Wind at my Back Cast: Hey, I Wonder Where They are Now?
91Table of Contents
1. How I Found the Show
2. Shirley Douglas
3. Buy a Box Set From Amazon
4. Katherine Greenwood
5. Dylan Provencher
6. Tyrone Savage
7. James Carrol
8. Now You Know
1. A Great Treasure
Discovering a television show that I like is finding a great treasure for me. Unfortunately, I seem to discover many of them after they have stopped producing, and already on reruns, but better late than never.
One of these shows that came late into my life is the series called Wind at my Back. Set in the 1930's during the Depression, in the fictional town of New Bedford, Ontario.
The show aired from 1996 to 2001, but I did not find it until 2010, almost a decade after it stopped shooting. Fortunately for me and other fans, the networks still keep it going, as it plays at 12:00 p.m. and 2 a.m. on Bravo Network. It also available in various networks throughout the US and other countries.
Watching an older show like this always makes me curious to find out about what the actors are up to now. I also wonder about their background, and if they are anything like their character. This will be the first in my series of Hey, I Wonder Where They Are Now?" hubs. I managed to track down some of the actors from this show, and see what they are doing now.
UPDATE:
In the U.S., this show runs at 7:00 p.m. daily on the Inspiration Network (ISPN).
In Canada, you can view it on Bravo Network daily at 9:00 a.m.
Cute Video from Ms. Douglas
2. May Bailey: Shirley Douglas
At the centre of the town, New Bedford, is a stubborn and independent woman, May Bailey, who has taken over her husband's mine after he passed away, and never lets someone else's feelings get in the way of saying what she believes. May is the grand matriarch, and almost everyone else is a bit intimidated by her overbearing ways.
May Bailey is played by the very well-known Canadian actress, Shirley Douglas. Shirley is a powerhouse individual who is both a very strong actress, and a very strong voice in politics. The daughter of famous Canadian Tommy Douglas, who is known as the "father of Canadian Healthcare," she is also famous for once being married to Donald Sutherland, and being the mother of Hollywood star, Keifer Sutherland.
Shirley Douglas in a candid moment
Douglas got her start as an actress on the stage, trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in England, and has alternated between television and the theatre throughout her career. In 1997, she appeared in a Canadian production of The Glass Menagerie , with her son, Keifer Sutherland, and even did a narration part in the children's series, Franklin in 2000.
Since leaving Wind at My Back, at the age of 65, she has acted in several television episodes, including individual episodes of Corner Gas , Robson Arms and Degrassi: The Next Generation. She also portrayed Madeline Albright in the TV Movie, Road to 9/11, in 2006 and starred in another TV movie, The Christmas Shoes, in 2002.
Like her father, Shirley herself is an outspoken advocate for publicly funded healthcare. As recently as 2010, she spoke up in the media, writing a letter to the editor concerning the issue. She also has done numerous media interviews on the issue, and is knowledgeable and articulate in her arguments. Like her father before, she is passionate about politics and about Canada.
Yes, Ms. Douglas, does seem quite a bit like her character, May Bailey. She is ambitious and full of energy and passion, and never seems to give up. She is still active in politics, and I wouldn't be surprised to see her name on another movie, or in the television credits, in the not-too-distant future.
3. Watch A Whole Season At Once
If you like the show, sometimes it's nice to have it in a box set, so you can watch a whole season at once, at your convenience! These box sets are available at Amazon. The inks are below, along with a brief synopsis of each season.
If you live in Canada, and would prefer to buy from the Canadian Amazon site, you can buy the videos through the following a-store set up with Amazon.ca: Canadian A-Store: I Wonder Where They Are Now.
Season 2
 | This season chronicles the romance between Honey and Max, and the struggles that come with a second marriage and kids. Amazon Price: $32.12 List Price: $86.67 |
Season 1
 | This is the first season, when we see the circumstances that brought Honey and the boys to New Bedford. Amazon Price: $36.09 List Price: $99.98 |
Season 4
 | In this season, the boys are starting to grow up, and against each other. With their mother away, they start to feel a bit lost. Toppy, too, must deal with the loss of her marriage, and the struggle to create a new life for herself. Amazon Price: $28.64 List Price: $99.98 |
Season 3
 | This season seems to focus on issues of the heart: Toppy and Bob's marriage falls apart, Grace searches for love, and Hub starts to grow up, and falls in love. Amazon Price: $28.64 List Price: $49.99 |
Christmas Special
 | In this Christmas special, all the loose ends are tied up, and we take a glimpse into the future of all the characters. For some, could be a bit of a tear-jerker, as we say good-bye to our beloved town. Amazon Price: $5.81 List Price: $12.98 |
Season 5
 | In this last season, Grace has come into her own, juggling her career at the radio station along with dating. The boys are making decisions about their future, and both Max becomes mayor of the town. Amazon Price: $28.64 List Price: $49.99 |
4. Grace Bailey: Kathyrn Greenwood
Grace Bailey was one of the only single (although very briefly married) characters on Wind at my Back, and she seemed to add some glamour to the show. Infatuated with female celebrities, and always reading fluffy women's magazines that her mother despised, Grace was beautiful and funny, but never quite lucky in love.
