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Entertainment • Actor

Yan England

Yan England-Girard is a Canadian actor, television and radio presenter, screenwriter, film producer and director from Quebec.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Yan England-Girard is a Canadian actor, television and radio presenter, screenwriter, film producer and director from Quebec. He is best known for his long-running role as Einstein on the youth series *Watatatow* and for directing the Oscar-nominated short film *Henry*.

Early life and background

Yan England-Girard was born in Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Quebec. He is the son of journalist Michel Girard and producer Diane England.

Acting career

England began acting at a young age and became known to Canadian audiences through his role as Einstein on *Watatatow*, which he played for many years. He later appeared in other film and television productions in Quebec and elsewhere.

Filmmaking

In addition to acting, England has written, produced and directed short films. His short *Henry* received an Academy Award nomination, and *1:54* was his first feature film as a director.

Recognition

England’s Oscar nomination for *Henry* was a major milestone in his career. Coverage of his work often highlights his dual career as both actor and filmmaker.

Key facts

  • Yan England-Girard is a Canadian performer and filmmaker from Quebec.
  • He first became widely known for his long-running role as Einstein on the youth program *Watatatow*.
  • His short film *Henry* was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film at the 85th Academy Awards.
  • His feature directorial debut was *1:54*.
  • He has also worked in television and radio presenting, screenwriting, producing and directing.
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Canadian context

Yan England is a Quebec-based Canadian entertainer whose career is rooted in French-language Canadian television and film. He is notable to Canadian readers for his long-running youth-television role and his Oscar-nominated short film.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Yan England?
Yan England-Girard is a Canadian actor, presenter, screenwriter, producer and director from Quebec.
What is Yan England best known for?
He is best known for playing Einstein on *Watatatow* and for directing the Oscar-nominated short film *Henry*.
Where was Yan England born?
He was born in Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada.
Was Yan England nominated for an Oscar?
Yes. His short film *Henry* was nominated for Best Live Action Short Film at the 85th Academy Awards.
What was Yan England’s first feature film as a director?
*1:54* was his debut feature film.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yan_England
    Supports: Birth name, occupation, birthplace, role on Watatatow, Oscar nomination for Henry, debut feature 1:54
  2. CBC Newshttps://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/montrealer-salutes-his-grandfather-in-oscar-nominated-film-1.1344790
    Supports: Henry Oscar nomination, background on the film, Canada-based career
  3. Wikipediahttps://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yan_England
    Supports: Québec background, work as actor/presenter/writer/director, Watatatow role
  4. IMDbhttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm0257471/
    Supports: Professional credits, acting/directing/writing roles, known-for titles