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Canada 150: 15 hilarious Canadians we love

To celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary, we are shining a light on our amazing country. In the weeks leading up to July 1st, we will be releasing articles on the best Canada has to offer. Get ready for some useful information, beautiful photos and, of course, some laughs.

Today we sit back and reminisce about some of the great Canadian comedians that have had our sides in stitches over the years, and continue to laugh with the many hilarious Canadians out there putting smiles on all our faces. Many of these comic actors, stand-ups and humorists, originally from Canada, have found fame outside of their native land and are now international stars. While some, have largely remained well-known to their fellow citizens, or became Canadian citizens along the way. We couldn’t mention them all, but here are fifteen Canadians that all have proven to be lasting performances making a considerable impact in the entertainment industry.


Seth Rogen - Born in Vancouver British Columbia, in 1982, Rogen got his start on the television show Freaks and Geeks, and began writing screenplays and script for comedies at a young age. He got his big break when Superbad and Pineapple Express hit the big screen, and has been known for his hilarious antics in Sausage Party, Knocked Up, Neighbors and many more knee-slapping cinemas.

I finally remembered my Instagram password!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A post shared by Seth (@sethrogen) on

Leslie Nielsen - Born in Regina Saskatchewan, in 1926, Nielsen got his start on the big screen surprisingly not with comedies, but with dramas. He played serious roles such as doctors, police officers and lawyers. Nielsen’s comedic breakthrough came 30 years after being in the acting industry, with the classic, Airplane! This movie lead to the his role in Police Squad, and later The Naked Gun film series. Nielsen became the known as ‘The King of Spoofs’, and even appeared in the Scary Movie franchise.

Phil Hartman - Born in Brantford Ontario, Hartman joined the cast of Saturday Night Live in 1980, and was a regular cast member for eight years impersonating many, including former president Bill Clinton. After leaving SNL, Hartman appeared on the sitcom News Radio, as well as doing many voices for the Simpsons for characters such as ‘Troy McClure’ and ‘Lionel Hutz’.

A post shared by @beldar7 on

Eugene Levy - Born in Hamilton Ontario, in 1946, Levy is best known for his iconic bushy eyebrows and hilarious role as the well-meaning father in the American Pie movies. However, Levy is an award-winning actor, writer, and producer, and has appeared in more than 60 films such as, Bringing Down The House, Cheaper By the Dozen 2, and Father Of The Bride Part II. Levy’s success in these roles has helped established him as one of Hollywood's most popular comedic actors.

A post shared by Mocha (@castinggurlwonder) on

Russell Peters - Born in 1970, in Brampton Ontario, Russell Peters is one of Canada’s favorite Stand-up comedians of all time. He got his career started in Toronto, but his comedy has taken off and is appreciated all over the world, selling out shows in Canada, the US and Dubai. Peters is still touring around the world to this day!

A post shared by Russell Peters (@russellpeters) on

Catherine O’Hara - Born in 1954 in Toronto Ontario. O’Hara got her start at Toronto’s Second City, where she was known for her celebrity impressions which included, Elizabeth Taylor, Katharine Hepburn, Linda Blair, Lucille Ball, and even Meryl Streep. O’Hara also starred in many movies, such as Beetlejuice, Home Alone 1 and 2, and Christopher Guest's mockumentary A Mighty Wind (just one of 4 Christopher Guest movies she appears in.)

John Candy - Born in 1950, in Toronto Ontario, Candy is a much loved Canadian Comedian. In the 1980’s Candy made appearances in movies such as The Blues Brothers, Stripes, Ghostbusters, and Splash. By the late 80’s Candy was starring and co starring in movies such as Uncle Buck, Brewster’s Millions and Planes, Trains and Automobiles. Candy’s career continued into the early 90’s, but was cut short, due to his passing of a heart attack in 1994. His final, fully completed movie (as he passed away halfway through shooting Wagons East) was Canadian Bacon, further proving that he was a true Canadian.

