Alan Willis Thicke, a Canadian‑American actor, songwriter and television host, was the father of singer Robin Thicke. He is most remembered for portraying Dr. Jason Seaver on ABC’s 1980s sitcom Growing Pains, and in 2013 he was inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame.
Born in Scotland, Colin Mochrie, a Canadian actor and comedic performer specializing in improvisation, arrived on November 30, 1957. He was born in Kilmarnock, Scotland, and immigrated to Canada with his family in 1964, initially settling in the Montreal suburbs before moving near Vancouver five years later. Following his time at Killarney Secondary School, Mochrie spent three years studying theatre at Studio 58, which is part of Langara College. His father was an airline maintenance executive. Working with Vancouver's TheatreSports League allowed Mochrie to develop his comedic skills; it was there he first encountered Ryan Stiles, and he would later perform for Toronto's Second City theatre. He auditioned twice in London for Whose Line Is It Anyway? in 1989, initially cast for one episode, before becoming a regular for seven years after a third audition. He appeared in all 220 episodes of the American version of the show from 1998 to 2006 and has continued appearing in the revived US version since 2013. He wrote for numerous other series and events, and even performed at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner. His work on Whose Line Is It Anyway? , both British and American versions, is what he is best known for. Beyond his television work, Mochrie has a prolific career in comedy. He co-wrote, co-produced, and co-starred in the Canadian sitcoms Getting Along Famously and She’s the Mayor with his wife, Debra McGrath, whom he married in January 1989. They have a daughter, Kinley Mochrie, born in 1990, who publicly revealed she is transgender in 2017. He has also appeared in films such as Surviving My Mother (2007) and Astronaut (2019), and starred in the 2022 television film Les Douze gourmandises de Noël . He performs live shows with Brad Sherwood called "From Whose Line Is It Anyway?" Tour, transforming audience suggestions into comedy. Colin Mochrie received accolades over time, including two Canadian Comedy Awards, a Gemini Award, and an award from the Writers Guild of Canada; furthermore, 2013 saw him named the Canadian Comedy Person of the Year. Currently, he tours extensively, performs improvisational comedy shows with musical segments, and co-created 'Hyprov: Improv Under Hypnosis' with Asad Mecci, which has toured over 200 cities and had notable runs in Las Vegas and Off-Broadway. He is described as a prolific improviser who has been performing for over 35 years.
Jason Pierre Jones, who is both Canadian and American, works as an actor, comedian and writer. He acted as a correspondent on Jon Stewart’s The Daily Show from 2005 until 2015. From 2016 through 2019 he starred in the TBS comedy series The Detour, a program he developed together with his wife Samantha Bee.
Jean-Marc Parent, also known as JMP, is a prominent figure in Quebec humor and a comedian from Quebec, Canada. Born on March 21, 1962, in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, he brings over 30 years of experience to his career. Before pursuing comedy full-time, Parent worked as a social worker. He was discovered at the Juste Pour Rire festival in 1988, marking the beginning of a significant journey in the world of entertainment. His initial performance was titled "L'Handicapé," also known as "The Disabled." For a period, he collaborated with Michel Barrett as a comedy duo, but returned to solo performances in the 1990s. Parent’s comedy style is characterized by portraying everyday life with subtlety and self-deprecation, often creating a unique connection with the audience. He is recognized for his improvisational talent and specializes in long-form comedy, performing for extended periods. His shows frequently blend scripted material with spontaneous improvisation. Iconic shows like 'Urgence de vivre,' 'Torture,' and 'Utopie' have contributed to his reputation. He has performed for nearly one million spectators throughout his career, and his shows are consistently described as ‘the best.’ He is considered one of the greatest French comedians in Quebec, and a relevant, funny, and touching voice in Quebec humor. Jean-Marc Parent continues to perform in comedy specials and events across Canada. He has also served as a spokesperson for Opération Nez rouge and hosted an improv and animation comedy show called "L'Heure JMP" on TQS, and provided illustrations for the humor magazine Safarir. Currently, he is touring live with dates scheduled for 2026–2027, performing in major U.S. cities and theaters, with additional markets potentially being added. The tour began on October 28, 2026, and concludes on November 27, 2026. He recently performed at Théâtre Manuvie in Brossard on November 1, 2025. He has performances scheduled outside of the United States. Before his next full show in 2026, a new, intimate show is planned for fans, featuring spontaneous reflections and new stories. Information regarding tour dates and special content is regularly updated through his email newsletter.
