Canada’s Walk of Fame has announced the first round of inductees for 2025, honoring exceptional Canadians from various fields. Among the honorees is Tonya Williams, celebrated for her role as Olivia Winters on The Young and the Restless, who will be inducted into the Arts & Entertainment category. This marks a significant achievement for Williams and the other distinguished inductees.

Jeffrey Latimer, CEO of Canada’s Walk of Fame, expressed enthusiasm for the new inductees, noting their significant contributions to Canadian society and the global community. He emphasized that while their stars will be permanently displayed on the Walk of Fame, their impact is already woven into the fabric of Canadian life.

In addition to Williams, the 2025 inductees include guitarist Liona Boyd, a five-time Juno Award winner; Dr. Tirone David, a renowned cardiovascular surgeon; Dr. Samantha Nutt, a humanitarian focused on children’s wellness in global crises; the multiplatinum rock band Our Lady Peace; and golfer Mike Weir, considered one of Canada’s greatest athletes.

These six inductees will join over 230 honorees already enshrined on Canada’s Walk of Fame. Among the 2024 honorees is Dr. Frank J. Hayden, whose groundbreaking work helped launch the Special Olympics movement. Dr. Hayden was celebrated at a special event in Toronto earlier this week.

The annual awards gala will take place on June 14, 2025, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The event promises an updated experience for attendees, with additional inductees and public events to be revealed in the new year.

In a statement on social media, Williams expressed her gratitude for being recognized not only for her acting but also for her advocacy. As founder of the Reelworld Screen Institute and the Reelworld Film Festival + Summit, Williams has worked to improve opportunities for Black, Indigenous, Asian, and other marginalized groups in the screen industries. She has also served on various boards supporting diversity and inclusion in Canadian media.

Williams’s career has earned her numerous accolades, including two Daytime Emmy nominations, two NAACP Image Awards, and an ACTRA Award of Excellence. A strong advocate for racial diversity and equity in entertainment, she holds citizenship in Canada, the UK, and the U.S., and continues to inspire change within the global media industry.

Celebrated actress and advocate Tonya Williams, renowned for her role as Dr. Olivia Winters on The Young and the Restless and as the founder of the Reelworld Screen Institute, is among the 2025 inductees for Canada’s Walk of Fame. 

Soap Opera Network This honor highlights her significant contributions to the arts and her dedication to promoting diversity in the Canadian film industry.

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