'We never saw them. We're seeing them now': Dalmar Abuzeid on being Avonlea's first black resident

Originally published on October 12, 2018

If you grew up reading the Anne of Green Gables books, you probably remember characters such asGilbert Blythe, Anne's great love, orDiana Barry, her beloved best friend. But there'sone characteryou've definitely never heard of: Sebastian "Bash"Lecroix.

He's played by actor Dalmar Abuzeid, and was created specifically for the new season ofAnne with an E. He's alsothe first black character to appear on the show.

"There were people of colour in Canada's history at that time, so therewould have been(people of colour) in the world ofAvonleaand the world of Anne," saysAbuzeid. "We never saw them. We're seeing them now. That is historically accurate, and what's more is [the show] is giving a platform to see even further than we have before."

Abuzeidtalks to us about making TV history, as well as how he got his big break on Degrassialongside Drake.

Produced by Vanessa Greco

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