Lorne Michaels, a dual Canadian‑American citizen, works as a television and film producer, comedian, screenwriter and director. He originated and produces Saturday Night Live and has also produced the Late Night series, The Kids in the Hall, and The Tonight Show.
Martin Cloutier is a multifaceted Canadian artist, known both as a comedian and an author. He began his career in 1993 after graduating from the École nationale de l’humour. Initially, he gained prominence as one half of the comedy duo Dominic et Martin, performing six shows together and appearing extensively in galas, television programs, and radio broadcasts. For nearly 25 years, he has collaborated with Dominic Sillon, currently touring Quebec with SIX, their sixth show as a duo. Their performances emphasize punchlines and rhythm, and they co-wrote the texts for their shows with Simon Delisle, while Daniel Laurin directed them. Alongside his work with Dominic et Martin, Cloutier maintains a solo career characterized by quick wit and a critical perspective. He hosted Debout les comiques on CKOI for ten years and directs shows for other comedians, including Stéphane Fallu, Galas Juste pour rire, Les 5 prochains, 2Frères, and Roxane Bruneau. Cloutier’s recent work has expanded beyond comedy to include writing; he is an author and spends much of his time writing. He currently resides in Brooklyn, NY, and is managed by Patricia Blais at Pomme Grenade. Cloutier's novel, Waiting for Something Else , published by Heliotrope Books in 2025, has garnered significant praise. The film is categorized as a 'irreverent, unrequited sex comedy' that examines love, sexuality, faith, and food, alongside the contrast between sophisticated gastronomy and base actions. Reviewers have lauded the book; Steve Almond called it a brilliant comedy of manners, Joshua Henkin found it wonderful and captivating, and Andre Dubus III praised his intelligent, witty, and compassionate prose. The novel was nominated for a Lambda Literary Award. He voiced surprise regarding the absence of humorous literary novels and sexual content in current fiction, holding firm beliefs concerning the constraints imposed by appealing characters and the prevalence of uninspired writing. At the College of Staten Island, Cloutier serves as an adjunct assistant professor, teaching writing to undergraduates, and before that, collaborated with Emily Sohmer Tai alongside the CUNY Academy for the Humanities & Sciences. He is scheduled to appear with Edward Cahill at Greenlight Bookstore on June 16, 2025, and remains active on Instagram.
A Canadian by birth, Michael Wex wears many hats: novelist, playwright, translator, lecturer, performer, and writer of texts about language and literature. His expertise lies in Yiddish, and his 2005 publication *Born to Kvetch* turned into an unforeseen bestseller. He calls Toronto home.
A Canadian entertainer, Michel Barrette’s career encompasses roles as a television and movie actor, a television and radio host, and a stand-up comedian. Born on April 26, 1957, in Chicoutimi, Quebec, he spent his childhood in Alma. His grandfather's storytelling during summers significantly influenced him, providing inspiration for his later career. Barrette began his artistic journey as an amateur comedian in 1982, making his film debut that same year in L'Empereur du Pérou . He transitioned to professional stand-up comedy in 1983. Barrette’s career encompasses a diverse range of roles and formats. Before pursuing entertainment, he initially worked in the Canadian Armed Forces and briefly held positions as a collection agent and credit director. He co-hosted Casse-Tête with Jean-Marc Parent from 1987 to 1988 and hosted Planete en folie in 1998. Notably, he created the stand-up character Roland “Hi-Ha” Tremblay around 1988, which helped launch the career of Vincent Bolduc. He released his first album, 'Le temps d'une dinde,' in December 1988, selling 250,000 copies. His movie acting career began in 1982 and includes appearances in films like Les Boys (1997) as Roger, Mourir d'amour , Coyote , and Ma vie en cinémascope (2004). He starred in The Rocket (2005), a tribute to Montreal Canadiens superstar Maurice Richard, portraying Père Norchet and Adjutor Gagnon. From 1998 to 2006, he played Denis Charest in the TVA TV series KM/H for nearly eight years. Throughout his career, Barrette has presented several one-man comedy shows, including En spectacle avec Michel Barrette (1989), 100% Barrette (1997), Quelques excès (2000), 20 ans déjà, je me souviens (2004), and Michel Barrette, 100% neuf (2006). Quelques excès was particularly popular, selling 50,000 tickets within six months. He has hosted radio shows on stations like CKOI, CKMF, and CHMP-FM, and was a regular guest on Normand Brathwaite’s show Piment Fort in the 1990s. In 2005, he participated in a unique barter trade with Kyle MacDonald as part of the 'One Red Paperclip' project. Following the 1996 Saguenay Flood, Michel Barrette dedicated his time as a volunteer to support those affected. Michel Barrette has received Métrostar awards in both 2001 and 2002 for his work on KM/H . Currently, he is starring in Grand-papa Normand and relaunched his tour “Un mot, une histoire” in January 2025.
