Canada is the second largest country in the world and the largest country in North America by area. It is also known for its diverse culture, the scenic landscapes of British Columbia and the bustling streets of Toronto.
In addition to its physical characteristics, Canada is also known for its comedians who have left a lasting mark on the entertainment industry. Their versatility and humor have earned them a special place in the hearts of audiences worldwide. This article celebrates Canada’s best comedians that everyone should know.
Daniel Aykroyd
Dan Aykroyd was born in Ottawa, Canada in 1952. His television career began in the 1970s when he joined the Second City Comedy Troupe in Toronto. During his time there, he honed his comedic skills and was discovered by Lorne Michaels, who recruited him to Saturday Night Live (SNL) in 1975.
During his career at SNL, he created several popular characters, such as Beldar Conehead and Elwood Blues. He also won an Emmy Award for his screenplay. His TV skills landed him in the classics Ghost HuntersDan Aykroyd is a talented singer who founded the House of Blues.
Michael Myers
Myers was born in 1963 in Scarborough, Ontario, to British parents. His parents had served in the Royal Air Force and the British Army. Myers’ television career began in 1988, but his breakthrough came in Saturday Night Live (1975), where he spent six seasons.
Some of his most memorable characters are Dieter and Wayne Campbell. He has appeared in many films such as Wayne’s World 2 (1993), The Cat in the Hat (2003), Austin Powers, So I married an axe murderer (1993) and Wayne’s World (1992). Myers is known for imitating a Scottish accent and has appeared in several films in his underpants.
Ryan Reynolds
Reynolds was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada in 1973. He is the last son of a family of six and has Irish and Scottish ancestry. Reynolds worked in Fifteen (1990), a Nickelodeon series between 1991 and 1993. At the beginning of his career he worked on smaller roles in Serving in silence: The story of Margarethe Cammermeyer (1995) and Cold-blooded (1996).
Reynolds was absent from television for two years until he appeared in Two boys, a girl and a pizzeria (1998), in which he played Berg. His other big film was The Amityville Horror (2005), before Dead Pool in the MCU.
Will Arnett
Will Arnett is a comedian, actor and voice actor. Arnett was born in 1970 and is a dual American and Canadian citizen. His best known role was in Arrested development (2003), where he played George Oscar “Gob” Bluth II.
Most of us know Will Arnett as Batman. This DC franchise spans many different industries – from Batman slot machines at Casino Days Ontario to merchandise and LEGO movies. Arnett has appeared in films such as The Lego Batman Movie (2017) and The Lego Movie (2014), where he voiced the character Batman. His goofy and arrogant character is well-received by modern film and comedy lovers.
Rick Moranis
Rick Moranis was born in Toronto, Canada in 1953. He is a screenwriter, comedian and actor. He began his career as a radio disc jockey before moving into film and television. His appearance in the Second City Television (SCTV) was the highlight of his television career. His writing skills earned him two nominations for Outstanding Writing in a Variety or Music Program.
Moranis appeared in major films such as The Flintstones, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids and GhostbustersHe showed his comedic side in the role of Wayne Szalinski in Honey, I shrunk the kids.
Colin Mochrie
Colin Mochrie was born in 1957. The Scottish-born Canadian improvisational comedian, actor and producer is best known for his appearances in the British and US versions of the television series Whose line is it anyway? He honed his comedic skills at Second City. He has won several awards for his writing, including the Writers Guild of Canada and the Gemini Award.
Above are some of the comedians who call Canada home. Some, like Myers, were born to English immigrants, while others, like Arnett, hold dual citizenship.
