A list of notable comedians from Canada, ranked by comedy fans. 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. But all have proven themselves to be lasting performances making a considerable impact in the entertainment industry.
Several notable comedians and funny people who have gained prominence in Hollywood are originally from Canada. These include Will Arnett, best known for his work on "Arrested Development" and the 2011 fall debut "Up All Night," "Daily Show" correspondent Samantha Bee, "Saturday Night Live" creator Lorne Michaels and "SCTV" alum Catherine O'Hara. As well, the late, great Leslie Nielsen, one of the most beloved comic actors of the '70s, '80s and '90s, hailed from Canada, as does game show host Howie Mandel, stand-up and SNL vet Norm MacDonald and the entire cast of "The Kids in the Hall."
Who are the funniest Canadian comedians? This list is by no means 100% complete, but is a good starting guide to the best Canadian comics and comedy performers.1
1,114424John Candy
SCTV, SpaceballsAge: Dec. at 44 (1950-1994)
Birthplace: Newmarket, Canada
John Franklin Candy (October 31, 1950 – March 4, 1994) was a Canadian actor and comedian,... more2
1,168508Jim Carrey
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Truman ShowAge: 58
Birthplace: Newmarket, Canada
James Eugene Carrey (born January 17, 1962) is a Canadian-American actor, comedian, writer,... more3
896418Mike Myers
Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, Austin Powers in GoldmemberAge: 57
Birthplace: Scarborough, Toronto, Canada
Michael John Myers (born May 25, 1963) is a Canadian actor, comedian, screenwriter, and... more4
845414Leslie Nielsen
The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!, The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of FearAge: Dec. at 84 (1926-2010)
Birthplace: Regina, Canada
Leslie William Nielsen (11 February 1926 – 28 November 2010) was a Canadian actor, comedian,... more5
844403Norm Macdonald
Dirty Work, Billy MadisonAge: 56
Birthplace: Quebec City, Canada
Norman Gene Macdonald (born October 17, 1959) is a Canadian stand-up comedian, writer, and... more6
661351Phil Hartman
Saturday Night Live, Jingle All the WayAge: Dec. at 50 (1948-1998)
Birthplace: Brantford, Canada
Philip Edward Hartmann (September 24, 1948 – May 28, 1998) was a Canadian-American actor,... more7
819410Ryan Reynolds
Deadpool, Green LanternAge: 43
Birthplace: Vancouver, Canada
Ryan Rodney Reynolds (born October 23, 1976) is a Canadian-American actor, comedian, film... more8
648346Martin Short
The Martin Short Show, FrankenweenieAge: 70
Birthplace: Hamilton, Canada
Martin Hayter Short (born March 26, 1950) is a Canadian-American comedian, actor, voice... more9
748415Dan Aykroyd
Ghostbusters, The Blues BrothersAge: 68
Birthplace: Ottawa, Canada
Daniel Edward Aykroyd, ( AK-royd; born July 1, 1952) is a Canadian-American actor, comedian,... more10
648352Rick Moranis
Ghostbusters, HoneyAge: 67
Birthplace: Toronto, Canada
Frederick Allan Moranis (; born April 18, 1953) is a Canadian actor, comedian, musician,... more11
635318Colin Mochrie
Whose Line Is It Anyway? (UK), Whose Line Is It Anyway?Age: 62
Birthplace: Kilmarnock, Scotland
Colin Andrew Mochrie (; born November 30, 1957) is a Scottish-born Canadian actor producer and... more12
529276Catherine O'Hara
The Nightmare Before Christmas, FrankenweenieAge: 66
Birthplace: Toronto, Canada
Catherine Anne O'Hara (born March 4, 1954) is a Canadian actress, writer, and comedian. She... more13
715394Eugene Levy
Best in Show, SCTVAge: 73
Birthplace: Hamilton, Canada
Eugene Levy, (born December 17, 1946) is a Canadian actor, comedian, producer, director, and... more14
1,421380Kenny Hotz
Zack and Miri Make a Porno, TesteesAge: 53
Birthplace: Toronto, Canada
Kenneth Joel Hotz (born May 3, 1967) is a Canadian producer and entertainer. Hotz is a former... more15
879523Seth Rogen
This Is the End, Pineapple ExpressAge: 33
Birthplace: Vancouver, Canada
Seth Aaron Rogen (; born April 15, 1982) is a Canadian-American actor, comedian, writer,... more16
535320Will Arnett
The Lego Movie, Despicable MeAge: 50
Birthplace: East York, Toronto, Canada
William Emerson Arnett (born May 4, 1970) is a Canadian-American actor, voice actor, comedian... more17
445217Mike Smith
18
621388Michael J. Fox
Family Ties, Back to the FutureAge: 59
Birthplace: Edmonton, Canada
Michael Andrew Fox (born June 9, 1961), known professionally as Michael J. Fox, is a... more19
360267Dave Foley
A Bug's Life, The Kids in the HallAge: 57
Birthplace: Etobicoke, Toronto, Canada
David Scott Foley (born January 4, 1963) is a Canadian actor, stand-up comedian, director,... more20
336257Dave Thomas
Stripes, Brother BearAge: 71
Birthplace: St. Catharines, Canada
David William Thomas (born May 20, 1949) is a Canadian comedian, actor and television writer.... more21
429338Michael Cera
Juno, Scott Pilgrim vs. the WorldAge: 32
Birthplace: Brampton, Canada
Michael Austin Cera (born June 7, 1988) is a Canadian actor, producer, singer, and songwriter.... more22
253128John Dunsworth
Haven, Trailer Park BoysAge: 74
Birthplace: Bridgewater, Canada
John Francis Dunsworth (April 12, 1946 – October 16, 2017) was a Canadian actor, best known... more23
481317Tommy Chong
Up in Smoke, After HoursAge: 82
Birthplace: Edmonton, Canada
Thomas Bing Kin Chong (born May 24, 1938) is a Canadian-American actor, writer, director,... more24
267207Will Sasso
Happy Gilmore, Best in ShowAge: 45
Birthplace: Delta, Canada
William Christopher Sasso (born May 24, 1975) is a Canadian comedian, actor and former... more25
395215Robb Wells
Goon, Trailer Park BoysAge: 49
Birthplace: Moncton, Canada
Robb Wells (born March 20, 1971) is a Canadian actor and screenwriter best known for... more