Veteran Canadian actor Sam Moses dies

Pop Goes The News — Actor Sam Moses, a veteran of Canadian stage and screen, has died.

Moses was a hot dog vendor in Ghostbusters, a bus passenger in the Bruce Willis drama 16 Blocks, and had a recurring role on Due South. He last appeared in this year’s comedy My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2.

After moving to Canada from India, Moses studied dance at the National Ballet School before discovering his passion for acting.

His long list of credits includes films like 1984’s Moscow on the Hudson, 1987’s Adventures in Babysitting, 2004’s Welcome to Mooseport, and 2013’s The F Word as well as TV shows Alphas, Good Dog, and Earth: Final Conflict.

He also performed at Canada’s renowned Shaw and Stratford festivals in productions of Twelfth Night, A Chorus Line, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, and Fiddler on the Roof.

Canadians of a certain age will recognize Moses from ubiquitous commercials for Spumante Bambino sparkling wine.

Moses was reportedly hospitalized recently suffering from bacterial pneumonia.

Canada’s acting community is paying tribute to Moses on social media.

“All of us who love you will forever ripple from the waves you made in us,” wrote actor/director Anand Rajaram. “I love you. I thank you. I miss you. From my cracked and crumbling heart.”

Actor Jeff Wincott, who worked with Moses in a Toronto production of Bent, said on Twitter he was “devastated.”

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Actress Jenni Burke remembered him as “warm, talented, hilarious and beloved” in a Facebook post.

Theatre composer and musician Claudio Vena called Moses a “great human, actor and spirit.”

On Twitter, Mairlyn Smith shared: “Canada lost a fabulously talented working actor who was always a joy.”

And actor Julian Richings tweeted that Moses “meant so much. To so many of us. Your life’s journey inspires. Rest In Peace.”

Moses leaves behind wife Anne Steele Moses, two sons, a daughter, and several grandchildren. He also had a number of siblings.