Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Mark Dailey

Mark Edward Dailey (August 1, 1953 – December 6, 2010) was an American-born Canadian , news anchor, announcer, and voice actor renowned for his deep voice and 31-year tenure at in , where he became known as "The Voice of the City" for delivering station promos and anchoring the 11 p.m. newscast. Born in , to parents John and Rose-Marie Dailey, he initially pursued a career in as a state trooper and part-time before transitioning to in the early . Dailey moved to in 1974, working as a radio reporter in and , and later at stations including in and CHUM and Q-107 in , where he honed his broadcasting skills. He joined Citytv's CityPulse news team in 1979 as a producer and assignment editor, spending a decade on the crime beat before rising to prominence as a news anchor in the 1980s following the station's relocation to Queen Street West. He also provided for several animated television series. Throughout his career, Dailey contributed significantly to 's media landscape, serving as a founding member of and lecturing on police-media relations, drawing from his law enforcement background. He also hosted segments like irreverent movie reviews for Late Great Movies and was celebrated for his humor, kindness, and energy in the newsroom, earning accolades such as a Gemini Award and the 2009 Man of the Year honor. A talented player, Dailey balanced his professional life with personal passions and charity work, notably chronicling his six-year battle with diagnosed in 2004 and serving on the board of . Dailey passed away at Sunnybrook Hospital in from that had spread to his lungs, survived by his wife Kim Gould, stepdaughter (and her husband Matthew Grove), two sisters, and his parents. His death at age 57 prompted widespread tributes from colleagues who described him as a "complete original" and a centering force in Toronto broadcasting, solidifying his legacy as one of the city's most recognizable media figures.

Early life

Birth and family

Mark Dailey was born on August 1, 1953, in , to parents John Dailey and Rose-Marie (Genetta) Dailey. He grew up in Youngstown as one of three children, alongside his two sisters, Kathleen Dailey Gacsal of , and Colleen Dailey of . Dailey's early exposure to broadcasting occurred in his hometown through local radio and television stations such as WNIO and , where he began pursuing opportunities in the medium at the age of 16.

Education and early jobs

Dailey was born and raised in , where he developed an early interest in shaped by his local environment. He attended Ursuline High School in Youngstown, graduating in the early 1970s. Following high school, Dailey enrolled in the program at , where he studied topics related to policing and . Following his education, Dailey worked as an Ohio state trooper for the before transitioning to in the early . He also held a as a , which required clear communication during long-haul operations and coordination with dispatchers and authorities. These positions honed his abilities in observation, handling high-pressure situations, and engaging with diverse individuals, skills that later proved essential for his career in reporting and public-facing media.

Broadcasting career

Early radio and television work

Mark Dailey began his broadcasting career in while pursuing a parallel path in law enforcement, having studied the field at and briefly served as a state trooper. Motivated by a passion for media, he transitioned to , leveraging his background in policing to focus on crime reporting. At age 16, Dailey entered radio at WNIO (now WYOH) in , where he started as an and gained initial on-air experience delivering and commentary in the local market. This early role honed his distinctive voice and timing, marking his entry into professional broadcasting amid the vibrant Youngstown radio scene of the late 1960s. Dailey soon expanded into television, joining , the affiliate in Youngstown, as a reporter and in the early 1970s. There, he covered stories, often drawing on his insights for investigative pieces on crime and community issues, while also handling on-air announcements and weather segments. His work at WYTV, including a notable 1972 appearance as a featured reporter in local ads, established him as a promising talent in regional media before his move northward.

