Valin Shinyei

Valin Shinyei is an actor and performer who was born May 12, 2001, in Vancouver, British Columbia. He began appearing in commercials when he was six and soon moved into film and television. His credits span stage, voice work, dancing, acting, and hosting or speaking at special events, often combining those skills. On stage he played Ralphie in a musical version of A Christmas Story with the Vancouver Arts Club and took the role of Michael in Billy Elliot the musical, also spending a few days as Billy. He passed the torch to the Russians at the closing ceremonies for the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games in Whistler, British Columbia. He welcomed guests such as Rick Hansen, Michaëlle Jean, John Lasseter, and Optimus Prime at live events, and he danced on stage with Mickey Mouse at Disneyland. His voice work included TD on Martha Speaks and other lead cartoon voice roles.