The 23 funniest Canadians to make it big in Hollywood

Canada may be home to just a fraction of the population of the United States, but you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s responsible for half of Hollywood’s funniest stars. Is it the product of braving bone-chilling winters? The classic underdog spirit? Whatever the secret formula is, one thing is clear: Canadians know how to make us laugh. So, here’s a roundup of the funniest Canadians to hit Hollywood, along with some jokes to keep you laughing along the way.

Alllrighty then! This goofy Canuck is one of the country’s biggest exports to Hollywood, starring in iconic films like ‘Ace Ventura,’ ‘The Mask’ and ‘Man On The Moon.’
Some classic Carrey from ‘Dumb and Dumber’:
“Austria!? Well then..’ G’day, mate! Let’s put another shrimp on the barbie!’

A comedy legend known for his deadpan delivery and signature blend of cynicism and wit, the former SNL cast member is recognized by fellow comedians as one of the funniest stand-ups of all time. How could he not be, with stand-up lines like this: “I once walked in on my parents having s e x. It was the most embarrassing thirty minutes of my life.” RIP, Norm.

This legend’s career is full of gems from ‘Best in Show’ to ‘Home Alone.’ She recently gained a new audience of fans for her portrayal of the delightfully delusional Moira Rose on the TV 'Schitt’s Creek.’ A taste? "Gossip is the devil's telephone. Best to just hang up."

“Oh, behave!” This absurd Toronto actor is known for his iconic performances in films like ‘Austin Powers’ and ‘Wayne’s World.’
All I have to say about that is “asphinctersayswhat.”
Exactly.

“Don’t water the plants, they’re plastic.” This character actor cracks audiences up with his unique brand of deadpan humor and cluelessness in films like 'American Pie' and 'Best in Show.' He also starred alongside Catherine O'Hara and his real-life son Dan Levy in the smash hit 'Schitt’s Creek,’ playing another dorky dad:
"Talk to the hand, son, because the ears are no longer working."

Could he have BEEN any funnier? Born in the US, but raised by his Canadian mom in Ottawa (journalist and former press secretary to Pierre Trudeau), Perry made his name as the sarcastic Chandler Bing on the widely popular sitcom ‘Friends.’ RIP, buddy!
Great Chandler? “Cheese. It’s milk that you chew.”

Bee got her start in comedy as a correspondent on ‘The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.’ then she went on to host her own late-night talk show, ‘Full Frontal with Samantha Bee,’ where she covers current events and political issues with her unique brand of humor. In 2017, she even hosted the White House Correspondents' Dinner, throwing some controversial one-liners like "What a triumph for women that career sexual predators are finally getting what they deserve: $65 million and age-appropriate retirement. Ohhhh, justice."

This comedy icon is known for his memorable performances in films like ‘Ghostbusters’ and ‘The Blues Brothers’ and even as a Conehead: “Excuse me, Otto, I am feeling it is time for midday cessation of activities for protein-carbo intake.” With his quick wit and ability to deliver the perfect punchline, this Ottawan has been making audiences laugh for decades.

“I am serious, and don’t call me Shirley.” Born in Regina, this funny man starred in some of the most absurd comedies ever like ‘Airplane!’ and ‘The Naked Gun.’ Nielsen was a master of comedy and known for his witty one-liners.
-“A hospital?!... What is it!?
-It’s a big building with patients, but that’s not important right now.”

Hey, man… Another one of the $ t o n e r film icons is, you guessed it, Canadian! Chong got started in the comedy duo Cheech and Chong and eventually starred in ‘Up in Smoke.’ Later on, he won a new generation of fans on ‘That 70s Show.’
-“Hey how am I driving, man?
-I think we’re parked.”

“I know what you’re thinking. It’s Amy Schumer with the old age face app,” Rhea recently joked at a Comedy Central roast of Alec Baldwin. This Canadian stand-up got her big break as Aunt Hilda, the 500-year-old witch bringing up ‘Sabrina The Teenage Witch’ and appeared as a regular on the remade version of ‘Hollywood Squares.’

