Global Talent Directory

Comedians from Canada

The comedian directory for Canada: profiles, bios, photos and social links.

124 comedians

Colin Mochrie

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.

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Jason Jones

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.

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Jocelyn Bérubé

Jocelyn Bérubé is a Quebecois storyteller, actor, musician, and composer. Born on September 16, 1946, in Saint-Nil (Matane), Quebec—a location that no longer exists—he began his artistic journey early, receiving scholarships from Jeunesses musicales du Canada as a trumpet player and the Ford Foundation for a drama program at Camp musical du Mont-Orford. He graduated from the Montreal Conservatory of Dramatic Art in 1968. His early career involved co-founding the Grand Cirque Ordinaire in 1969, a theatre troupe emphasizing collective creation and improvisation. This foundation shaped his approach to performance, blending theatre, music, and storytelling into hybrid forms. Bérubé’s work spans various media. He has appeared in numerous films, including 'The Handyman' (1980), for which he received a Genie Award nomination for Best Actor in 1981, 'The Great Ordinary Movie' (1971), 'Montreal Blues' (1972), 'Ordinary Tenderness' (1973) where he also composed the score, 'The Conquest', 'Gina', 'The Absence', 'J.A. Martin Photographer', 'Bach and Broccoli', 'In the Shadow of the Wind', 'Love Crazy', and 'A Cry in the Night'. He also had roles in television series like 'The Mills of Power'. Beyond acting, he is recognized for his albums combining storytelling and music, such as 'Portraits de blues de travail' (2003), 'Large et rivage' (2013), 'Des héros ordinaires' (2015), and 'Le coffret Trad' (2016). He is known for his storytelling featuring characters like Alexis le trotteur (Alexis Lapointe) and Ti-Jean. Throughout his career, Jocelyn Bérubé has actively contributed to the Quebec arts community. He helped create the Conseil québécois du patrimoine vivant in 1993 and conducted research at the Folklore Archives of Laval University. The Prix Jocelyn Bérubé was created in his honor in 2006, awarded at the Le Rendez-vous des Grandes Gueules de Trois-Pistoles festival. He has served as honorary president of festivals like the Festival Interculturel du conte de Montréal and the Carrefour mondial de l'accordéon, and was a jury member for the Canada Council for the Arts in 2001. He was named an honorary member of the Regroupement du conte au Québec in 2013. Recent appearances include performing at the Gaspésien de Contes et Légendes festival in 2015, and discussions about his work, including 'Des Héros ordinaires', have been featured in interviews, such as one on Planète rebelle and a YouTube video documenting his performance.

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Laurent Paquin

Laurent Paquin is a Canadian humorist and radio host, born on September 21, 1971, in Longueuil, Quebec. He attended polyvalente Robert-Ouimet high school and later studied at Cégep de Jonquière, where he won Cégeps en spectacle in 1990. He graduated from the École nationale de l'humour in 1995. Paquin is a prominent figure in Quebec humor with over 30 years of experience, known for his numerous appearances at ComédiHa and the Montreal Just For Laughs Festival, where he holds the record for most consecutive galas, reaching 22 in 2025. Paquin’s career encompasses various roles including television and radio hosting (CKOI-FM), acting, and voice work. He has appeared in television series such as Histoires de filles , Caméra Café , and Le Bonheur , and voiced characters in The Jungle Book (2016) and Le Chaînon manquant (2019). He also performed in the musical Chicago at the Casino de Paris and in Montreal, as well as theatrical productions including "Demain matin, Montréal m’attend," "Le Diner de cons," and "On va tous mourir." He provides the voice of a beaver named Bertrand for Bell Canada commercials and has contributed to the television series Bébéatrice . He is also a member of Les Improductifs, an improv group, and has participated in the Mondial d’improvisation representing Quebec. He was a champion on the show Dieu Merci! and has hosted multiple Juste pour aider telethons. Paquin's comedy style involves a naive, lucid, and sharp perspective on current events, society, and politics, often aiming to provoke and challenge audiences. He is currently performing in two shows: Première impression and Tout est relatif . Première impression , which debuted in 2001, ran for three years and received positive reviews. He has also created four other one-man shows, including “L’Ereure est humaine” and “Déplaire,” which marked a turning point in his career with its more raw and direct style of humor. His latest show, "Crocodile Distrait," is his fifth solo show, explores the topic of happiness, and is currently on tour. Paquin has released a musical album, Laurent Paquin chante Laurent Paquin , in 2012, and co-founded the Bordel Comédie Club in 2015. He will perform "Crocodile Distrait" at Le Point Virgule in Paris on November 21, 2024.

