Hollywood star Victor Garber gets emotional after surprise meeting with his former teacher in London, Ont.

Victor Garber got teary-eyed when he walked into a brunch in his honour Sunday in London, Ont.

Victor Garber got teary-eyed when he walked into a brunch in his honour Sunday in London, Ont.

“You were my favourite teacher,” Garber said as he hugged a woman in a wheelchair.

That woman was Marion Simpson, his teacher in elementary school 65 years ago.

“Miss Simpson, I remember her very clearly, she was one of my favourite teachers,” Garber told CTV News.

Her daughter Christine Simpson said she’s heard about the Hollywood legend since she was a child.

“She taught him in Grade five at Ryerson Public School and always said that he was such a great kid, and she loved him as a student of hers,” said Christine. “She's 88, she has dementia, she's had a lot of health issues, but she still remembers who he is.”

The surprise at the Delta Armouries Hotel was one of many special moments for Garber this weekend as he was honoured by the Forest City Film Festival (FCFF) with a Lifetime Achievement Award.