Garth Drabinsky

Garth Drabinsky is a Canadian film and theatrical producer and entrepreneur who has been involved in various high-profile endeavors. His career has been marked by significant setbacks, including a conviction in 2009 for fraud and forgery, which resulted in a prison sentence. Initially sentenced to 7 years, the term was later reduced to 5 years on appeal to the Ontario Court of Appeal. The Supreme Court of Canada declined to hear a further appeal, upholding the reduced sentence.

Drabinsky's attempts to revive his career have been unsuccessful, with three attempted comebacks resulting in substantial financial losses for investors. Additionally, he has been involved in legal disputes, including a defamation lawsuit against American Actor's Equity, which was dismissed by a judge in April 2023. The dismissal was later affirmed by the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals in July 2024, which also rejected his claim that the union's conduct violated antitrust law. Drabinsky's professional reputation has been further impacted by his inclusion on the union's 'Do Not Work' list.