Buzz
While many of our previous lists have leaned heavily toward American-centric content, we’ve occasionally received feedback requesting more diversity. With Canada recently celebrating Thanksgiving, it feels fitting to honor the incredible comedic talent the country has gifted us. Don’t forget to share your personal favorites in the comments!
10. Seth Rogen
Hailing from Vancouver, British Columbia, Seth Rogen, born in 1982, is the youngest comedian featured here. His inclusion highlights Canada’s ongoing ability to produce exceptional comedic talent. Rogen first gained attention on the TV series *Freaks and Geeks*, but his career skyrocketed in film. He’s known for roles in *The 40-Year-Old Virgin* and *Knocked Up*, as well as co-writing and starring in *Superbad* and *Pineapple Express*. With numerous projects in the pipeline, Rogen’s influence in comedy is far from over.
9. Lorne Michaels
Born in Toronto, Ontario, in 1944, Lorne Michaels may not be recognized for his comedic performances or stand-up routines, but his significance lies in being the creator and producer of *Saturday Night Live*. Launched in 1977, this iconic sketch comedy series has become one of the most renowned and enduring shows of its kind, launching the careers of countless comedians. Beyond television, Michaels has produced 19 films, including *SNL* spin-offs like *Wayne’s World*, *A Night at the Roxbury*, and *Superstar*, as well as modern hits such as *Mean Girls* and *Hot Rod*.
8. Leslie Nielsen
Born in Regina, Saskatchewan, in 1926, Nielsen initially pursued a career in dramatic roles, portraying characters like doctors, police officers, and lawyers in films and TV shows. While his acting journey began in the 1950s, it wasn’t until the 1980s that he achieved comedic fame with the cult classic *Airplane!*. This was followed by *Police Squad*, a parody of popular police dramas, which, despite being canceled after six episodes, inspired the *Naked Gun* film series. With two sequels, Nielsen became synonymous with spoof comedies and later appeared in the *Scary Movie* franchise.
7. Phil Hartman
Hailing from Brantford, Ontario, and born in 1948, Phil Hartman became a standout cast member on *Saturday Night Live* in 1980, where he spent eight years perfecting impressions, including that of former President Bill Clinton. After *SNL*, Hartman starred in the sitcom *NewsRadio* and lent his voice to iconic characters like Troy McClure and Lionel Hutz on *The Simpsons*. Tragically, his life ended prematurely on May 28, 1998, when he was fatally shot by his wife while sleeping.
6. Eugene Levy
Born in Hamilton, Ontario, in 1946, Levy is another notable alumnus of *SCTV*. After graduating from McMaster University in 1969 (also my alma mater), he joined Second City and *SCTV*. While Levy has appeared in numerous films, he is best recognized for his role as the endearing father in the *American Pie* series.
5. Russell Peters
Russell Peters, born in 1970 in Brampton, Ontario, is one of Canada’s most beloved stand-up comedians. Starting his career in Toronto, Peters has gained international acclaim, selling out shows across Canada, the U.S., and even Dubai. His humor revolves around sharp observations on race, culture, and everyday life, making him a global sensation. Peters continues to tour worldwide, bringing laughter to diverse audiences.
4. Catherine O’Hara
Born in Toronto, Ontario, in 1954, Catherine O’Hara stands out as the leading female comedian on this list, though she is far from the only talented Canadian woman in comedy. O’Hara began her career at Toronto’s Second City, where she served as an understudy to the legendary Gilda Radner. She became a staple on *SCTV* and was even offered a spot on *SNL*, but she chose to stay with *SCTV* when it transitioned to American television on NBC. Known for her spot-on impressions of stars like Elizabeth Taylor, Katharine Hepburn, and Meryl Streep, O’Hara also shined in films such as *Beetlejuice*, *Home Alone 1 and 2*, and Christopher Guest’s mockumentary *A Mighty Wind*.
3. Jim Carrey
Born in New Market, Ontario, in 1962, Jim Carrey began his career performing stand-up at Yuk Yuk’s in Toronto, where he quickly rose to become a headliner by the age of 19. Carrey transitioned into films and gained widespread recognition on the Wayan brothers’ variety show, *In Living Color*. After minor roles in lesser-known movies, he achieved stardom as the eccentric private investigator in 1994’s *Ace Ventura: Pet Detective*. Since then, Carrey has become a leading man in over 20 major films, earning $25,000,000 per movie and working alongside stars like Jennifer Aniston (*Bruce Almighty*), Nicole Kidman (*Batman Forever*), and Kate Winslet (*Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind*).
2. Mike Myers
Born in Scarborough, Ontario, in 1963, Mike Myers began his career with Toronto’s Second City, where he refined his improvisational skills. In 1988, he moved to Chicago to train at Second City’s renowned center, which has produced comedians like Tim Meadows, Stephen Colbert, and Steve Carell. Myers joined *Saturday Night Live* in 1989, where he created his iconic character, Wayne Campbell. His success with *Wayne’s World* sketches led to a feature film in 1992 and its sequel. Myers further cemented his fame with the *Austin Powers* trilogy and the *Shrek* series, earning $10,000,000 per film. While *The Love Guru* was less successful, Myers remains a comedy legend.
1. John Candy
Born in Toronto, Ontario, in 1950, John Candy remains one of Canada’s most beloved comedians. He began his career at Toronto’s Second City Comedy before transitioning to *Second City Television*, a popular Canadian sketch show. In the 1980s, Candy appeared in iconic films like *The Blues Brothers*, *Stripes*, *Ghostbusters*, and *Splash*. By the late 80s, he was starring in or co-starring in hits such as *Uncle Buck*, *Brewster’s Millions*, and *Planes, Trains and Automobiles*. In 1989, he produced *Camp Candy*, an animated series about summer camp, which remains a personal favorite for many. Candy’s career flourished into the early 90s but was tragically cut short by his untimely death from a heart attack in 1994 at the age of 43. His final completed film, *Canadian Bacon*, humorously celebrated his Canadian roots, cementing his legacy as a true Canadian icon.
