05/29/2026
Today, we honour the legendary Canadian filmmaker John McGreevy (1942–2026), an extraordinary filmmaker, human being, and one of the “three Johns” who helped found the Glenn Gould Foundation.
The Foundation itself began as a heartfelt desire to celebrate and extend Glenn Gould’s legacy to future generations, and John’s vision, creativity, and belief in the power of art and ideas helped shape what the Foundation is today.
Through his work at CBC and later as an independent director and producer, John created documentaries that were intellectually rich, deeply human, and visually unforgettable. His films became known for their ability to tap into the minds of some of the great personalities of the 20th century, including Glenn Gould.
Among his most celebrated works was the internationally acclaimed Cities series, which paired extraordinary cultural figures with the cities they loved. John always knew he wanted Glenn Gould to represent Toronto. The result, "Glenn Gould’s Toronto," became one of the most beloved and requested films of the entire series, a portrait not only of a city, but of a singular mind moving through it.
Their friendship began memorably: Glenn Gould phoned John at 3 a.m. after watching one of his documentaries, calling it a work of genius, praising the risks John had taken, and urging him to keep it up. That late-night call became the beginning of years of friendship, collaboration, and conversation.
John revered Glenn not only as a brilliant musician but also for his fascination with technology, media, and experimentation. As Glenn became more interested in filmmaking, John became increasingly fascinated by the architecture of music. Their exchanges shaped and inspired one another’s creative worlds.
Whether through "Glenn Gould’s Toronto", his collaborations with Sir Peter Ustinov, or the many documentaries that explored history, intellect, and culture, John approached storytelling with curiosity, elegance, and courage.
We were fortunate to know him, and we honour him with gratitude and admiration. His creativity, generosity, and artistic vision leave an extraordinary legacy in Canadian film, documentary storytelling, and the cultural life of this country.
Photo Credit: Robert William Alexander Peck