Kathyrn Greenwood, born in Scarborough, Ontario, trained as an actor at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and then got her first gig working for the Second City comedy troupe, which produced such legends as John Candy, Eugene Levy and James Belushi, and stayed there for five years.
 | Amazon Price: $9.97 List Price: $24.98 |
Since working on Wind at My Back, Greenwood has appeared in the Canadian sketch comedy series, The Royal Canadian Air Farce , and This Hour Has 22 Minutes, as well as the hilarious, Whose Line is it Anyways?
Presently, she is involved in a stage act called Women Fully Clothed , which has received rave reviews for its sketch comedy. This troupe, with five women with Second City origins, tours around the world, features what the Eugene Levy calls the "funniest women in Canada."
In the series, Wind at My Back, Grace Bailey is a character who is spontaneous and fun, and willing to take risks. It seems that Kathryn Greenwood in real life is also a risk-taker, taking on the most difficult form of comedy: improvisation, and taking on the challenge of a five-woman show that goes worldwide.
Greenwood in "Whose Line is it Anyways?"
Wind at My Back Christmas
5. Hub Bailey: Dylan Provencher
Hub Bailey, the handsome grandson of May Bailey, whom we watch grow from a preteen boy into a mature young man, was played by Dylan Provencher. Although a prolific child actor, acting in several television series and TV movies, Provencher did not do much acting after his stint on Wind at my Back.
Instead Dylan runs a real estate business with his brother, Sean, in the Toronto area. Their website gives some insight as to how Dylan made the switch from the entertainment industry to real estate. Family members advised him and his brother to invest in properties, and the two were so good at choosing properties that they decided to pursue real estate as a career.
Although he has given up a career on the screen, he puts creativity into his business, using "innovative approaches to customer service," according to the brothers' website.
6. Fat Bailey: Tyrone Savage
Fat Bailey, Hub's younger brother, was always getting into trouble, and never seemed to be able to conform to his family's expectations. He was jealous of Hub, who seemed to be good at everything, and in one memorable episode actually duked it out with his brother.
Fat was played by Tyrone Savage, who was a child actor who had played in some kid's television shows, such as Goosebumps, and did a fair bit of voice-over work, including a voice role in the same show Shirley Douglas narrated for, Franklin.
What has Tyrone been doing lately? In 2009, he did voice work for the teen comic series, Stoked. He has also done some television work over the years. For the most part, though, he has been acting on the stage, with roles in Romeo and Juliet, Arcadia, and A Musical Called Robin Hood.
Most notably, Savage is currently a member of a the theatre group called Red One Theatre Collective. According to its website the group is devoted to creating "an immediate and visceral theatrical experience for the viewer by deconstructing the artifice of traditional drama." The group goes to sites not normally associated with a stage, and creates a show.
Promo for "Wind At My Back"
7. Max Sutton: James Carroll
Max Sutton was the lead male role in the series, providing a steady source of strength and encouragement to the Bailey family by marrying Honey and becoming a stepdad to the boys. He was also a teacher, a writer, and the leader of all the sports activities in New Bedford. Max was the picture of cool, and always seemed to do the right thing, in spite of a rather sketchy past, which is alluded to once in a while.
James Carroll, who played Max Sutton, studied acting at La Salle University, and worked as an actor both in theatre and television before joining the show. His jobs varied from Shakespearean roles, to a part on Magnum P.I..
Since finishing up Wind at my Back in 2001, Carroll has kept busy. He has done some television movies, including Deacons for Defense, and The Gathering in 2007. He has also appeared in numerous T.V. episodes, including Wonder Falls and True Crime Scene. His latest gig was a voice-over in the video game, Red Dead Redemption.
8. Now You Know
Of all the cast members I have researched, all have stayed and made their careers in Canada. Most have stayed in acting, more on the theatre side of the business. Two cast members, Savage and Greenwood, are now involved in independent theatre groups. One cast member, Provencher, has turned his back on the entertainment industry altogether.
