Who knew so many comedy gurus were natives to our northern neighbor. Canada is home to many comedians who have in the past and presently are responsible for some of the best comedic projects. Many male comedians, TV personalities, and actors are surprisingly Canadian born, and have gained tremendous entertainment success in Tinsel Town.
1) Michael J Fox(Alberta): Born in 1961 as a Canadian army brat, the Back to the Future star made a name for himself prior as a teen actor in Family Ties and then Spin City.
2) William Shattner(Montreal): Born in 1931, he is best known for his roles in Star Trek as Captain James T. Kirk and after fifty years in front of the camera has had numerous cameos in films including Miss Congeniality, and the hit TV show Boston Legal.
3) Seth Rogen (Vancouver, British Columbia): born April 1982, this young star has made quite the career for himself as an actor/producer/writer/director. His breakout in Hollywood came writing Superbad, and then starring in Knocked Up in 2007. He followed up writing and starring in the the stoner film Pineapple Express alongside James Franco, and appearing in the superhero parody The Green Hornet.
4) Peter Hugh Aykroyd: The uncle of Dan Aykroyd, he first became known as a funnyman on SNLfrom 1979-1980. He has written and produced several comedy hits, as well as appearing in Coneheads, and Nothing but Trouble.
5) Leslie Neilson(Regina, Saskatchewan):1926-2010, his illustrious career is highlighted with his role as Frank Drebin in the Naked Gun film series and Airplane in 1980. Nominated for two Emmys and winning a variety of other awards, Neilson’s long list of comedic performances will always be remembered.
6) Jason Jones(Ontario): Born in 1967, this Canadian comedian is a favorite correspondent on The Daily Show.He has also had small movie roles in The Switch and Date Night while appearing in the TV hit Law and Order as Len Pawls.
7) Bob Martin (Toronto): This comedy genius born in 1963 has written and acted in a several laugh out loud series. His two standout works include his Broadway role as “The Man in the Chair” in The Drowsy Chaperone which won him a Tony, and writer/creator of the hit TV show Slings & Arrows.
8) Phil Hartman(Brantford, Ontario): 1948-1998 although deceased, this comedian brought flare and originality to his roles in the T.V series NewsRadio, 3rd Rock from the Sun, SNL, and voices on The Simpsons.
9) Richard Caruthers “Rich Little”(Ottowa): Born 1938, this Canadian impressionist became known to the world as the "The Man of a Thousand Voices" impersonating celebrities throughout Hollywood. He broke out in the mid sixties on The Judy Garland Show and still to this day is acclaimed for having one of the best impersonations of Richard Nixon, which transpired into many TV and film voice castings.
10) Howard Michael "Howie" Mandel (Toronto): born 1955, is a known stand-up comedian throughout Canada. The actor, writer, producer is currently known for his hosting role on the games how Deal or No Deal. He has also been featured on Monk and was the creator and voice in the cartoon Bobby’s World for eight years in the nineties.