Move to Canada and Citytv tenure

In 1974, Mark Dailey immigrated to from his native , where he had begun his broadcasting in radio and television. He initially worked as a crime reporter at radio in , before relocating to later that year to join CHUM as a radio reporter and . Dailey continued his radio by serving as the founding news director at Q107 when the station launched in 1977, and he also contributed to CHUM-AM and CHUM-FM during this period. Dailey joined the nascent station in in 1979 as part of the CityPulse news team, beginning a 31-year tenure that defined much of his professional legacy. His early roles at the station fell under Channel Seventy-Nine Ltd., the original licensee, until acquired a in 1978 and full ownership in 1981; Dailey's employment continued seamlessly through CHUM's ownership until 2007, when Rogers Media purchased the company, and he remained with Rogers until his in 2010. During this time, he covered the beat for over a decade, reported on major stories, and anchored the 11 p.m. weeknight newscast alongside for nearly two decades, contributing to the program's reputation for energetic, street-level journalism. Beyond reporting, Dailey became 's signature continuity announcer, initially taking on the role reluctantly but soon embracing it with his distinctive baritone voice. He voiced numerous station promos, interstitial announcements, and the iconic slogan "This is , Everywhere!", which captured the network's urban, accessible ethos and aired for years across its broadcasts. His multifaceted presence—as anchor, reporter, and voice talent—earned him the moniker "the voice of ," a testament to how his work permeated the city's media landscape and shaped local culture.

Voice acting and media appearances

Animated series roles

Mark Dailey's voice acting career in animated television series highlighted his versatility as a performer, drawing on his resonant honed through decades of to portray a diverse array of characters, from stoic robots and authoritative leaders to quirky commentators and mythical creatures. His contributions spanned dubs and original Canadian productions, often infusing roles with a sense of and subtle humor that echoed his on-air . One of Dailey's notable early roles was in the adaptation Medabots (2001), where he voiced Rokusho, a honorable Medabot known for his loyalty and combat prowess. His performance in this series showcased his ability to convey emotional depth in a robotic character, contributing to the English dub's appeal among young audiences. Dailey recurred as Brad Best, the enthusiastic co-commentator alongside A.J. Topper, across the franchise, including the original (2001–2002), (2002–2003), and (2003). In these episodes, his energetic delivery enhanced the high-stakes tournament scenes, making the dub-exclusive role a memorable fixture in the series' sports-anime style. In the superhero parody The Ripping Friends (2001–2002), Dailey assumed the voice of Crag, the inventive leader of the titular quartet of over-muscled brothers, starting in later episodes after Harvey Atkin. His interpretation brought a commanding yet comically earnest tone to the character, aligning with the show's absurd humor and action sequences. Dailey also voiced the news Anchor in the family-oriented comedy My Dad the Rock Star (2003), providing brief but distinctive announcements that tied into the series' rock 'n' roll family dynamics. Later, in the sci-fi comedy Spliced (2009–2010), he lent his voice to Omega Steed, a powerful, spliced hybrid creature appearing in select episodes, adding a mythical authority to the show's chaotic animal experiments. Throughout his animated work, including additional characters in Grossology (2006–2007), Dailey's broadcasting experience translated seamlessly, allowing him to deliver lines with professional clarity and charisma that distinguished his performances in ensemble casts. This side career not only expanded his reach into children's entertainment but also preserved his iconic voice in a new medium long after his primary days.

Film and other voiceover work

Dailey appeared in a number of Canadian films, typically portraying news reporters or anchors that drew on his broadcasting background. In the 1994 crime drama Boozecan, directed by , he played a CITY TV Reporter covering the story of a police boozecan operation. His role in the short film Claire's Hat was that of a News Anchor, delivering reports amid the film's exploration of personal loss and memory. In the 1999 ensemble drama The Life Before This, directed by Jerry Ciccoritti, Dailey appeared as a TV Reporter chronicling a tragic downtown shooting and its ripple effects on bystanders. He later took on the role of News Anchor in the 2004 comedy Childstar, directed by , where he commented on the antics of a young actor filming in . Beyond films, Dailey lent his distinctive to various projects, including commercials for Toronto-area businesses such as Bowl-a-Rama. He was also known for his interstitial announcements and promos, which extended his voice talent into non-broadcast media. A persistent attributed the spoken chorus of "Subdivisions" in Rush's 1982 hit song to Dailey, but he repeatedly clarified that this was a and the voice belonged to Rush drummer .