So, now you know where they are now, and the next time you watch the show, Wind at My Back, you will be able to place these actors into the present day.
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Praireprincess, I just wanted to express my appreciation for keeping us up to date on the WAMB cast. I was stunned to discover this gem 2 years ago and now it's become my favorite show of all time. The acting and "craftsmanship" are superb in every way.
Here in the states I watch the show at 11a.m.{PST} M-F on INSP .... also at 2p.m.M-F on the BYU Channel. On Fridays BYU airs another episode at 5 and 8p.m. in case newer fans are interested.
Blessings, Barb.:)
Vic, I agree with you. She really was! Too bad she couldn't have found someone like you on the show; she seemed to have the worst luck with men. Have a great night and thanks for the comment!
GREAT SHOW, EXCELLENT ACTING AND QUALITY. I would have chased GRACE BAILEY TO THE ALTAR, SHE was an ANGEL.
@djs, that is a very good question. I have not heard anything like this, but I will keep my ears open. Thanks for coming by!
will there be a reunion in the future?
Sarah, that's neat that you last one first and then were able to tie it altogether. It is great watching the small boys grow up from being very little to young men, over the seasons. Thanks for stopping by. Take care!
@SM Wood, I appreciate your comment. That is neat to hear that you find the show authentic, having lived through that era. I am sure the makers of the show would feel good knowing they have truly captured that time.
Yes, Grace does go through her boyfriends. She finally lets go of Del after they torture each other but can never commit. Then, she becomes fond of a new teacher that comes to town but neither one is ready. After that heartbreak, she is vulnerable when con artist Van comes to town looking for a mark.
Grace, like so many real single people, can never get her timing just right, and it's not from lack of trying.
Again, thanks for the comment and take care!
Thanks for the info. I stumbled on the Christmas Special in December because I watch nearly every Christmas show I can. After thinking about the special for a few days I noticed the Wind at My Back part and thought there might be other shows. We found the series and began recording the episodes. We were lucky to start at the 1st episode and we've almost completed the last season now. It was really interesting to try to tie the beginning episodes to the Christmas special years later. My husband and I really enjoy the show, it will be a real loss when we finish the series.
We've been watching this wonderful program for just a few months.
We love it. Being in our 70's, we remember the 40's so well. New Bedford is so much like the small towns my husband and I were raised in. I am somewhat confused about Grace and her love life. We are only aware of Del and he just left town to find work in another place. So, when does this man named Van come into the picture. It is hard to pick favorites but I do love the acting of Shirley Douglas and the boyishness and cuteness
of Tyrone Savage. So like one of my 5 grandsons (and 2 boys)
Brenda, I appreciate your comment. Yes, it really is a treasure of a show. And it actually has a plot, unlike the "reality shows!" Take care.
I'm addicted to the show. I too don't like all of the reality shows and was blessed to find this on the INSP channel, Mon-Fri @ 1:00 p.m. in Texas. I just wish there were more episodes. I love the hats they wore.
Donya, thanks for the comment. I wasn't able to find much information on Cynthia, and that is why I did not include her in the piece. The show really is a treasure, isn't it? Take care!
Finding your page was to fun! I love Wind At My Back. There does not seem to be lot of recent information out there about the cast. Have you any info on Cynthia Belliveau? Honey is my favorite character on the show. Would love to know what she is doing now and just more about her and her career. All of the actors are superb and they have given us, the viewers, a real treasure in this series!
Jeani, that is so great! It is such a wonderfully written show, and I think you were very blessed to grow up in such a town. Thanks so much for the comment. Take care.
I love this series. I only discovered it this year. I record it at two different times each day. I grew up in a town very similar to New Beford. I love the nostalgic feel and the simplicty and beauty of that way of life.
Sandra, my apologies for not responding to your comment earlier. I was not aware that that had been cancelled again. I will check it out and make the change to the article. That is a real shame. Thanks for the comment, and take care!
I am so disappointed that WAMB has been taken out of the 6:00 CST time slot. We looked forward every evening to watching it. Now it comes on only at 1:00 p.m. and we cannot watch because of work.
Charles, that is such an astute observation! I know what you mean about Tyrone Savage: he really does look so wholesome and boyish! I am so glad you enjoyed the hub and thanks for your great comment! Take care.
My wife and I surfed the channels and found this jewel of
a family caught up in the great depression, and the tough
times Canadians as well as United States Americans went
through. I keep looking at Tyrone Savage and he reminds
me of many of Norman Rockwells paintings. Simple, beautiful and so well done. Thanks for airing the seried
@Lydia, it really is an amazing show, isn't it? It's a rare gem that is vintage but definitely not dated. Thanks for coming by!
