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Patrick Watson
Patrick Watson
Patrick Watson
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While climbing a ladder at the family cottage,
Watson suffered a horrific accident, which resulted in the
amputation of his left leg. He eventually came to terms with
the loss and went on to foster countless talents and interests.
Magician, scuba diver, skilled bass player, children’s
book author and pilot - these are just a few of the accomplishments
of Patrick Watson, described by friends as an uncontrollable
creative force.
In the 1960’s Patrick Watson found himself at CBC Television
and after overcoming his “snobbish contempt” for
the medium, began a prodigious career. This Hour has Seven
Days was radical, irreverent and a ratings sensation –
3 million viewers tuned in each week. But the show was too
cheeky for some – after a struggle with CBC management,
the show was cancelled after just two seasons and Patrick
Watson was fired. A self-described egoist, Watson wouldn’t
stay out of the spotlight for long.
He went on to host the PBS program 51st State, The Watson
Report, Live at Lincoln Centre, and The Canadian Establishment,
among others. He created, hosted and wrote “The Struggle
for Democracy, ”an epic ten-part series that would take
him and his second wife, Carolyn, to 34 countries. Then, in
a peculiar turn of events, Watson was offered the position
of CBC Chairman – 23 years after his firing from the
corporation.
The documentary features interviews with Alex Trebek, Gerard
Veilleux, Laurier LaPierre, Pamela Wallin, and his children
Boo and Chris, who say that Watson’s pre-occupation
with his career made him a difficult man to have as a father.
Original Air Date - March 17, 2005
Links
Patrick
Watson (The Museum of Broadcast Communications)
This
Hour has Seven Days (The Museum of Broadcast Communications)
Patrick
Watson (Canadian Communications Foundation)
(Note: CBC does not endorse the content of external
sites)
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