Canada’s Walk of Fame, the country’s premier recognition of excellence, has announced the first wave of inductees for 2025, and Tonya Williams is among the honorees. Best known for her role as Olivia Winters on The Young and the Restless, Williams is being inducted in the Arts & Entertainment category for her work as an actress, producer, and advocate.
“It is an honor to announce this first group of remarkable Canadians,” said Jeffrey Latimer, CEO of Canada’s Walk of Fame. “As their stars are permanently placed on the Walk of Fame, their contributions will continue to resonate deeply within Canadian communities and around the world.”
Other inductees in the 2025 class include:
Liona Boyd (Arts & Entertainment), a renowned guitarist and five-time Juno Award winner
Dr. Tirone David (Science, Technology & Innovation), a leading cardiovascular surgeon
Dr. Samantha Nutt (Humanitarianism), a dedicated advocate for children’s wellness in crisis zones
Our Lady Peace (Arts & Entertainment), the multiplatinum rock band
Mike Weir (Sports & Athletics), one of Canada’s greatest golfers
These six new honorees will join over 230 individuals already celebrated on Canada’s Walk of Fame. Notably, Dr. Frank J. Hayden, whose pioneering research sparked the Special Olympics movement, was the sole inductee for 2024 and was honored at a special event in Toronto’s Liberty Grand on Tuesday night.
The 2025 Gala Celebration will take place on Saturday, June 14, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The event, which honors exceptional Canadians for their achievements, promises an exciting new format. In the coming months, the organization will reveal more details, including additional inductees and public events. “We’re excited to move the celebration to June, allowing more fans to engage with Canada’s Walk of Fame,” noted Latimer.
Tonya Williams shared her excitement in a statement on X (formerly Twitter): “I am honored to have made an impact in Canada and internationally, and being part of Canada’s legacy is a dream come true! I’ve experienced two distinct careers: one as an actress and another through @reelworldfilm, helping others achieve their goals.” Born on July 12, 1958, in London, England, Williams is most recognized for portraying Dr. Olivia Winters on The Young and the Restless from 1990 to 2012. The daytime drama airs on CBS in the U.S. and Global TV in Canada.
In addition to her acting career, Williams is the founder and executive director of the Reelworld Screen Institute, Reelworld Film Festival+Summit, and Reelworld Foundation. Established in 2000, Reelworld addresses the lack of opportunities and inclusion for Black, Indigenous, Asian, and other people of color in Canada’s screen industries. Williams also serves on several boards, including the Canadian Artists Network and Telefilm’s Diversity & Inclusion Group. She co-founded the Black Screen Office and was a board member during its first two years.
Williams has been nominated for two Daytime Emmy Awards for her role on The Young and the Restless. She has also won two NAACP Image Awards, an ACTRA Award of Excellence, a WIFT-T Crystal Award, and a Harry Jerome Award, among others.
A passionate advocate for racial diversity and equity, Williams holds citizenship in three countries: the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States.
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