@Linda, I'm glad you found the show, too. It really is first class, and I agree with you about Shirley Douglas. She is an amazing actress. Take care!
Just wanted to add that I LOVE May Bailey. Shirley Douglas does a fantastic job in that role.
My husband and I are also "hooked" on this show. I found it while channel surfing. I love this show. We've seen most of the episodes and will really miss not seeing new ones.
This is the BEST show of all time!!! Beautifully portrayed by very talented actors!! American T.V. must have been jelous not to have shown this wonderfull series, is all I can think of, having 'found' the series on the INSP. channel only last year. Sorry to see it end.A rare piece of perfection!!!
Hi Kathy! It's nice to meet another fan. It really such a great show. Take care.
I found the show by channel surfing and now I'm home every night to watch it. It is heart warming and real. I too would like to see more shows like this.
Oh wow! Thank you so much for adding this information to this hub! I remember the conversation where she breaks up with Jim, but I don't know if I saw the part where her future husband sees her. Nice little tidbit!
I am so glad they brought the show, back, too. Thanks for stopping by and for the great comment. Take care!
grace met her husband where she tells toppy that she and jim flett are not going to be a couple as jim cannot yet get over the death of his wife... she is in the street with friends laughing and her future husband sees her across the street (he is at the auto repair place) and says that she is perfect! later on you find out that she was perfect because she is the image of the princess in the painting her husband uses in his cons... thing is, thing is van (not her husband's real name) sweeps her off her feet and winds up falling in love with her as he does so... best series on television, i was so so disappointed when they put the brady bunch on in its time slot and was simply delighted when viewers got it back on... YAY INSP, you are an inspiration...
Ken, so true! This show was done very, very well. It really is far above the reality fare we are being so often these days! And Kathryn is wonderful; I agree. Thanks for stopping by!
I think it is a shame that the people in Hollywood cannot create a show of this quality anymore . Keep it up Sullivan's. God and those of us watching are with you. I love Kathryn Greenwood.
Jim, it is an amazing show, isn't it? I agree that it is a good family show. I haven't seen the show you refer to: Rich Man Poor Man. I will look out for it. Thanks for the comment!
I am sad that Wind at your Back isn't still going froward. We need more shows like this. Me and my family
can't wait til tomorrow to see the next part. I love this show and wish i could find another one like it. Best i've seen since Rich Man Poor Man
Marlen, it's nice to meet a fellow fan. You know what? I don't think I've seen that episode, either, where she actually met him. But when she marries him, she goes to his house in the country and there are hilarious antics where they fool some very rich people and Grace is unwittingly part of the action!
I just love this series..unfortunatly when they put it back on every day they skipped the episode where Grace met her husband...I've tried to find a site to watch it on line but have not been very sucessful..they never seem to actually let you watch it..could you catch me up?
thank you
Gnome, those are great descriptors: simplicity and warmth. It's nice to meet another fan. Thanks for dropping by!
I, too, found this show by accident and fell in love with its simplicity and warmth. I have now seen the entire series and the Christmas episode finale. It is a wonderful show that can be enjoyed by the entire family.
@Migdalia, it is on the ISPN station. I don't know if you get that one or not, but if so, it's on at 7 p.m. nightly. It is such a treasure of a show. Take care and thanks for commenting!
@PM, I am excited that it's back on, too. The schedule has also changed for Canada but at least they have not completely obliterated it. I agree that there is far too much reality television show on. It gets wearying to always watch something without a plot or any character development. Thanks for the wonderful comment!
Linda, that's great that you discovered this great show. It was a real find for me, too. For the sake of space, I did not include all the actors but she's a wonderful actress, too! She just did a movie called "The Power of Three" in 2010 and she played a recurring role on "Degrassi: The Next Generation" as Mrs. Mason, including a movie based on the series called "The Rest of My Life."
@Nada, it is showing on ISPN at 7:00 p.m. daily now. I hope you can get that channel! Thanks for the great comment. I agree with you that it's a top-notch show and it's great that you got your husband watching it, too.
@Diane, yes, thanks for the update. I checked the ISPN website and it's a go for the show. So many people like it and I am so glad they're not cancelling it. Take care.
Just heard that INSP has put Wind at my Back into their weeknight line up again because of viewer request. It is so nice that someone has actually listened to the viewers and so nice for us that like to watch something other than reality TV. I only found this show this summer and it has moved to the top of my must watch shows. I am disappointed that I have not been able to see the show from its start. It has been a little jumbled for me. I wish it would start all over again from episode one and follow through. I really enjoy this show!!!
