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TOMMY A FAMILY PORTRAIT (Mary Sexton and Nigel Markham) takes a look at the too short life of versatile comic actor Tommy Sexton, a founding member of the CODCO comedy troupe, who passed away from HIV-related illness in 1993. Sexton’s sister Mary and her husband have made a warm-hearted documentary that focuses on Sexton’s upbringing among a multitude of siblings in their crowded St. John’s, Newfoundland, home, where at an early age Sexton began performing. There are clips from his CODCO years and glimpses of his great knack for creating dead-on characters, including Marg at the Mental, a wise psych-ward patient, and a hilarious send-up of Tammy Faye Bakker. Sexton brought his openly gay perspective to CODCO, making it one of the first comedy troupes to incorporate gay humour in its TV sketches. His death at the age of 36 was a blow to Canadian comedy, but Sexton and Markham’s tribute is more interested in celebrating Sexton’s life than in mourning his loss. This screening is a fundraiser for Casey House Mary and Sara Sexton (Tommy’s mother) will participate in a Q&A following the screening. Regular tickets are $10 VIP tickets ($25) include a private post-show reception (November 8, Bloor). INGRID RANDOJA
sexton tribute
