Details You Didn't Know About Robb Wells From Trailer Park Boys

Since its debut in 2001, the Canadian sitcom "Trailer Park Boys" has enjoyed immense popularity thanks to its mockumentary genre style, comically profane and violent shenanigans, and an indelible cast of characters. Per the show's IMDb profile, it ended its run in 2018 with 12 seasons under its belt and had a trilogy of movies and an animated spinoff series to boot. The franchise will soon add a comic book adaptation to its ranks later this year (via Trailer Park Comics).

One of the most beloved characters is Ricky LaFleur, portrayed by Canadian actor Robb Wells. Easily angered and always spouting malapropisms like "Indianapolis Jones" and "denial and error," his actions tend to cause the most trouble for the other members of the "Trailer Park Boys" lead trio, Julian (John Paul Tremblay) and Bubbles (Mike Smith). And yet, even Ricky's worst instincts are sometimes guided by a good heart in the hopes of providing for his family.

Given that Ricky is Robb Wells' best-known role, it's easy to think playing the hot-headed "Trailer Park Boys" character is all there is to Wells' filmography. However, there is more to the Canadian actor than tracksuit pants, pepperoni sticks, and a massive pile of drugs.

Before beginning his acting career, Robb Wells worked in the pizza business with his friend (and future "Trailer Park Boys" co-star) John Paul Tremblay. In the '90s, the two operated a successful pizza restaurant chain called J.R. Capone's (via Sharp magazine). This endeavor proved to be foundational for what would eventually become the hit show. 

To pass the time, Wells and Tremblay frequently made crude video skits for their own enjoyment. In 1998, they made a short film titled "One Last Shot," and co-starring John Dunsworth (who played Jim Lahey on "Trailer Park Boys"). They followed the short with a 1999 feature film, "Trailer Park Boys." The movie was a success at the Atlantic Film Festival in Halifax, Nova Scotia, catching the attention of producer Barrie Dunn. Dunn saw enormous potential for a television series and teamed up with Wells, Tremblay, and others to create a pitch for The Comedy Network. After being turned down, they were accepted by Showcase, and the hit series was officially born.   

In addition to other notable film and TV highlights, Robb Wells has an intriguing (albeit distant) blood connection to another high-profile Canadian. In January 2006, an article in the Canadian outlet The Globe and Mail revealed that he is a distant cousin of Stephen Harper. Harper served as Canada's Prime Minister from 2006 to 2015 (via Britannica). Granted, it isn't a close relation, as the outlet reports the two public figures are about four or five generations removed from each other.

It took quite a bit of research to find out Wells and Harper's familial status, thanks to part-time genealogist Carol Dobson, who discovered both men are descendants of the same great-great-great-great-great grandfather, George Dobson. Per The Globe and Mail, Harper is specifically descended from Mary Dobson, while Wells is linked to Mary's oldest sister, Margaret. The blood relation was revealed in a timely fashion, coming just days before Harper's Conservative Party won the federal election.

And, in a strange coincidence, an entirely different Rob Wells (no relation) received a fine in 2015 for placing a profane anti-Harper sign on his car.

Born in Moncton, New Brunswick on March 20, 1971, Wells had a comfortable life growing up. His father worked as a forensic expert with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (via My New Brunswick). When he was eight, Wells' family moved to the Dartmouth, Nova Scotia suburb of Cole Harbour, per The Globe and Mail. While in high school, Wells played soccer and even made the Nova Scotia provincial team. It was during his time in high school that he met John Paul Tremblay and Mike Clattenburg. The trio constantly pulled practical jokes and got into trouble. Essentially, they lived the personas that would later become the characters in "Trailer Park Boys."  

It's also worth noting that Wells and Tremblay aren't the only famous residents of Cole Harbour. Other big names to hail from the Nova Scotian community include NHL stars Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon, musician Matt Mays, and UFC fighter TJ Grant.   

Given the popularity of "Trailer Park Boys" in its home country and beyond, the show is easily one of Canada's most enduring pop culture establishments. As a result, Robb Wells, John Paul Tremblay, and Mike Smith got to partake in a hallowed tradition: throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at a Major League Baseball game.

On April 8, 2005, the trio of actors appeared, fully in character, and were introduced as their alter egos by the announcer at the Toronto Blue Jays home opener game at Rogers Centre. Following the announcements, they threw out the first pitch of the game (via Barstool Sports). As the show's gentle piano theme song played on the stadium speakers, the three pretended to get into a physical altercation over who would throw the ball. After settling down, Smith took the ball and fired the pitch, which took a bounce near home plate before being gloved by Blue Jays pitcher Justin Speier.