Rick Mercer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rick Mercer
OC ONL
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Mercer in February 2020
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Richard Vincent Mercer
October 17, 1969 St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
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| Spouse(s) | Gerald Lunz |
Richard Vincent "Rick" Mercer OC ONL was born on October 17, 1969. He is a famous Canadian comedian, TV star, and author. Rick Mercer is well-known for his funny shows on CBC Television, especially This Hour Has 22 Minutes and Rick Mercer Report. He has also written several books, including two memoirs about his life. Rick has won more than 25 Gemini Awards for his amazing work on television.
Contents
Rick Mercer's Career Journey
Early Comedy Work
Rick Mercer first became known across Canada in 1990. He created a one-man stage show called Show Me the Button, I'll Push It, or Charles Lynch Must Die. This show was a funny look at Canadian politics and life. It made Rick a national star as he performed it all over Canada. In 1992, he created another popular stage show called I've Killed Before, I'll Kill Again.
Working on This Hour Has 22 Minutes
In 1992, Rick Mercer started working with other comedians like Cathy Jones and Mary Walsh. Together, they created a new TV show for CBC Television called This Hour Has 22 Minutes.
During his time on 22 Minutes, Rick created many memorable moments. One time, he started an online petition to get a politician to change his first name! He also made funny "rants" where he would talk directly to the camera about current events. These rants became a very popular part of the show. In 1998, he published a book called Streeters, which was a collection of his best rants. It became a national bestseller.
Talking to Americans Skits
One of Rick Mercer's most famous comedy bits on 22 Minutes was Talking to Americans. For this, he would travel to big American cities and interview people on the street. He would ask them funny questions about Canada, often showing how little they knew about our country.
For example, he once asked Americans if Canada should change its "20 Hour Clock" to a 24-hour one. People, and even the Governor of Iowa, agreed! Another time, he got the Governor of Arkansas to support saving the "National Igloo" in Canada.
In 2000, Rick made international news when he tricked then-presidential candidate George W. Bush. He got Bush to answer questions about a made-up Canadian Prime Minister named "Jean Poutine". Bush wasn't happy at the time, but he later joked about it during a visit to Canada.
In 2001, Rick co-produced a special TV show based on Talking to Americans. It was watched by 2.7 million Canadians, making it one of the most-watched TV specials in Canadian history! After this, Rick left 22 Minutes to focus on another show.
Creating Made in Canada
Rick Mercer also helped create the TV series Made in Canada. This show ran for five seasons from 1998 to 2003. It was a fast-paced comedy that made fun of the Canadian TV industry. The show won several awards.
Hosting The Rick Mercer Report
In 2003, after Made in Canada ended, Rick Mercer started a new CBC series called Rick Mercer's Monday Report. This show was similar to 22 Minutes but focused more on Rick's unique style. It became very popular.
Rick often visited Canadian troops, like in 2003 when he went to Afghanistan for a TV special called Christmas in Kabul.
The Rick Mercer Report became one of the highest-rated comedy shows on CBC. Rick had many famous guests on his show. He even got former Prime Minister Paul Martin to give him a tour of his home, and former NDP leader Ed Broadbent to make snow angels with him on Parliament Hill!
In 2005, the show's name changed to The Rick Mercer Report because it moved to Tuesday nights. In 2017, it was announced that the show would end after 15 seasons. The final episode aired on April 10, 2018.
Other TV and Film Appearances
Rick Mercer has hosted other shows, like It Seems Like Yesterday, which looked at pop culture from the past. He has also appeared in a few movies, including Bon Cop, Bad Cop. In 2022, he launched a new show called Comedy Night with Rick Mercer, which features new Canadian comedians.
Rick Mercer's Books
Rick Mercer has written several popular books based on his TV shows and his life:
- Streeters (1998) - A collection of his famous rants from 22 Minutes.
- Rick Mercer Report: The Book (2007) - A collection of rants and moments from Rick Mercer Report. It was a huge bestseller.
- Rick Mercer Report: The Paperback Book (2008) - An updated version of the previous book.
- A Nation Worth Ranting About (2012) - Another bestseller.
- Rick Mercer Final Report (2018) - Published after his show ended.
- Talking to Canadians: A Memoir (2021) - His first memoir, which won an award.
- The Road Years: A Memoir Continued (2023) - The second part of his memoir.
Awards and Honours
Rick Mercer has received many awards for his work:
- More than 25 Gemini Awards for his TV shows.
- The Sir Peter Ustinov Comedy Award in 2003.
- Newfoundland Arts Council's Artist of the Year award in 1993.
- The National Arts Centre Award in 2004. He donated the prize money to a theatre in Newfoundland where he started his career.
He also has many honorary degrees from universities across Canada. In 2007, he was named an honorary colonel of a Royal Canadian Air Force squadron.
In 2014, Rick Mercer was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada. This is one of Canada's highest honours, given for his ability to inspire Canadians with humour and for his charity work. In 2015, he was inducted into the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame. In 2019, he received a Lifetime Artistic Achievement Award.
His memoir Talking to Canadians won the 2022 Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour. In 2023, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Spokesperson and Charity Work
Rick Mercer is very active in charity work:
- He is a co-chair for the Spread the Net campaign with UNICEF. This campaign helps provide bed nets to prevent malaria in Africa.
- He appeared in commercials for the Government of Canada's One-Tonne Challenge, which encouraged Canadians to reduce their carbon footprint.
- He modeled for a men's clothing store, and all his fees went to Casey House, a hospice for people living with AIDS.
- In 2005, he became the national spokesperson for the Walk For Life, which raises money for people living with HIV and AIDS.
- He narrated a science video about climate change for Science North.
- In 2010, he joined the It Gets Better campaign, which creates videos to help prevent bullying of gay and lesbian youth.
- Since 2011, he has been an honorary patron for Hope Air, a charity that provides free flights for people who need medical care but can't afford to travel.
Rick Mercer's Personal Life
Rick Mercer was born in St. John's, Newfoundland, and grew up in Middle Cove. His mother was a nurse, and his father worked in the fisheries ministry. Rick was part of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets when he was a teenager.
Since 1990, Rick Mercer's partner has been television producer Gerald Lunz. Gerald discovered Rick's talent and helped him build his career. He was also the executive producer of Rick Mercer Report.
