Behold, the illustrious and multifaceted artist, Paul Oleynick, born on the solstice of June 21, 1970, in the picturesque land of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. With a penchant for theatricality and a gift for comedy, he has graced the world with his unparalleled talents as an Actor, Voice Over Artist, and Impersonator.
With a unique sense of humor that sparkles with nuance, Paul has elevated the craft of impersonation to unprecedented heights, earning him the status of one of the finest impersonators in the world. But his illustrious career is not limited to this distinction alone.
Prior to this, Paul Oleynick has been one of the best TV/Radio On-Air Promotions Writer/Producer/Directors, shining as a beacon of excellence in Canadian broadcasting. He has won numerous awards for his outstanding contributions to the industry, including the prestigious National CANPRO Gold Award for Excellence in Canadian Broadcasting for his voice character, Ralph-The Dog, on The Manitoba Television Network.
His career has been a glittering success story, filled with many accomplishments and accolades. He has directed two wildly successful theatre productions, including the critically acclaimed “Talk Radio,” co-starred in a movie, performed in Shakespeare in the Park, and lent his voice to numerous TV and radio commercials, a rock video, an international movie trailer, and many audiobooks, including the Save Jamu, Draw Your Own Adventure Compendium, and The Adventures of Fluffy Monkey Compendium, to name a few.
Paul has also added his formidable talent to the $1 million virtual reality game, “Do-Ville,” lending his voice to both the villain and hero roles, alongside the Canadian acting veteran, Tom Jackson. This game was designed to aid seniors suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, showing the remarkable range of his talents and the compassion of his heart.
Moreover, he starred in the renowned The Cheese Zone Comedy Break, a weekly 20-minute show, showcasing his humor and wit to a global audience.
FMM: When did you discover that you have a knack for impersonating your favorite characters from the Big Screen?
I discovered at about at 8 years old that could impersonate my favorite cartoons like Barney in The Flintstones then I thought, I would try Scooby Doo then Bugs Bunny! It was a lot of fun and it made my friends laugh. Being a shy kid in school this seem to be the perfect way to break out of my shyness. I was an avid movie buff too and when the Star Wars movies started to come out, I just had to imitate the characters from the big screen! Jack Nicholson was a huge inspiration and in grade 12 I did one of his monologues from Witches of Eastwick and got a 100 %
FMM: Tell us about your first character Ralph that won the National CANPRO Gold Award for Excellence in Canadian Broadcasting, did you think…I may have something?
After getting a huge confidence boost from winning the TV Real People Jr. Commercial Award at the International Modeling and Talent Associations convention in New York. I decided when I got back to do a general audition for the Manitoba Television Network creative director. After, rifling off several impersonations for him and having him in stitches, he hired me to come up with a voice for Ralph The Dog. So, I modeled the voice to sound sort of like Beetlejuice. When this half hour show on Recycling won the National CanPro Gold for Excellence in Broadcasting. I thought this is what I definitely have to do and getting paid for what I loved doing was Surreal.
FMM: You are recognized for your work in creating original movies. Take us through your best and what was your inspiration.
Yes, creating original movie trailers from scratch to entice viewers to watch movies. My all-time favorite one was a Pink Panther Marathon. I am a huge fan of Peter Sellers work, and he was my inspiration to put together a trailer for all of Western Canada. I got to work with graphic artists to come up with cartoon segments between sidesplitting clips from my hero. I wrote dialogue for the voice talent and produced and directed the end product with an editor.
FMM: Known for your quirky comedy style, you also have acted in Award-Winning International Educational dramas, a rock video, voiced a virtual reality game and much more. Which projects have you enjoyed the most?
Playing a Priest in the Rock Video “Ugly” for the band The Age of Electric was a blast and definitely one of the funniest experiences. The video made it to number 8 on the national MuchMusic Countdown. The band members were so down to earth, especially Todd Kerns who now plays with Slash from Gun and Roses! We had a few beverages in between takes for the all-night shoot at Winnipegs Fort Garry Hotel and The Bank cabaret. I met some great people who skyrocketed in the business.
FMM: What would people be surprised to know about you?
I think people would be surprised to know that not only was I shy growing up but I use to drop the ends of words in my speech. I had to work extra hard on my articulation when I was young. I guess that is why I worked so hard to prove to myself, yes I can work in TV along with Radio as well. Never give up!
FMM: Who would you like to work with?
If I could work with anyone, it would be Jack Nicholson providing he comes out of retirement to just do one last gig. Another person would be Harrison Ford he is so gifted. Directors, it would have to be Martin Scorsese.
FMM: What does it take to make it in the voice talent business?
I believe to be a successful Voice Talent, you have to be versatile and not be afraid to try any voice; male, female, cartoon, creating new persona. Bottom line, practice, practice and present to others for their feedback.