What is Toller Cranston?
{{Infobox person | name = Toller Cranston | image = Bundesarchiv Bild 183-N0324-0010, Toller Cranston.jpg | caption = Cranston performs a split jump at the 1974 World Figure Skating Championships | birth_date = 20 April 1949 | death_date = 24 January 24 2015 | nationality = [[Canadian]] | occupation = [[Figure skater]] }} '''Toller Cranston''' (April 20, 1949 &ndash; January 24, 2015) was a [[Canadians|Canadian]] [[figure skating|figure skater]]. == Early life and career == Cranston was born in [[Hamilton, Ontario]]. He grew up in [[Kirkland Lake]], [[Ontario]]. He was Canadian champion six times, and, despite never coming higher than third at a world championship, he came first in the [[free skate]] four times. He was well-respected for his artistic ability, and is recognized as someone who brought a new level of artistry to men's figure skating. == Professional career == He skated as a [[professional]] for many years, [[choreography|choreographed]] (designed movement patterns for) skating routines, and was a commentator (talked about events) on T.V. during skating events. Many people don't realize that Toller was also an extremely successful and talented fine art painter. He funded his career off the sale of his artworks, and continued to paint ferociously until the end of his days. == Retirement and death == After his [[retirement]], Cranston lived in [[San Miguel de Allende]], [[Mexico]]. He was found dead at his home in San Miguel de Allende on the morning of January 24, 2015.<ref>{{cite news|title=Legendary figure skater Toller Cranston, 65, has died|url=http://globalnews.ca/news/1791348/legendary-figure-skater-toller-cranston-65-has-died/?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed|accessdate=January 24, 2015|work=Global News|date=January 24, 2015}}</ref> He was 65 years old. His cause of death was later said to be a [[heart attack]]. ==Amateur competitions== *World Championships: third in 1974 *[[Olympic Games|Olympics]]: bronz