme to harm Rex, a critical turning point in the episode.
To effectively embody this layered character, Pitre skillfully balanced elements of vulnerability and strength. His background in stage and screen combat enabled him to perform his own stunts, including an intense scene where Parker attacks Rex and almost fatally wounds Detective Hudson. This demanding role and a subtle display of emotional complexity highlight Pitre’s commitment to his work. His ability to interact seamlessly with human and animal co-stars, such as Diesel, who plays Rex, further emphasizes his adaptability and collaborative spirit. The success of this episode has bolstered the ongoing praise for “Hudson & Rex”, leading to multiple nominations at esteemed events like the Canadian Screen Awards and the Directors Guild of Canada.
Pitre’s performances in works like “Peace by Chocolate” and “Something Undone”, alongside “Hudson & Rex”, showcase his remarkable talent and commitment to his art. His skill in portraying intricate and diverse characters, professionalism, and innovative approach positions him as a rising star in the entertainment field. With each new role, Pitre captivates both audiences and critics, establishing himself as a significant player in Canadian film and television, poised for potential international acclaim.
