Mike MacDonald (comedian) facts for kids

Michael Allan MacDonald (born June 21, 1954 – died March 17, 2018) was a funny Canadian comedian and actor. He was known for making people laugh with his stand-up shows. Mike also appeared in movies like Mr. Nice Guy. You might have seen him on TV shows such as Late Show with David Letterman and The Arsenio Hall Show.

Growing Up

Mike MacDonald was born in Metz, France. His dad was an officer in the Canadian Air Force. For his first 15 years, Mike lived on military bases. These bases were in France, West Germany, and Canada. He quickly learned that being funny made him popular. When his dad stopped working for the military, Mike's family moved to Ottawa. There, Mike went to Brookfield High School.

Comedy Career

Starting Out

After high school, Mike was a great drummer. He toured Canada with a rock band. The Canadian government helped pay for this tour. When the tour ended, he went back to Ottawa, Ontario. For a few years, Mike worked different jobs. He was an employee at a drive-in restaurant. He also taught ballroom dance and helped kids with special needs. In 1978, when he was 24, Mike started trying out his own stand-up comedy at clubs.

He then moved to Toronto and performed regularly. As more people heard about him, he got more job offers. Mike decided to quit his other jobs and focus only on comedy. He started performing all over Canada. He also often traveled to the United States for shows.

Stand-Up Success

Mike MacDonald performed live shows across North America. He was on many TV shows, too. These included Late Night with David Letterman and The Arsenio Hall Show. He also appeared on Just for Laughs and other comedy shows.

He hosted the Gemini Awards and a special for the CBC. This special celebrated 10 years of the Just For Laughs festival. Mike was the only comedian to perform at every Just for Laughs festival up to 2007.

Mike also had three successful comedy specials. These aired on the CBC in Canada and Showtime in the United States. His first special was called Mike MacDonald; On Target. It was the first one-hour prime time special by a stand-up comic on the CBC. This led to his next special, My House! My Rules!. This show was very popular when it aired in Canada. It was also nominated for two Gemini Awards.

His third Showtime special was "Happy As I Can Be". It was so good that they made it an hour long instead of half an hour. "Happy As I Can Be" was also a top-rated show when it aired in Canada.

In 1989, Mike starred in a short TV show called Mosquito Lake. He also starred in a movie called The Mike Stand. This film was about his return to comedy after a major surgery.

His Life and Health

Mike MacDonald lived with bipolar disorder, a mental health condition. He supported a group called Standup for Mental Health. This group helps people with mental health challenges.

In 2011, Mike was diagnosed with hepatitis C. This is a liver disease. He moved back to Ottawa from California. His wife, Bonnie, hoped to sell their house there.

By April 2012, his illness became very serious. His liver and kidneys stopped working well. He was put on a list to receive a new liver. His friends helped raise money to support him and pay for his medical care.

On March 17, 2013, Mike had a successful seven-hour liver transplant. He recovered well and left the intensive care unit the next day. After his surgery, he returned to performing comedy. He continued to perform until he went to the hospital again in March 2018.

His Passing

Mike MacDonald passed away on March 17, 2018. He was 63 years old. He died from heart problems at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.