Born in Etobicoke, Ontario, on June 12, 1957, Mike Bullard, whose professional name was Michael John Bullard, found fame as a Canadian stand-up comedian and also worked as a television/radio host. Jack and Ruby Bullard were his parents; Jack worked in retail while Ruby dedicated herself to being a homemaker. The family moved to Galt (now Cambridge) when he was six, eventually settling in Mississauga. He attended Erindale Secondary School and subsequently worked for Bell Canada. Before that, he briefly served as a police officer with the Peel Regional Police, but resigned due to restrictions on performing stand-up comedy. He returned to Bell Canada, progressing to associate director of corporate investigation. Starting in the 1980s, Bullard launched his comedy career performing stand-up, concurrently holding a position at Bell Canada. Beginning in 1988, he frequently appeared at Yuk Yuk's comedy clubs, which initially led to television recognition. From 1997 to 2003, Bullard presented 'Open Mike with Mike Bullard' on CTV, a program for which he received two Gemini Awards. Following that, he hosted 'The Mike Bullard Show' on Global Television for a short period in 2003. His work was characterized by crowd work and emceeing skills, and he cultivated a populist appeal with blue-collar values. From 2010 until 2016, he presented 'Beyond the Mic with Mike Bullard' on Newstalk 1010. During the Russian invasion, Bullard contributed his time as a volunteer with humanitarian groups in Ukraine, dedicating four months to the effort in 2022. He died on October 11, 2024, at the age of 67, in Mississauga, with a friend discovering his body. The cause of death is suspected to be from a heart attack, and an investigation is underway. He is survived by his younger brother Pat Bullard, who is also a comedian, television writer, and producer.
Born in Brantford, Ontario, Philip Edward Hartman spent his early years in Canada before his family moved to the United States when he turned ten. He earned a BA from California State University, Northridge, and later applied his graphic‑design skills to album covers for groups such as Poco and America. In 1975 he joined the improv troupe the Groundlings, where he helped Paul Reubens develop the Pee‑wee Herman character. Hartman co‑wrote the screenplay for Pee‑wee's Big Adventure and made recurring appearances as Captain Carl on Reubens’s show Pee‑wee’s Playhouse.
Ryan Lee Stiles, an American‑Canadian comedian and actor, has made his name chiefly through improvisational comedy. He is most widely recognized for appearing on Whose Line Is It Anyway? and for playing Lewis Kiniski on The Drew Carey Show. Stiles also took on the role of Herb Melnick in the CBS sitcom Two and a Half Men and performed in the televised event Drew Carey's Improv‑A‑Ganza.
Stéphane Rousseau, a Canadian actor and stand‑up comic, took a leading part in the Oscar‑winning film The Barbarian Invasions. He later appeared in the 2008 comedy Asterix at the Olympic Games. In 2010 he featured in the French movie Fatal, a Zoolander‑style satire of the music industry that centers on the character Fatal Bazooka, created by Michaël Youn.
Albania
1
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1
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24
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28
Australia
22
Azerbaijan
1
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13
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31
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2
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1
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12
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48
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17
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8
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1
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7
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2
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7
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188
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17
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1
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2
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5
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4
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74
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15
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214
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166
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3
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18
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1
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7
Indonesia
8
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28
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9
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11
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3
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6
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136
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1
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35
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3
Korea, South
20
Kazakhstan
1
Lebanon
5
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1
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1
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17
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1
Malta
1
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2
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28
Malaysia
7
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19
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2
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2
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12
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3
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9
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2
Philippines
35
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7
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8
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7
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1
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1
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3
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9
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4
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101
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4
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2
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2
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4
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5
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1
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7
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7
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213
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1
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1
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1
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2
