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Mike Bullard, right, and Prime Minister Jean Chretien laugh during the taping of Open Mike with Mike Bullard in Toronto on May 17, 2001.
FRANK GUNN/The Canadian Press
Remembering Mike Bullard: A Comedic Legacy with a Twist
It’s a sad day in the world of comedy, folks! Canadian standup comedian and broadcaster Mike Bullard has left us at the ripe old age of 67. His family confirmed the news on Sunday, but it feels like we lost a part of our collective comedy history long before that. I mean, even the Grim Reaper takes a coffee break when Bullard was performing — it couldn’t have been easy to choose when to interrupt his act!
Now, let’s not beat around the bush. Bullard had his share of ups and downs — a bit like a rollercoaster, if that rollercoaster was hilariously funny and went off the rails a few too many times. Health problems plagued him as he got older, and while his comedy style kept him lively, life had other plans. A musician half-brother, Chuck Jackson, made the announcement, confirming that Bullard was found at a residence he was staying at. The situation is currently under investigation by the coroner, which is just what we need — more people examining a comedian’s life rather than just laughing at jokes.
For those who might have missed the highlight reel, Bullard was no stranger to the limelight. He commandeered two late-night talk shows: “Open Mike with Mike Bullard” aired on CTV from 1997 to 2003 — we’re talking the golden age of Canadian late-night; the only hard part about that show was staying awake past 10 PM! After a brief and tumultuous stint with “The Mike Bullard Show” on Global from 2003 to 2004, Bullard became known as a staple in Canadian homes, not unlike that weird uncle who tells too many dad jokes at family gatherings.
What much of the world remembers, however, is the buzz he generated — two Gemini awards for his CTV show were just appetizers. But there was more: he also lent his voice to radio as the host of “Beyond the Mic with Mike Bullard” between 2010-2016. That is, until his comedic career took a detour when accusations of making harassing calls to an ex-girlfriend reared their ugly heads. Sure, everyone loves a bit of scandal, but this was more like a scandal sandwich gone stale!
Fast forward to 2018, we see him pleading guilty to charges connected to those calls and breaching court orders — not quite the punchline anyone was expecting, eh? But then again, in the world of showbiz, a good scandal can rival a well-timed punchline!
Yet, it wasn’t all dark clouds and courtroom drama for Bullard. In 2022, he showcased his good side flying to Ukraine for humanitarian work, raising funds and delivering supplies near the frontlines. Perhaps he realized that the world needed more than just laughter — sometimes, it needs a good punch in the arm too.
Unfortunately, everything will come with time; his family plans a celebration of life when they’re all gathered together. So while he may have left the stage, Bullard certainly left us with memories that will echo through Canadian comedy for decades to come. As his fans grieve, let’s all raise a glass and smile, remembering a man who turned life’s most absurd moments into comedy gold.
Cheers, Mike! Your laughter will be missed, but your spirit is eternal — and likely still cracking jokes at the pearly gates!
