“Degrassi” Stars Are Paying Tribute To Co-Creator Kit Hood After His Passing
The creator of one of Canada's biggest and most iconic shows passed away earlier this week. Now former cast members, who looked up to Degrassi co-creator Kit Hood, are paying tribute to the legacy he left behind.
Hood was able to touch the lives of multiple generations. Versions of his show were aired from 1979 all the way up until 2017. He also had a huge role in the lives of the people he worked with.
Stacie Mistysyn, who is one of the cast members paying their respects, even told CTV that he was a father figure in her life throughout her time on set.
Stacie Mistysyn
Mistysyn didn't just work in one of Hood's creations. She starred as Lisa Canard in the original The Kids of Degrassi Street and also returned for Degrassi Junior High, Degrassi High, Degrassi: The Next Generation, and Degrassi: The Next Class as Caitlin Ryan.
In honour of Hood's life, she posted two Instagram posts filled with photos of past memories she shared with the co-creator.
In her post, she wrote, "I will always be grateful to you for taking a chance on the girl in flip flops with a big gap between her front teeth. Thank you for your vision and sense of humour. My love goes out to your family."
Stefan Brogren
Stefan Brogren was also an actor who worked in multiple of Hoods creations. He starred in Degrassi Junior High, Degrassi High, Degrassi: The Next Generation, and Degrassi: The Next Class as Archie Simpson.
He took to Twitter to remember Hood saying, "My love and support goes to his whole family, particularly Georgia, Fenna, Nicola and Agnes. Kit's devotion to his family was also steadfast and strong."
He finished by remembering Kit's "quick wit, easy charm and 'no b.s' attitude."
Pat Mastroianni
Pat Mastroianni took his sadness over the co-creators passing to Instagram where he penned, "Kit was fundamental in laying the foundation of the Degrassi legacy as we know it today. From its humble beginnings with The Kids of Degrassi Street, Degrassi Jr. High, Degrassi High and the series finale Schools Out in 1992.
He went on to discuss the impact Kit had on Canadian TV by claiming that Degrassi "comforted" fans when no one else could. Mastroianni starred in Degrassi Junior High, Degrassi High, and Degrassi: The Next Generation.
He finished by saying, "I’m now humbled to have been able to give Kit that gift after all he has given us. I wish I could have given more, he deserved more."