Personal life and health

Family and relationships

Mark Dailey was married to (Gould) Dailey, whom he described as a devoted partner throughout his life in . The couple resided in , where Dailey's relocation from in 1974 for professional opportunities established their family home as expatriates, allowing him to balance his demanding schedule with family time in the city. Dailey and were proud parents to daughter Grove (née ), who was from Kim's previous marriage but whom Dailey embraced as his own, fostering a close family dynamic marked by mutual support. He was also the father-in-law to Nicole's husband, Matthew Grove. Dailey was survived by his parents, and Dailey, and his two sisters, Kathleen Gacsal and Colleen Hubbard. In public tributes following his passing, colleagues and obituaries highlighted the family's role in his personal fulfillment, noting that he passed away surrounded by Kim and Nicole, underscoring their enduring bond.

Prior health challenges

In 2004, Mark Dailey was diagnosed with , a revelation he shared openly with his audience to promote early detection among men. He underwent treatment and successfully recovered, achieving remission by the mid-2000s. Dailey documented his recovery process through a five-part television series titled Journey to a Cure, which aired on and detailed his medical journey from diagnosis to post-treatment life, emphasizing the importance of regular screenings. This initiative had minimal disruption to his broadcasting schedule, as he continued anchoring newscasts throughout the period, though it heightened his personal focus on health advocacy. As a , Dailey served as a spokesperson and board member for Prostate Cancer , using his platform to encourage public awareness and support for research, while his family provided crucial emotional backing during recovery. No other significant health challenges prior to this diagnosis are noted in his biography.

Death and legacy

Cancer diagnosis and death

On September 9, 2010, during his 11 p.m. newscast on , Mark Dailey publicly announced his diagnosis of , revealing that the disease had already spread to his lungs. This came six years after he had successfully battled and survived , demonstrating his prior resilience in facing serious health issues. Dailey underwent surgery in October 2010 to address the tumor, but the cancer continued to progress, spreading further throughout his body. He received ongoing treatment at in , where he remained under care during his final weeks. Dailey died on December 6, 2010, at the age of 57, peacefully surrounded by his family at . He was survived by his wife, Kim, and daughter, Nicole; in the immediate aftermath, his family expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from colleagues and the public, noting that Dailey had faced his illness with characteristic grace and courage. A memorial service was held on December 11, 2010, at 1 p.m. at Yorkminster Park Baptist Church on in , attended by hundreds of family members, friends, colleagues, and even strangers who admired his work. The service celebrated Dailey's life and professional legacy, with speakers including his sister Colleen Smith and longtime colleague .

Tributes and lasting impact

Following his death, Mark Dailey received widespread tributes from media outlets and colleagues who highlighted his iconic role in Toronto broadcasting. The Toronto Star described him as having become "the voice of the city itself," emphasizing how his authoritative yet engaging delivery shaped Citytv's identity over three decades. Citytv founder Moses Znaimer noted that Dailey's voice "will remain in ours for a long, long time," while colleagues like Anne Mroczkowski praised his "extraordinary presence" and "remarkable voice" that carried a "kindness" influencing many in the newsroom. Broadcasters such as Peter Mansbridge and Lloyd Robertson lauded his distinctive style and vocal versatility, which gave Citytv its "strong and cheeky presence." Public mourning was profound, with hundreds attending his memorial service at Yorkminster Park Baptist Church on December 11, 2010, including friends, colleagues, and longtime viewers who felt a personal connection to his work. CityNews aired a special tribute during its December 6, 2010, broadcast, and tributes poured in from across Canada, reflecting his status as a beloved figure. At the service, figures like Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair and journalist Gord Martineau called the turnout a "testament" to Dailey's trustworthiness and popularity, underscoring the emotional outpouring from the community. Dailey's legacy endures in Canadian broadcasting through his influence on news delivery, particularly street-level reporting and promotional voiceovers that set standards for engaging, authentic presentation at . Posthumously, he received the 2011 RTNDA Lifetime Achievement Award for his excellence in , accepted by his wife Kim Dailey and executive Tina Cortese, who described him as an "exceptional broadcaster" whose impact resonated industry-wide. Prostate Cancer renamed its Local Hero Award the "Mark Dailey Local Hero Award" in 2011 to honor his advocacy efforts. His contributions continue to be remembered in retrospectives, such as ' 2020 tenth-anniversary segment marking his lasting role as Toronto's voice.