I missed this show and all the characters. Too bad that INSP stop showing the reruns here in America. The best show ever.
Do you know what Robin Craig is up to these days? I loved her as Toppy Bailey.
I love "Wind At My Back". When we changed our provider to Dish that is the first time I saw this program on Inspiration Network. So glad we made the change.
So glad to hear that plans for the show have changed and it will be on at 7PM, EST during the week. It is a great show with fantastic actors/actresses. Looking forward to watching the show each evening.
My husband and I had just started watching "Wind At My Back in July when I was at my sister's home. We have been telling everyone about it and now I understand it will not be running except on Sunday's. I truly hope not. It made out day!
Karen, I am sorry to hear that. I don't know if they are doing that in Canada but I haven't heard anything. It really is a great show. Thanks for the comment!
My husband and I found WAMB on INSP this summer and have gotten totally hooked as well. We are disapointed that INSP will be moving the show to once a week on Sunday afternoon instead of daily. But I guess it's better than taking it off alltogether. Thanks for the cast updates.
@Doug, that is so cool that your wife got you into the show. It IS such a great series. Thanks for dropping by!
@Rachel, I really like Grace, too. I agree that it's better than those shows, too. It's just so well written. Thanks for coming by!
I started watching the show, this summer 2011, I didn't realized it aired in 1996. I, so enjoy the series. It airs on INSP at 1:00 just when get home from school. My favorite character is Grace (Kathyrne Greenwood). Why is it we never got the show in Texas in 1996. I don't want to upset anyone but I like it better then, The Waltons and much better then Little House, Dr, Medicine Women.
My wife first started watching the reruns of the show, she got me watching a few and then we were both hooked on watching it, when ever it is on.
It is a a great series.
Wish the series continued or more like it. Would like more Wholesome family shows.
Peggy, thanks so much for your useful comment. I will have to get on that and update this article to reflect this new information. It is a great show!
To prarie princess:The show is carried all over, just depends on what cable stations you subscribe to.
I stumbled across it by accident. even my hubby who is not much for sweet and sentimental, enjoyed it. As one commenter said she found in on an insprational channel. The call letters for that channel are INSP. It also carries The Waltons and wil begin carrying Little House this fall. BYU channel also carried WAMB this past year.
Hi labdogmom, thanks for stopping by! I know what you mean -- it is hard to believe it's been that long since they stopped producing. You sound like a huge fan, too! It was fun researching all the actors and I agree with you about "Hub." He was such a strong actor!
Cheers!
It is so nice to place where all the actors are now.I am still shocked that it has been over 10 yrs since the show stopped production. Of all the people I thought would stay in it was "Hub". Never saw the show here in the states while it was in production. Only found it on a small inspiration station by accident. I fell in love with it right away. It was in the middle of the seasons when I found it and watched it till the end.And then watched it all the way through again and then the movie. again. I am glad that they were able to do the movie to kind of tie up loose ends. Non the less I wish it could have continued a little while longer.. Just such good acting, they become like family.
thank you for finding out the information. Boy has "fat" grown up!whew!
Tammy, that's interesting. From what I read, it said that this show was distributed in the USA, but probably not to every state, then. It was a good show, but I suspect it had a loyal but small following. Thanks for the comment...nice to talk to you again!
Cogerson, thanks so much for reading and commenting. I'm glad you liked the videos. Both Greenwood and Douglas are both quite hilarious, even though the show itself wasn't a comedy. Take care!
Very informative...really liked the videos...thanks for posting...voted up
There aren't too many Canadian produced shows that filter this far south. "Da Vinci's Inquest" is the only one I can name from recent times and it is in reruns itself.
rpalulis, thanks so much for the comment. I find Who's Line is it Anyways just so, so funny, too.
Kashmir, it was marketed in the USA,when it was on primetime, but I'm not sure if it is still on reruns there as it is in Canada. Thanks, Happy Valentine's Day to you, too!
Hi prairieprincess, I've not see or even heard of this TV show, but i don't watch much TV so that could be why or maybe this program is not in the U.S. .
*•????•*¨*•.¸¸? Happy Valentine's Day ?¸¸.•*¨*•????•*
Nice, I have never seen wind at my back, I too usually am behind on great shows. Loved the videos, I use to watch who's line is it anyway's all the time. Hilarious stuff.
prairieprincess Hub Author 6 days ago
Barb, thank you so much for the comment. Yes, it truly is a gem. And I appreciate the update. I will have to go and check my times again, because they seem to always be changing. Have a wonderful night and thanks so much for the comment. Take care and God bless you!