British Columbia Cities Spark Online Rivalry Over Actor Hudson Williams
A lighthearted but spirited competition has emerged among several British Columbia cities, all vying for bragging rights over actor Hudson Williams, the breakout star of the popular hockey romance series Heated Rivalry. The online rivalry showcases how local tourism boards and communities are creatively engaging with celebrity culture to boost their profiles.
The Rise of a Canadian Star
The Crave Original series Heated Rivalry has achieved global success, propelling Hudson Williams, who was born and raised in British Columbia, into the spotlight. His portrayal of Shane Hollander, a hockey player for the fictional Montreal Voyageurs, has captivated audiences and sparked this unique municipal rivalry.
Tourism Boards Join the Fray
Various cities have taken to social media to stake their claims:
- Tourism Kamloops proudly highlights Williams' birthplace in its Instagram bio, directly identifying the city as the actor's hometown.
- Ottawa Tourism points out that Ottawa is the hometown of Williams' character, Shane Hollander, leveraging the show's narrative for local promotion.
- Montreal has entered the conversation with a bold message, telling other cities to "Back off. He's ours," referencing Hollander's team affiliation in the series.
Academic and Municipal Claims
The rivalry extends beyond tourism boards:
- McGill University has playfully joined in, with its Instagram bio noting it as the "alma mater of Shane Hollander's dad," adding an academic twist to the competition.
- In Metro Vancouver, New Westminster recently asserted its connection after Williams revealed on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon that he once worked as a waiter at The Old Spaghetti Factory in the city.
Social Media Engagement and Humor
Following Williams' interview, where he humorously admitted to being a poor waiter due to his inability to fake a smile, Tourism New Westminster posted a cheeky social media update. The post stated, "Before the fame. Before the fan edits. Before the comment-section chaos. There was New Westminster," accompanied by a spaghetti bowl emoji. It concluded with, "Because once you've served spaghetti in New Westminster ... you're a New Westie."
This playful banter highlights how Canadian cities are using humor and local pride to connect with fans of the show and celebrate Williams' roots, turning a simple claim into an engaging online narrative that resonates with both residents and visitors alike.
