1925–2006
Prospect Cemetery
Section 19 Lot 262
Gino Emperatori rose from modest beginnings near Dufferin Street and Davenport Road to become one of Canada’s most influential entertainment impresarios. Known as “Mr. Entertainment,” Emperatori’s charisma and vast network of industry contacts made him a defining figure in Toronto’s cultural scene for over four decades.
Born on October 11, 1925, Emperatori’s passion for performance began early. At age 14, he founded a Catholic drama group. Though he briefly pursued acting and directing, a career consultant steered him toward the business side of showbiz. In 1964, Emperatori launched his own booking and publicity agency, signing his first client: the Royal Alexandra Theatre. This partnership sparked a lifelong friendship with theatre owner Ed Mirvish and positioned Emperatori at the heart of Toronto’s theatrical renaissance.
His fame soared in the 1970s when he became entertainment director for the Royal York Hotel’s Imperial Room, Canada’s premier nightclub. For nearly two decades, Emperatori booked legendary acts including Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Cher, Roy Orbison, Tina Turner and even Frank Sinatra. He also championed Canadian talent such as Anne Murray, Celine Dion and Karen Kain, cementing his reputation as a cultural tastemaker.
Beyond entertainment, Emperatori was a tireless fundraiser for charities like the Canadian Cancer Society and Famous People Players, a Canadian non-profit that serves as a goodwill ambassador. In 1993, Toronto recognized “Empry” with its highest civic honour – the Award of Merit. Known for his flamboyant style and colourful personality, Emperatori shared his stories in his memoir I Belong to the Stars (2002), offering a glimpse into a life lived among legends.
Gino Emperatori passed away on October 14, 2006, leaving behind a legacy that transformed Toronto into a world-class entertainment hub. His story remains a testament to vision, resilience and the power of personality.
Sources:
• Gino Empry – Wikipedia
• Mount Pleasant Group – Gino Emperatori
• CBC News – “Toronto impresario Gino Empry dies”
• CityNews Toronto – “Legendary Canadian Publicist & Agent Gino Empry Dies”
Photo: View of Royal York Hotel, 1986. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 200, Series 1465, File 401, Item 7.
