Track down a copy of the September 26 edition of The Wall Street Journal and you'll find an excellent feature on Michael Moriarty. Written by WSJ's Ottawa correspondent Joel Baglole, the story is rather lengthily titled "A Disillusioned Actor Seeks 'Law & Order' in a Different Country -- Former Series Star Moriarty Takes on a New Role - Political Activist in Canada."
Moriarty has become the champion of Canada's growing neo-conservative political movement, says Baglole. "While many entertainers seek second acts for their careers, few decide to become activists in a foreign country," he writes. The actor - who refers to himself (jokingly, we hope) as a "has-been TV star" in the article - says that politics and jazz are now his true passions.
Although the United States is replete with actors who enter the political fray, Canada only has Michael Moriarty, who despite - or because of -- his often provocative comments, generates a lot of ink.
The story includes comments from Moriarty and several prominent Canadian journalists and politicians. Moriarty is often dismissed as a 'wingnut' and a boozer, but Shelley Ambrose, a Toronto talk-show producer who has booked the actor several times, says he is knowledgeable about Canadian politics. "He's done his homework and he's willing to talk about more than his latest movie," she observes.