1. Overview
Daniel Pilon (Daniel PilonpilɔFrench; November 13, 1940 - June 26, 2018) was a Canadian actor known for his extensive career across film and television. He gained significant recognition for his role as Renaldo "Naldo" Marchetta in the popular television series Dallas. Pilon also appeared in several prominent daytime soap operas, including Ryan's Hope, Guiding Light, and Days of Our Lives, showcasing his versatility in various dramatic roles.
2. Early Life and Background
Daniel Pilon was born in Montreal, Quebec, on November 13, 1940. He came from a family with ties to the acting profession, as he was the brother of fellow Canadian actor Donald Pilon. His formative years were spent in Montreal, the city where he would later pass away.
3. Personal Life
Daniel Pilon's personal life encountered significant challenges, particularly in the mid-1990s. In January 1994, his home was severely damaged and subsequently destroyed by the devastating 1994 Northridge earthquake. This event led to substantial financial distress, prompting him to declare his first bankruptcy in April of the same year. Concurrent with these difficulties, Pilon also went through a divorce from his wife in 1994.
4. Death
Daniel Pilon passed away in his hometown of Montreal, Quebec, on June 26, 2018. He was 77 years old at the time of his death, which was attributed to a long illness. His talent agency confirmed his passing shortly after.
5. Career
Daniel Pilon's career spanned several decades, encompassing a wide range of roles in both Canadian and international productions. He made his debut in the late 1960s and continued to act until his final film role in 2011.
5.1. Early Career
Pilon began his acting career in 1968 with his first movie appearance in The Rape of a Sweet Young Girl (French: Le Viol d'une jeune fille douce). This film was directed by renowned Canadian filmmaker Gilles Carle. A notable aspect of Pilon's early career, and indeed later on, was his consideration for the iconic role of James Bond. He was reportedly considered for the part on two separate occasions: first in 1968, early in his career, and again in 1984.
5.2. Film and Television Works
Pilon built an extensive filmography throughout his career, participating in numerous productions across both the big screen and television.
5.2.1. Film
Daniel Pilon appeared in a variety of films, ranging from Canadian productions to international features. His roles varied widely, showcasing his dramatic range.
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1968 | The Rape of a Sweet Young Girl (Le Viol d'une jeune fille douce) | Raphaël | |
| 1968 | Play Dirty | Capt. Allwood | |
| 1969 | The Milky Way (La Voie lactée) | François | |
| 1970 | Red | Red | |
| 1971 | Sex in the Snow (Après-ski) | Phillip | |
| 1971 | Malpertuis | Mathias Crook | |
| 1972 | Satan's Sabbath (Le Diable est parmi nous) | Paul Drouin | |
| 1972 | The Wise Guys (Les Smattes) | Réjean Cardinal | |
| 1972 | The Rebels (Quelques arpents de neige) | Simon de Bellefeuille | |
| 1972 | Les Indrogables | Short film | |
| 1973 | The Death of a Lumberjack (La Mort d'un bûcheron) | François Paradis | |
| 1974 | By the Blood of Others (Par le sang des autres) | ||
| 1975 | Brannigan | John Gorman | |
| 1977 | Starship Invasions | Anaxi | |
| 1979 | Plague | Bill Fuller | |
| 1980 | Hot Dogs (Les Chiens chauds) | Frank | |
| 1984 | Love Scenes | Rick | |
| 1988 | Malarek | Max Middleton | |
| 1992 | Scanners III: The Takeover | Michael | |
| 1992 | North of Chiang Mai | Roger | |
| 1997 | Habitat | Strickland | |
| 1997 | Suspicious Minds | Richard Whitmore | |
| 1997 | The Assignment | Admiral Crawford | |
| 1998 | The Sleep Room | James Belding | |
| 1998 | Going to Kansas City | Jack Bruckner | |
| 1998 | The Ultimate Weapon | McBride | |
| 1998 | Musketeers Forever | Julius Bonaparte | |
| 1999 | In Her Defense | Robert St. Laurent | |
| 1999 | Fish Out of Water | Venzal | |
| 2000 | The List | Mason Powell | |
| 2000 | Left Behind | Jonathan Stonegal | |
| 2003 | Deception | ||
| 2003 | Michel Vaillant | Président Rallye Canada | |
| 2007 | Shoot 'Em Up | Senator Rutledge | |
| 2008 | Story of Jen | Melvin | |
| 2009 | Looking for Anne | Jeff | |
| 2010 | Krach | Harry Hunt | |
| 2011 | L'invité | Antoine | Short film, (final film role) |
5.2.2. Television
Pilon was a familiar face on television, particularly known for his roles in popular soap operas and TV movies.
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | The Albertans | Hans Keller | 2 episodes |
| 1982 | Massarati and the Brain | Mas Massarati | TV movie |
| 1983 | The Hamptons | Nick Atwater | 1 episode |
| 1983 | Missing Pieces | Jorge Martinez | TV movie |
| 1983 | Masquerade | 1 episode | |
| 1984-1985 | Dallas | Renaldo "Naldo" Marchetta | 9 episodes |
| 1983-1987, 1988 | Ryan's Hope | Max Dubujak | |
| 1987 | Hitting Home | Max Middleton | TV movie |
| 1989 | Guiding Light | Alan Spaulding #2 | 27 episodes |
| 1989 | Piège infernal | Me Gérard | TV mini-series |
| 1992 | Casino | Phillip LeMaster | TV movie |
| 1992 | Days of Our Lives | Gavin Newirth | 27 episodes |
| 1994 | The Maharaja's Daughter | Hamilton | 3 episodes |
| 1995 | No Greater Love | Bert Winfield | TV movie |
| 1995 | Vents contraires | Lieutenant Forrester | TV movie |
| 1997 | Whiskers | Mr. Mobley | TV movie |
| 1999 | 36 Hours to Die | Vaughn | TV movie |
| 1999 | Bonanno: A Godfather's Story | TV movie | |
| 1999 | The Collectors | Det Hackman | TV movie |
| 2000 | Island of the Dead | Mayor | TV movie |
| 2001 | Blind Terror | Clyde Fanning | TV movie |
| 2001 | Largo Winch | Charles Adam Arden | 1 episode |
| 2001 | Bliss | Jack | 1 episode |
| 2001-2002 | Vampire High | Vakaal | 4 episodes |
| 2002 | Lathe of Heaven | President Murtle | TV movie |
| 2002 | Left Behind II: Tribulation Force | Jonathan Stonegal | TV movie |
| 2004 | The Reagans | Donn Moomaw | TV movie |
| 2006 | Lance et compte: La revanche | Premier Ministre Marcel Gaudreault | 5 episodes |
| 2009 | Wild Roses | John Cameron | 3 episodes |