Newfoundland actor Gordon Pinsent gets shout-out in Modern Family episode

There was an unlikely Canadian reference on the sitcom Modern Family this week, when Newfoundland actor Gordon Pinsent was mentioned by one of the show's main characters.

CBC News Posted: Jan 08, 2016 2:47 PM EST | Last Updated: January 8, 2016

Gordon Pinsent reference on Modern Family

9 years ago

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Gordon Pinsent reference on Modern Family

There was an unlikely Canadian reference on the sitcom Modern Family this week, when Newfoundland actor Gordon Pinsent was mentioned by one of the show's main characters.

Gordon Pinsent, 85, is an actor, screenwriter, director and playwright who starred in films such as The Grand Seduction, The Rowdyman and The Shipping News. (Galit Rodan/Canadian Press)

In the scene, character Cameron Tucker (played by actor Eric Stonestreet), has some visiting house guestsfrom Canada, whom he welcomes at the door.

When asked how they like their room, one of the characters said,"It's like a palace up there," while his wifequipped,"I keep expecting to run into Gordon Pinsent."

Stonestreet's character clearly has no idea who Pinsent is, which promptedone of the Canadian characters to say, "I'm sorry, is he not a big movie star down here?"

The clip didn't go unnoticed by Canadian viewers, who took to social media to acknowledge the shout-out.

Bahahahahaha Gotta love a shout out to G Pinsent https://t.co/7fOrsTBepq
—@allanhawco

Did #gordonpinsent just get mentioned on @ModernFam?! Woot woot! #Newfoundland
—@HoStowe

@CochraneCBCNL and Gordon Pinsent was mentioned on Wednesday nights episode of Modern Family. What a time to be alive!
—@carlajonesboyd

Loved the Gordon Pinsent reference, on today's episode of Modern Family!
—@JamMcBain

Who's the Newfoundlander on the @ModernFam writing staff that name-checked Gordon Pinsent?! :-) @DannyZuker @SteveLevitan
—@DaleRM

#ProudCanadian Love that tonight's @ModernFam name-checked Canadian movie star Gordon Pinsent. @SteveLevitan, who's your Canadian mole?
—@TheOtherSelby

Thanks to @filmspotting I got a bigger laugh than the average viewer when they name dropped Gordon Pinsent on tonight's ep of Modern Family.
—@DJAHa

I totally know who Gordon Pinsent is. #ModernFamily
—@ShinjinSaKaKi

Nice #GordonPinsent shout out on #ModernFamily tonight
—@alexpkane

@Sarah_Hyland Very funny show as usual! Loved the reference to Gordon Pinsent (he's form my home province of Newfoundland!) LOL
—@tb_jam

Nice shout out to Gordon Pinsent by the "Canadians" on Modern Family last night. #cancon
—@flickerbat

NL's Gordon Pinsent had a shout-out on last night's Modern Family! pic.twitter.com/U63GTprOqA
—@melissaroyle

LOL at the Gordon Pinsent shoutout on @ModernFam .
—@sdwolfpup

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