Over the weekend at the 2025 Canada’s Walk of Fame Induction Gala, actor K.C. Collins had the distinct honour of inducting Tonya Williams, an artist he shared the screen with nearly two decades ago in Poor Boy’s Game. I chatted with K.C. on the red carpet about this full-circle moment, her unforgettable presence on set, and the monumental impact of her work with Reelworld on representation in the industry. Plus, we got a sneak peek at what’s in store for the highly anticipated third season of Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent.
You’re inducting Tonya Williams tonight. You both starred in Poor Boy’s Game almost 20 years ago…
Oh, you remember that! That’s right.
Did you keep in touch over the years?
Yeah, I’ve attended her events, and that’s mainly how we kept connected. She’s an extremely busy person, but any time that I see Tonya, it’s like a moment hasn’t passed.
I know that film was almost 20 years ago, but can you remember what struck you most about her as a colleague and fellow artist?
She’s so much fun to be around, so much fun! She was playing a very intense character [in the film], and even with that, anytime there was a cut, and she didn’t need to stay there, she would just go back to sort of iconic laugh that she has.
She has this very distinctive laugh, a chuckle, and it would just put everyone else at ease.
She’s awesome.
With your extensive experience across various roles, have you seen things changed for the better in the opportunities that are more available thanks to the work Tonya has done with Reelworld in terms of representation?
Oh, yeah, 100% from when I started to now. When I started, it seemed like an impossible feat. I remember my lovely, amazing former agent, who just retired. I remember him telling me when I sat down in his office for the first time when he was considering taking me on, he was just like, “There’s not a lot of work for black people. I’ll just be honest.”
And I remember saying to him, “You do your job, and I’ll do mine. Right?” And from that day, it’s been a father and son relationship [between us].
But that’s how tough it was, and he knew that. Now, I don’t think any young actor or actress will be told that when they sit in front of an agent. Instead, they’d list the possibilities [for them]. “This is your time” and that’s a thank you to Tonya Williams!
Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent recently wrapped up its second season. What can you tease about the third season?
We actually finished filming season three! It’s always so tough to tease, but I will tell you that it just continues to get better.
Sometimes you feel like you might right into a situation with staleness, but [our show] continues to push. We continue to push and find great stories to tell so that we can keep people on the edge of their seat!
The franchise is famous for ripping from the headlines. Is there a headline you’d rip for the show?
Oh, there’s… You know what? The headlines are so touchy that I’m going to pass on that one! [Laughs]
Which one did you enjoy the most?
The gold! Yeah, the gold heist is a good one.
Canada’s Walk of Fame 2025 will air Tuesday, July 1 at 7 p.m. (7:30 NT) on CBC and CBC Gem.