Born and raised in Vancouver, this stoner-flick hero found huge success with the hilarious film 'Superbad.’ On the Joe Rogan podcast, he explained how he remains so productive despite his nature: “I am lazy, but for some reason, I am so paranoid that I end up working hard.”

Born in Newmarket, the same Toronto suburb as Jim Carry, John Candy was a legendary comedian known for his hilarious performances in movies like ‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles’ and ‘Uncle Buck.’
“The last thing I want to be remembered is as an annoying blabbermouth,” he said in his famous portrait of a shower-ring salesman alongside Steve Martin.

The SNL creator from Toronto has some great jokes in his repertoire, like this one he told on ‘Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee’:
“When my grandfather came to America he was told the streets were paved with gold
And when he got to America he found out three things:
1. That the streets were not paved with gold
2. That the streets were not paved
3. That he was gonna be the guy paving them”

A comedy legend who left his mark on the world with his quick wit and clever humor. Whether he was playing lovable goofballs like Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer or sleazy sleazebags like Bill McNeal, Phil always brought a sharp sense of humor and a distinct style to his performances, Simpsons included.
“Hi, I'm Troy Mcclure. You may remember me from such medical films as ‘Alice Doesn't Live Anymore’ and ‘Mommy, What's Wrong With That Man's Face?”’

The best 'Saturday Night Live' cast members ever, ranked

A Vancouver actor who is known for his sharp wit and devilish charm. Whether he's playing the wise-cracking Deadpool or the lovable idiot Michael Bergen, Ryan always brings a unique and hilarious perspective to his roles. Even his tweets are funny... here's a good one:
"I'm teaching my daughter that the sun goes down each night because it's mad at her. Probably gonna write a book on parenting at some point."

This Torontonian is a comedy powerhouse who has made audiences laugh around the world. With his iconic roles as the terrible magician Gob Bluth in ‘Arrested Development’ or BoJack Horseman in ‘BoJack Horseman,’ Will has proven that he's a master of playing eccentric and lovable characters. So Canadian, he even claims to be a Toronto Maple Leafs ambassador "Name me one Canadian celebrity other than me who deserves it!" he joked around on Jimmy Kimmel.

Even though he was born in Scotland, Canada claims this ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway’ star as their own. With an incredible talent for improv, he started at Second City, then started cracking up even his castmates on the show where everything’s made up and the points don’t matter. Classic Colin from Whose Line?
“Our top story today. According to a recent study, 9 out of 10 people who are afraid of hurdles never get over it.”

Born in Cold Lake, Alberta, she is known as one of the best joke-writers in Hollywood. She's appeared on numerous TV shows, released several comedy albums, and published a book called 'You're Better Than Me.' Here's a joke from when she performed at Just for Laughs in Montreal.
"I'm a vegan, so I'm remarkable... it's tough. But I do cheat: I eat veal."

His Hamilton-born actor has won two Emmys, but more importantly for Canadians, two medals from the late Queen Elizabeth. Known for his work on SNL and comedy classics like 'Mars Attacks' he also performs standup and sings. He's still killing it too! Here's Short from a recent appearance on Jimmy Fallon: "Here’s the thing about Jimmy. We do hang out, because we’re not just fake show-business friends. We’re fake friends in real life.

He's still a bit under the radar, but if you're into awkward comedy that breaks the fourth wall, this man is the king. This comedian, actor, writer, director, and producer has been in many successful indie shows recently, but 'The Curse,' where he stars alongside Emma Stone, is not to be missed.

Russell Peters is a hilarious stand-up comedian known for his sharp wit and clever observations. A Peters stand-up classic? “I’m not racist, I hate everyone equally.” He has a unique ability to connect with audiences from diverse backgrounds, and his sharp-tongued humor has made him a fan favorite worldwide.

Whether leading the band on "Late Show with David Letterman" or belting out hilarious songs with his own band, the World's Most Dangerous Band, this Thunder Bay Canuck always brought a sharp sense of humor and a killer musical talent to every performance.
A quick Letterman Show joke: “Why do they bury lawyers 26 feet underground?..... Cause deep down, they’re nice guys.”

Follow us for more great entertainment news