References

  1. [1]
    Mark Dailey of Citytv dies of cancer | CBC News
    Dec 6, 2010 · Born in Ohio on Aug. 1, 1953, Dailey worked as a police officer there before taking up journalism and joining CityPulse in 1979, where he ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  2. [2]
    Citytv anchor Mark Dailey dies of cancer at 57 | National Post
    Dec 6, 2010 · Mr. Dailey died Monday at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto after a battle with kidney cancer. He was 57.Missing: biography | Show results with:biography<|control11|><|separator|>
  3. [3]
    Mark Dailey Obituary (2010) - Toronto Star - Legacy
    Mark Edward Dailey, he peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Monday, December 6, 2010 surrounded by his family.Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  4. [4]
    Citytv's Mark Dailey dies of cancer - Toronto Star
    Dec 6, 2010 · Veteran broadcaster Mark Dailey wasn't merely the voice of Toronto's Citytv. He became the voice of the city itself.Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  5. [5]
    Mark Edward Dailey (1953-2010) - Find a Grave Memorial
    Mark Dailey (August 1, 1953 – December 6, 2010) was an American-born Canadian television journalist and announcer. He was the host of 11 p.m. weeknight ...
  6. [6]
    Obituary: Mark Dailey: City loses its distinctive voice - Toronto Star
    Dec 7, 2010 · A Torontonian by choice, Dailey was born in Youngstown, Ohio, where he studied law enforcement at university and briefly served as a state ...
  7. [7]
    Toronto broadcaster Mark Dailey dead at 57 | Globalnews.ca
    Dec 6, 2010 · Dailey, who was born in Youngstown, Ohio, died in hospital Monday afternoon with his family at his side. Dailey was the host of 11 p.m. ...Missing: siblings | Show results with:siblings
  8. [8]
    Rock Radio Heaven (D) MARK DAILEY Born
    Best known for his work as anchor, reporter, and image voice of CITY-TV, Dailey got his start in radio at the age of 16 at WNIO.Missing: WYOH | Show results with:WYOH
  9. [9]
    Tributes pour in for Mark Dailey - CityNews Toronto
    Dec 7, 2010 · Mark began his career in Ohio and then moved to at CKLW in Windsor. He joined CityPulse in 1979, helmed the crime beat for more than 10 years ...
  10. [10]
    CITY-DT - The History of Canadian Broadcasting
    An agreement was reached August 21 where CHUM would acquire 89.1% of Channel SeventyNine Ltd. CHUM would then sell 21.9% to the CITY founders group and certain ...
  11. [11]
    News Voice Actor Mark Dailey Passes Away at 57
    Dec 6, 2010 · Dailey, 57, has voice-acted in several anime series, including the Beyblade franchise as Brad Best, and as multiple characters in the Medabots ...Missing: roles | Show results with:roles
  12. [12]
    Rokusho Voice - Medabots (TV Show) - Behind The Voice Actors
    Mark Dailey is the English dub voice of Rokusho in Medabots, and Isao Shinohara is the Japanese voice.
  13. [13]
    Mark DAILEY - Anime News Network
    Cast in: (English version) Beyblade (TV) as Brad Best Beyblade G Revolution (TV) as Brad Best Beyblade: V-Force (TV) as Brad Best
  14. [14]
    https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=15733
  15. [15]
    Crag Voice - The Ripping Friends (TV Show)
    Harvey Atkin, Mark Dailey are the voices of Crag in The Ripping Friends. TV Show: The Ripping Friends. Crag VOICE. Harvey Atkin. Mark Dailey. Latest News.
  16. [16]
    Anchor Voice - My Dad the Rock Star (TV Show)
    Mark Dailey is the voice of Anchor in My Dad the Rock Star. TV Show: My Dad the Rock Star. Anchor VOICE. Mark Dailey. Latest News.
  17. [17]
