Mike Myers
Mike Myers
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Michael John Myers is a British-Canadian actor, comedian, screenwriter, and film producer.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on May 25, 1963, in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada. Still active in the entertainment industry.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Dual Canadian-British nationality, with a career spanning acting, comedy, writing, and producing.
Early Life and Background
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Growing up in a family of modest means, Myers' parents encouraged his love for comedy from an early age. His father, Eric Myers, was a Greek Orthodox priest, while his mother, Erica (née Weisberg), was a Jewish woman. This diverse cultural background would later influence his comedic style and characters.
Myers attended Neil McNeil High School in Toronto before moving to New York City to pursue a career in comedy. He studied at the University of Toronto's Hart House Theatre but eventually dropped out to focus on stand-up comedy.
Major Accomplishments
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Mike Myers' breakthrough came with the sketch comedy show _Saturday Night Live_ (SNL) in 1989, where he became a cast member and developed iconic characters like Dieter, Wayne Campbell, and the eponymous character from _Wayne's World_. His popularity led to numerous film projects, including:
Austin Powers (1997-2002): A spy spoof trilogy that cemented Myers' status as a leading comedic actor.
Shrek (2001-2010): A DreamWorks Animation franchise where he voiced the lovable ogre Shrek and its spin-off films.
These roles have earned him numerous awards, including an Emmy Award for his SNL work and several MTV Movie Awards for Austin Powers.
Notable Works or Actions
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Wayne's World (1992): A film based on Myers' popular SNL sketch, which became a commercial success.
So I Married an Axe Murderer (1993): A romantic comedy that showcased his dramatic range.
* Inglourious Basterds (2009) and The Love Guru (2008): Myers ventured into more serious roles in Quentin Tarantino's war drama and starred in this comedy, respectively.
Impact and Legacy
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Mike Myers has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. His innovative characters and comedic style have influenced a generation of actors and comedians. As a writer and producer, he has demonstrated his versatility and dedication to creating memorable stories for audiences worldwide.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Mike Myers' quotability stems from his ability to craft relatable, humorous characters that resonate with viewers. From Wayne Campbell's catchphrase "Not gonna do it" to Shrek's endearing "Ogres are like onions," his creations have become ingrained in popular culture.
His influence extends beyond the screen; he has inspired countless comedians and actors to experiment with different personas and styles. As a beloved figure, Mike Myers continues to entertain and inspire new generations of comedy enthusiasts.
Quotes by Mike Myers
Mike Myers's insights on:
I think that there are a lot of great studio people but the fewer voices in my head when I’m getting out a draft, the better. I just get it out and then I’ll listen to all manner of good ideas. And that’s what happens, too, when I’m touring and doing a character on stage.
I love making comedy. I never stopped loving it. I will continue to love it and I can’t believe that I get to do it.
Oh, you know, driving around, coming to a stop sign and an entire family, from 8 to 80, will be looking at me with that Dr. Evil look – pinkie on the mouth.
So they ended up turning this little twenty eight page book into the movie. And it’s all about this stinky, smelly ogre who doesn’t care what anybody thinks of him.
I’m from Toronto. It’s a lot more laid back. When you are thrust into different environments, there is an odd adaptation period. And then there are times when unfair, unkind, untrue things are written about you. That bothers me less now.
I had done Shrek as a Canadian and I’m very proud to be Canadian, but I knew I could give more to it.
And I loved the whole idea behind the story, which is that you’re beautiful, so don’t let other people tell you that you’re not just because you don’t look like the people in magazines. Or because you’re not that weird ideal body image that’s out there right now.
Very good training to just be a person is growing up in Canada. People say a lot of things about Canada, like that it’s boring, but if you look around the world, you can praise boring. It’s a very civilized place to grow up. I’m very proud of it.
I think that Scottish people, like Canadians, are often misunderstood and what I like about my Scottish friends and relatives is how quickly it can go from love to anger. It’s a great dynamic.
I do miss Saturday Night Live, that’s for sure. There’s nothing like it. I just hosted, and I felt I’d only been away for a week.