CHILLIN’ WITH JEFF TERÄVÄINEN

By Joseph Luparello

Toronto-based Actor Jeff Teräväinen was born and raised in a small Canadian town.

Although his original career path was in the music industry, (lead singer/bassist in The Life, an award-winning band) the whole idea of acting seemed more suitable for him as time progressed. As a result, he began to plant the seeds of his acting career, with a focus on voicing off the bat . In 2006 he was the Voice of the Olympics for Canada; a role he would re-enact in 2014. He also dabbled in the video game industry, voicing characters from legendary games such as Far Cry, Splinter Cell and Resident Evil. After a long break from the camera while he was the voice of Canadian Broadcaster CBC and FIFA’s World Cup, he ambitiously returned with roles on Beauty and the Beast, Played, and others. Aside from his primary career, Jeff has a verified passion for other hobbies (won the Jim Russell Racing School Scholarship in 1996). Though his favorite sport is MotoGP, you can usually find him on weekends at the cottage or digging for fossils. He is also very fond of paleontology, science, and history.

His most recent spotting on tv was his role in the Hulu original series Utopia Falls, a coming of age story following a group of teens in the distant future colony of New Babyl as they uncover an ancient forbidden archive of historical, cultural and musical relics. In the series, Jeff plays the role of Gerald, father to Aliyah and member of New Babyl’s governing body, The Tribunal. Gerald is dedicated to working for the good of New Babyl. Having lost his wife to illness when Aliyah was only a child, Gerald has grown extremely close to his daughter. Patient, fair, and smart, Gerald plays a supportive role in Aliyah’s life, emboldening her to pursue her dream of winning The Exemplar.

Chilled sat with Jeff to find out what bars he holds to the highest standard, along with what drinks he prepares at home and more.

Chillin’ With Jeff Teräväinen

Chillin’ With Jeff Teräväinen

Tell us about the projects you are working on.

Right now, I am in the middle of a top-secret video game. Lots of performance capture and voice over. They make you sign away your life, so I cannot say much.

With your busy schedule, what do you like to do with your downtime?

I have too many interests and not enough time! Video game addiction does not help (Half joking). I love photography, so I shoot a lot. Getting out in nature to the cottage is huge.  Big on Paleontology so often look for fossils with my Daughter. Love watching MotoGP and other racing. Oh, and TV/movies! Perfect time would be on a boat scuba diving with friends and family!

When you go out to eat, where do you like to dine?

I live in a city where food options are limitless. Italian, authentic Thai, and middle eastern cuisines are at the top of the list for me. If you’re ever in Toronto, PAI Northern Thai Kitchen is a place you cannot miss. Their curry is what dreams are made of.

Any favorite bars?

My favorite bar for years has been Le P’tit Caribou in Mont Tremblant Quebec. Fantastic atmosphere. I guess as it’s a ski resort people are there to have fun and let lose. And you have this awesome mix of music. A dance track, followed by a current hip hop track, and then ACDC!

Chillin’ With Jeff Teräväinen

Chillin’ With Jeff Teräväinen

What drinks do you order when out?

Beer for sure.  There is no shortage of options in Toronto. It goes well with everything. I did discover recently that I am starting to enjoy whisky, which clearly means that I’m getting old, but man that stuff goes down smoothly. Bottom line: I like to drink.

Do you prepare drinks at home?

Often and depending on who is over. With my guy friends it tends to be beer. But Whisky Sours are popular.

Tell us about your home bar. What is it stocked with?

Everything I can fit. We always like to be ready for all tastes. Enjoy it now, before my kid gets older and they start watering it all down!

What’s your favorite drink?

Most times you cannot beat that first cold beer for me. I love GLB’s Blonde Lager probably the most out of a ridiculous amount of choices. As for mixed I would say a whisky sour.

Have you ever been a bartender?

No but I have played one! I would be terrible as I always must look up the recipes! I have huge respect for the good ones though. When I was young, I was background on the movie Cocktail with Tom Cruise. Those guys were something else to watch with the bottles.

 If you could share a drink with anyone, who would it be?

Living, it would be Neil Degrasse Tyson. The man is epic, and I also read he likes his wine! So how about I pick up a good Rojas and we talk about the universe Neil?

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