    Boozecan (1994) - Full cast & crew - IMDb
    Doorman · Dante · Dante · Doorman #2 · Mark Dailey · Mark Dailey · CITY TV Reporter · Basil Young · Basil Young · CITY TV Cameraman · Candido Vermelhudo.
  18. [18]
    Mark Dailey(1953-2010) - IMDb
    Has worked as a television journalist, announcer and co-anchor at CITY-TV in Toronto. He is also a prostate cancer survivor.
  19. [19]
    https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0197330/
  20. [20]
    Childstar (2004) - Full cast & crew - IMDb
    Mark Rendall in Childstar (2004). Full cast & crew. Childstar. Jump to ... Mark Dailey · News Anchor · J.C. Kenny · J.C. Kenny · L.A. Reporter · Kris Saric · Kris ...
  21. [21]
    That time The Voice of Toronto Mark Dailey was everywhere - blogTO
    Dailey himself had served as an officer of the law in Ohio and was dubbed "Marko the narco" after infiltrating a drug gang. Dailey often joked the experience ...Missing: trooper | Show results with:trooper<|control11|><|separator|>
  22. [22]
    Incredible Response To Mark Dailey's 30th Anniversary At Citytv
    Mar 23, 2009 · “That's been an urban myth for years. It's not my voice on 'Subdivisions' by Rush but I continue to get credit. I've tr ied to dispel it but ...
  23. [23]
    Mark Edward Dailey Obituary | 1953 - 2010 | National Post
    Mark was the devoted husband of Kim (Gould) and ... Mark was the devoted husband of Kim (Gould) and proud father of Nicole (Murray) Gr.
  24. [24]
    Citytv Mourns the Loss of Canadian Television Icon Mark Dailey
    Dec 6, 2010 · TORONTO, Dec. 6 /CNW/ – CityNews anchor and the voice of Citytv, Mark Dailey, died today at Sunnybrook hospital in Toronto. He was 57.Missing: Seventy- Nine CHUM
  25. [25]
    Toronto newscaster Mark Dailey dead at 57 | Globalnews.ca
    Dec 6, 2010 · Dailey, who was born in Youngstown, Ohio, died in hospital Monday afternoon with his family at his side. Dailey was the host of 11 p.m. ...Missing: class | Show results with:class
  26. [26]
    Mark Dailey's Five-Part Series, "Journey To A Cure"
    Dec 9, 2010 · Mark Dailey was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2004, and immediately chose to document his treatments as a way of raising awareness. In his ...Missing: timeline recovery
  27. [27]
    Mark Dailey Reveals His Cancer Diagnosis - CityNews Toronto
    Posted September 9, 2010 9:30 am. This article is more than 5 years old. Dailey is battling kidney cancer. Submit a Correction.Missing: source | Show results with:source
  28. [28]
    Hundreds mourn Citytv newsman - Toronto Star
    Dec 11, 2010 · Hundreds of mourners, friends and strangers alike, gathered to mourn the loss and celebrate the life of Citytv anchor Mark Dailey.Missing: funeral | Show results with:funeral
  29. [29]
    Mark Dailey Remembered: Memorial Service Video
    Dec 13, 2010 · Hundreds of family, friends, colleagues and even strangers gathered together Saturday afternoon at Yorkminster Park Baptist Church to memorialize legendary ...Missing: mourn | Show results with:mourn
  30. [30]
    Mark Dailey to receive Lifetime Achievement Award
    In recognition of his career and accomplishments, Dailey will be honoured with a prestigious RTNDA Lifetime Achievement Award on Saturday, May 7, 2011. Dailey's ...
  31. [31]
    Prostate Cancer Canada award renamed in Mark Dailey's honour
    On Thursday Mark received a posthumous honour from Prostate Cancer Canada. The group permanently renamed their local hero award in recognition ...
  32. [32]
    Remembering Citytv anchor Mark Dailey - YouTube
    Dec 6, 2020 · December 6th marks ten years since Citytv reporter and anchor Mark Dailey passed way.