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Martin Cloutier

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.

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Mary Walsh

Mary Cynthia Walsh was born on May 13, 1952, in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. She is a Canadian actress, comedian, and writer, known for her sharp political satire and fearless characters. Growing up as the seventh of eight children with Irish ancestry, she spent early years living with her aunt and uncle due to pneumonia at eight months old. Her family fostered a history of "mean funny" humor, which influenced her comedic style. She began her career with an amateur theatre troupe. Walsh studied drama at the Ryerson Polytechnical Institute in Toronto, but left before graduating. She joined the Newfoundland Travelling Theatre Company (NTTC) and performed in 'Cod on a Stick', later recorded as a radio program by CBC in 1974. The group formed CODCO (Cod Company) and relocated to Newfoundland. CODCO created a series of half-hour television shows for CBC from 1988 to 1993, titled 'Wonderful Grand Band,' with Walsh writing many pieces used in the series. Her work with CODCO ended in 1993, coinciding with the end of her battle with alcoholism. She subsequently joined 'This Hour Has 22 Minutes' as a recurring performer. Her portrayal of Marg Delahunty, often referred to as the 'Warrior Princess,' gained particular attention for satirizing politicians. She reprised the role in 2007, 2011, and 2017. Walsh has also appeared in films like Mambo Italiano , Geraldine’s Fortune , The Grand Seduction , and Happy Place , winning a Canadian Screen Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Happy Place (2020). She published her debut novel, Crying For The Moon , in 2017, which became a Canadian best-seller. She has received numerous accolades including 18 Gemini Awards, honorary degrees from Memorial University of Newfoundland and Trent University, and was made a Member of the Order of Canada in 2000.

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Mathieu Cyr

Mathieu Cyr is a prominent and popular Quebec comedian, recognized for his presence in the Quebec humor scene for over ten years. He has amassed a significant following on social media, currently numbering over 620,000. Cyr began performing extensively from 2008 to the present, participating in hundreds of shows at festivals, comedy nights, and corporate events. His performances aim to deliver both immediate laughter and thought-provoking reflections. Cyr’s comedy style is described as 'décapant,' unfiltered, and often divisive yet unifying. He delivers jokes with a sharp wit and addresses current topics. Currently, he is performing his second one-man show, titled 'Adulte.' This show, recommended for audiences aged 16 and older, features nostalgic references to the 1990s and 2000s, alongside critiques of modern society. The show explores topics such as broccoli-headed youth, numerous sexual orientations, and cosmetic surgery—an area Cyr has personal experience with. Critics and the public agree that 'Adulte' is a must-see, often described as explosive, unifying, extremely funny, outrageously funny, and feel-good. Beyond stand-up, Mathieu Cyr has built a diverse career in entertainment. He hosted the television show "skate le monde" on TV5 from 2020 to the present, and previously hosted "Infiltration" on Canal Z in 2019 and "Slaque la cravate" on Télétoon from 2012 to 2015. He also served as a columnist at CKOI in 2021 and hosted a comedy show broadcast on TVA in the same year. Cyr has participated in numerous 'Juste Pour Rire' and 'Comediha' galas from 2014 to the present, appearing in around ten of these events. In 2021, he authored the book "jamais trop tard." Cyr identifies as someone with ADHD who often feels lost, a perspective that informs his work.

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Michel Barrette

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.

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Mike Bullard

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.

