Gino Empry is probably the most vital link in our city between Toronto and the entertainment industry. He represents most of the personalities in the entertainment world visiting our city. He has often been called “Mr. Entertainment” because of his incredible contacts in the industry.

Internationally-known, Canada's superstar publicist, booking agent and personal manager, GINO EMPRY is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Gino Empry Entertainment, headquartered in Toronto.

Born in Toronto to Italian parents, Gino entered the world of show business at age 14 when he started a drama group for the Catholic Youth Organization at St. Mary of the Angels Church and became an actor, director and co-producer in small theatres. Before starting his lifetime association with the entertainment industry, he worked in the Highway Trucking Industry as an office manager and computer analyst.

In 1964, Mr. Empry founded his booking and public relations agency, and in the same year signed his first client, The Royal Alexandra Theatre, commencing a career-long relationship with Canada’s best known showman and entrepreneur, Ed Mirvish.

In 1970, he became Entertainment Director/Public Relations Entertainment consultant for Canada’s top nightclub, The Imperial Room in the Royal York Hotel. Among the stars he has booked and handled publicity for are: Tony Bennett, Peggy Lee, Ella Fitzgerald, Raquel Welch, Peter Allen, Burton Cummings, Bernadette Peters, Tammy Wynette, Tina Turner, and Roy Orbison.

He was the also the first PR for Anne Murray and Celine Dion. He was Tony Bennett’s world-wide manager for 12 years and has represented The Irish Rovers, Peggy Lee, Patrick MacNee, Ronnie Hawkins, actor/director William Hutt, Ballet Prima Ballerina Karen Kain, ice skating champion/choreographer/artist Toller Cranston, singing star Roch Voisine, superstar comedian Andre-Philippe Gagnon, Toronto Philharmonica, Canadian actors Ken James, Robin Ward and the late Craig Russell.

Corporate accounts include: Playboy Magazine, Warren Shepell Consultants, Carman's Club, Shopsy's Deli and architect Eb Zeidler of Zeidler-Roberts Partnership.* Gino's show business accounts include: Norman Jewison's award-winning movie MOONSTRUCK starring Cher; La Cage Dinner Theatre; Concert Productions International (CPI); Famous People Players; Johnny Lombardi of/and CHIN Radio/TV International, Jane Corkin Photography Gallery, Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), Mirvish Productions and Canadian Actors Equity.

A constant volunteer supporter, Gino has served on several non-profit advisory boards to organizations including: Actors Fund of Canada; Brazilian Ball; Canadian Cancer Society; Canadian Recording Industry; Cystic Fibrosis Foundation; DARE Arts; Dellcrest Children’s Centre; Easter Seals; Famous PEOPLE Players; Hospital for Sick Kids; Inner City Angels; Juvenile Diabetes Foundation; Metro Police; Muscular Dystrophy Association of Canada; Ontario Musical Arts Centre; Operation Herbie; Smile Theatre Company; State of Israel Bonds; United Way; and Variety Club of Ontario, to name a few.

Gino probably does more to raise money for many of the charitable organizations in Toronto than any other person in the entertainment industry. He is always a “soft touch” for any charitable organization looking for a big name for its fund-raising events. He is never satisfied with a small involvement. He goes all out to make sure the event is a success. Being involved in fund-raising for charitable organizations and worthy causes has given Gino very little time for any hobbies. He is totally involved in everything he does as he thoroughly enjoys his work – whether for himself or for others.

In early 1993, Gino received the City of Toronto's highest honour, the Award of Merit.

He was the cover story of several magazine articles and newspaper features and a frequent guest on radio and TV magazine shows and there is an extensive collection of the Gino Empry Files in the National Archives in Ottawa and a recording collection in the University of Toronto Music Library.

Mr. Empry’s current memberships include: The Canadian Public Relations Society, Association of Theatrical Press Agents & Managers, Canadian Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, Toronto Theatre Alliance, American Federation of Musicians, Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television, Stratford Shakespearean Foundation of Canada, Performing Arts Publicists Association of Ontario, Toronto Press Club, Variety Club of Ontario, and Empire Club. Mr. Empry has received numerous awards and certificates for his volunteer works.

He resides in a luxurious condo in downtown Toronto where he enjoys inviting celebrities and VIP's to small dinner parties or hosting "A" list shoulder-to-shoulder chic bashes for such stars as Glenda Jackson, Perry King, Pia Zadora, Tony Bennett, Petula Clark, Hal Linden, Richard Gere, Jack Lemmon, Barry Bostwick, Robert Goulet, Anne Murray, Carol Burnett, Barbara Eden, Phyllis Diller, Diahann Carroll, Vic Damone, Eartha Kitt, Jeremy Irons, Rosemary Clooney, Roch Voisine, Nicolas Cage and others.