A post shared by John Candy (@johncandy_tribute) on

Mike Myers - Mike Myers was born in 1963, in Scarborough Ontario! In 1989, Myer’s was cast in the infamous comedy sketch show, Saturday Night Live. It is also on SNL where he performed his most famous character, 'Wayne Campbell'. Myers was seen on SNL until 1995, and it was the success of the Wayne’s World skit that rocketed Myers in to movie stardom. In 1992, Wayne's World was made into a feature film with a sequel to follow. He followed this up with popular movies such as the Austin Powers trilogy, as well as the Shrek series.

Jim Carrey - Born in 1962 in Newmarket Ontario, Jim Carrey got his start doing stand-up in Yuk Yuk’s in Toronto Ontario, where he quickly became a headliner, at the young age of 19. After having small roles in little known movies, Carrey landed the role as the quirky private investigator in Ace Ventura, Pet Detective. From this, Carrey grew to become a leading man in over 20 notable movies and has worked with numerous leading ladies such as, Jennifer Aniston in Bruce Almighty, Nicole Kidman in Batman Forever, and Kate Winslet in a personal favourite, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

A post shared by Jim Carrey (@officialcarrey) on

Colin Mochrie - Colin Mochrie, known for his infamous receding hairline, is actually a Scottish-born Canadian, who moved to Montreal with his family in 1964. The actor and improvisational comedian is most famous and known for his appearances on the British and US versions of the television show Whose Line Is It Anyway.

Dave Foley - Dave Foley is best known for his roles in the TV sitcoms The Kids In The Hall and NewsRadio. Foley dropped out of high school to perform stand-up comedy. Foley made his film debut at the age of 22 as the lead in the Canadian film High Stakes. More recently, he can be found making people laugh in the TV series Dr. Ken and The Middle.

Caroline Rhea - Caroline Rhea was born on April 13, 1964 in Westmount, Québec, Canada. She is an actress and producer, best known for her hilarious and quirky role as ‘Aunt Hilda’ on Sabrina, the Teenage Witch. Rhea has also been known for her comedic roles in Hollywood Squares and Phineas and Ferb.

Tom Green - Tom Green is a Canadian actor, rapper, writer, comedian, producer, director, talk show host, and media personality born in Pembroke, Ontario. Best known for his unique brand of comedy, Green found mainstream prominence via his MTV series, The Tom Green Show. Green is also known for his roles in such films as Freddy Got Fingered, Road Trip, Stealing Harvard and Charlie's Angels.

A post shared by Tom Green (@tomgreen) on

Matthew Perry - Born in 1969, Matthew Perry grew up in Ottawa and Los Angeles. Along with starring in the short-lived television series Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, Perry has appeared in a number of films, including Fools Rush In, The Whole Nine Yards, and 17 Again. It wasn't until 1994, when Perry was cast as the role of ‘Chandler Bing’ in the sitcom F.R.I.E.N.D.S that he would make his big break. The show was a hit for ten years and Perry’s character ‘Chandler’ was easily a fan favourite.

Michael Cera - When Michael Cera was a kid he was ill for quite some time. During this time he watched Ghostbusters, over and over again, learning the dialogue. It was this movie that ignited his fiery passion for performing. Cera made his way into commercials and television, but his big break happened when he was cast as 'George Michael Bluth' in Arrested Development. After the cancellation of this series, Cera transitioned into movies, starring roles in various projects such as Superbad, Juno, Youth in Revolt and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.

Which one of these funny Canadians have made you laugh the most? Let us know in the comments below!

Enter to Win!

In celebration of Canada's 150th birthday, Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery has a Canadian Gift Basket up for grabs for one lucky winner (19+). Enter the form below before June 30th, 2017 at noon for your chance to win the following:

  • BRBN Whisky Chocolates

  • Glencairn Glass Set

  • Blittered Sling Travel Pack Bitters Collection

  • Jalapeno Gold Jelly (made with OKS Gin by Taste of the Okanagan)

  • OKS Drunken Fruit Trio

  • Chill 'N Rocks (whisky rocks)

  • OKS Shot Glasses

  • OKS Sunglasses

  • OKS $65 gift card
Fill out my online form.



Send your comments, news tips, typos, letter to the editor, photos and videos to [email protected].



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