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Mike Ward

Michael John Ward, known professionally as Mike Ward, was born in Québec on September 14, 1973. He began his career after studying commerce at McGill University for one semester and graduating from the École nationale de l'humour in 1995. Early in his career, he collaborated on the show Besoin d'amour in 1995 and contributed to writing projects like Peter MacLeod’s first solo show in 1996 and Les Grandes Gueules at CKMF-FM 94.3 in 1996. He also helped write for Mecs comiques in 1999 and 2000, and appeared in the TV series Piment fort from 1998 to 1999. Ward's comedy style encompasses both French and English performances. He has appeared on television doing stand-up in 20 countries across Europe, Africa, Australia, and North America. His work includes several DVDs, albums, and appearances in shows like 'Testostérone', 'Le Mike Ward Show', and 'L'Gros Show'. He produced his first show, Vulgaire , in 2001, and later presented Haïssable in 2004, which sold over 50,000 tickets. He also created the duo Simon et Henri with Patrick Groulx. His shows include Mike Ward s'eXpose , featuring a segment inspired by a trip to Afghanistan, and Chien , whose tour concluded in May 2016. The show Noir premiered on March 27, 2019, and his sixth show, Modeste , began on January 26, 2024. Throughout his career, Ward has received numerous awards and recognition. He won a Nez d’or for Best Newcomer in 2002, a Victor Award for Breakout Star of the Festival in 2002, an Olivier Award for Best Comedy Performance in 2005, and a Gemini Award for Best Comedy Performance in 2006. He received the Just For Laughs Award for Best Set of the Fest in 2012 and an Antoine Humanitarian Award in 2015. Ward has also earned multiple Olivier Awards, including for Best Web Series (2016), Comedian of the Year (2016, 2019), and Best Podcast (2017, 2018, 2019). He received a Canadian Comedy Award for Comedic Artist of the Year in 2016. However, his career has also faced controversy; in 2008, a joke about Revenu Québec led to legal action, and between 2010 and 2013, a routine mocking Jérémy Gabriel resulted in a damages award that was ultimately overturned by the Supreme Court of Canada in 2021. He is currently active, frequently appearing on the Anthony Cumia Show podcast and hosting podcasts like '2 Drink Minimum' and 'Mike Ward sous écoute'.

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Mort Sahl

Mort Sahl, born Morton Lyon Sahl on May 11, 1927, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, was a comedian and actor. His parents were Jewish immigrants from New York City's Lower East Side. His father, Harry Sahl, aspired to be a Broadway playwright but ultimately worked as an FBI clerk and court reporter. The family relocated to Los Angeles when Mort was young, where he attended Belmont High School and contributed to the school newspaper. Sahl’s early life showed diverse interests; at 14, he joined ROTC and received awards for marksmanship and Americanism. Later, he served in the U.S. During 1942, he served with the 93rd Air Depot Group within the Army Air Forces stationed in Alaska. After completing his military service, Sahl earned a B.S. degree from the University of Southern California in 1950, focusing on traffic engineering and city management. He attempted to establish himself as a stand-up comedian in Los Angeles between 1950 and 1953 without initial success. In 1953, his professional performing career began with an appearance on stage at the hungry i nightclub, San Francisco. Sahl quickly gained popularity, performing in nightclubs, theaters, and on college campuses. He pioneered a unique style of social satire, using improvised monologues and a newspaper as a prop. His work attracted significant attention; a Time cover story featured him in 1960. He appeared on television and in films, including ‘In Love and War’ (1958), ‘All the Young Men’ (1960), ‘Johnny Cool’ (1963), ‘Doctor, You've Got to Be Kidding!’ (1967), ‘Don't Make Waves’ (1967), ‘Inside the Third Reich’ (1982), ‘Nothing Lasts Forever’ (1984), ‘Jonathan Winters: On the Ledge’ (1987), ‘A Stand Up Life’ (1993), and ‘Max Rose’ (2013). John F. Kennedy requested his assistance in writing jokes for campaign speeches, and after Kennedy's assassination, Sahl publicly criticized the Warren Report. His life and career are documented in James Curtis’ biography, Last Man Standing (2017) and Robert B. Weide's film, Mort Sahl: The Loyal Opposition (1989). He married four times, and his son, Mort Sahl Jr., passed away in 1996.

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Normand Brathwaite

Normand Brathwaite est un humoriste québécois, acteur de cinéma et de télévision, animateur radio et télé ainsi que musicien. Il s’est illustré en présentant des émissions de variétés télévisées, dont Piment Fort, ainsi que le programme matinal montréalais Yé trop de bonne heure sur CKOI‑FM pendant seize ans.

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