Sad story. MacDonald had a series of medical problems. I guess this is why we haven't heard much from him the past few years.
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Canadian comedian Mike MacDonald dies at 62
The renowned comedian died at a Ottawa hospital due to heart complications
Canadian comedian Mike MacDonald died Saturday at the age of 62.
The comedian's brother, JP MacDonald, confirmed MacDonald's death to CBC News on Sunday, saying he died at the Ottawa Heart Institute due to heart complications.
Comedy organizations and local talent expressed their grief Saturday night on social media, saying that Canada lost a legend.
The renowned comedian touched many lives, said Howard Wagman, owner of Yuk Yuks Ottawa, where MacDonald used to perform.
"Mike MacDonald was pretty much the first Canadian superstar in our business," Wagman said, his voice heavy with emotion. "We're talking about 40 years and countless comedians that emulated and learned from him, he was a ground breaker, he was an original, he was truly Canadian."
Born in France, MacDonald grew up on military bases around the world. When his father retired, the family settled in Ottawa where he attended Brookfield High School.
Kicked off career in 1970s
He moved to Toronto in the late 1970s to kick off his career as a comedian, performing at shows across the city.
During his 40-year career, he travelled across North America and appeared on numerous shows, including Just for Laughs, Late Night with David Letterman, The Arsenio Hall Show and the Comedy Club All-Star Show.
Canadian comedian Mike MacDonald dies at 62 - Entertainment - CBC News
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Canadian comedian Mike MacDonald dies at 62
The renowned comedian died at a Ottawa hospital due to heart complications
Canadian comedian Mike MacDonald died Saturday at the age of 62.
The comedian's brother, JP MacDonald, confirmed MacDonald's death to CBC News on Sunday, saying he died at the Ottawa Heart Institute due to heart complications.
Comedy organizations and local talent expressed their grief Saturday night on social media, saying that Canada lost a legend.
The renowned comedian touched many lives, said Howard Wagman, owner of Yuk Yuks Ottawa, where MacDonald used to perform.
"Mike MacDonald was pretty much the first Canadian superstar in our business," Wagman said, his voice heavy with emotion. "We're talking about 40 years and countless comedians that emulated and learned from him, he was a ground breaker, he was an original, he was truly Canadian."
Born in France, MacDonald grew up on military bases around the world. When his father retired, the family settled in Ottawa where he attended Brookfield High School.
Kicked off career in 1970s
He moved to Toronto in the late 1970s to kick off his career as a comedian, performing at shows across the city.
During his 40-year career, he travelled across North America and appeared on numerous shows, including Just for Laughs, Late Night with David Letterman, The Arsenio Hall Show and the Comedy Club All-Star Show.
Canadian comedian Mike MacDonald dies at 62 - Entertainment - CBC News