NDP leader Jack Layton appears at a campaign event in Winnipeg on April 5, 2011. (CHRISD.CA FILE)
The made-for-TV movie chronicling the life of late NDP leader Jack Layton has started production in Winnipeg.
Layton is being played by Canadian actor Rick Roberts in “Smilin’ Jack: The Jack Layton Story.”
“Jack Layton was an incredible athlete, and I like to lie on the couch — so this in itself has been challenging,” Roberts said in a release. “The most intriguing part has been trying to embody his passion for life, his generosity, and his resolve to follow his vision in spite of overwhelming odds.”
Sook-Yin Lee is playing Layton’s wife, Olivia Chow, while Wendy Crewson (Air Force One) and Erin Karpluk (Being Erica) round out the cast.
Production began on August 5. The movie will air on the CBC.
