Mike Myers

Who Is Mike Myers?

Mike Myers is a Canadian-born actor, comedian, writer, and producer best known for his iconic roles in both television and film. Myers first rose to prominence as a cast member on Saturday Night Live (SNL), where he created unforgettable characters such as Linda Richman and the eccentric host of Sprockets. His comedic talent led to a successful transition to Hollywood, where he starred in popular film franchises, including Shrek, Wayne’s World, and the Austin Powers series, solidifying his status as one of Hollywood’s leading comedic actors.

Early Life

Mike Myers was born on May 25, 1963, in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, to British parents. His father, Eric Myers, an encyclopedia salesman, was a significant influence on his career, instilling in him a love of British comedy. Eric often introduced Myers and his two older brothers, Peter and Paul, to classic British humor by waking them up late at night to watch shows like Monty Python’s Flying Circus and The Benny Hill Show.

Myers’ career in comedy began at an early age, initially performing in commercials. After graduating from high school, he joined the Toronto branch of the renowned Chicago-based comedy troupe Second City, where his talents were further honed. In the mid-1980s, Myers briefly moved to London to pursue his comedy career before returning to Toronto after his father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Upon his return, Myers met Robin Ruzan, whom he married in 1993.

TV and Movies: ‘Saturday Night Live’ and ‘Wayne’s World’

In 1989, Mike Myers auditioned for Saturday Night Live (SNL), quickly impressing the show’s creator, Lorne Michaels. He joined the cast as a featured player that same year, alongside comedic talents such as Dana Carvey, Phil Hartman, and Kevin Nealon. Myers was promoted to a full cast member the following season and went on to create several memorable characters that became fan favorites. His portrayals included Dieter, the intellectual German TV host; Wayne Campbell, the rocker with his own cable access show; and Linda Richman, a character inspired by his future mother-in-law. In addition to his original characters, Myers also became known for his impressions, ranging from Barbra Streisand to the Rolling Stones’ Ron Wood.

While on Saturday Night Live, Myers made his big-screen debut with Wayne’s World (1992), reprising his role as Wayne Campbell. Co-starring alongside fellow SNL castmate Dana Carvey, who played Wayne’s best friend Garth, the film became a commercial hit. Myers and Carvey followed up with a sequel, Wayne’s World 2, in 1993, further cementing their cultural impact.

‘Austin Powers’ Trilogy and ‘Shrek’

After leaving SNL following the 1994-95 season, Myers focused on developing new projects. One of his most significant ventures was the creation of Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997), a spy spoof that combined 1960s British swing culture with the conventions of spy thrillers. Myers starred in the title role as the bespectacled Austin Powers, as well as portraying his iconic nemesis, Dr. Evil. The film also featured Elizabeth Hurley as Powers’s love interest and Michael York as his spy boss. Austin Powers was an unexpected success, grossing over $55 million on its opening weekend. Michael York praised Myers, calling him a “comic genius.”

The success of Austin Powers led to two more installments: Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999) and Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002). At the same time, Myers lent his voice to another highly successful franchise, Shrek (2001), where he portrayed the title character, a Scottish-accented ogre. Initially skeptical of the film’s title, Myers later embraced the project for its subversion of traditional fairy tale tropes, casting the “villains” as heroes. Shrek became a critical and commercial success, with Cameron Diaz voicing Princess Fiona and Eddie Murphy voicing Donkey.

Myers reprised his role in subsequent Shrek films, including Shrek 2 (2004), Shrek the Third (2007), and Shrek Forever After (2010). In 2003, Myers took on a family-friendly role in the live-action adaptation of The Cat in the Hat, where he played the mischievous feline character.

‘The Love Guru’ and Beyond

In 2008, Myers returned to live-action with The Love Guru, a spiritual comedy that he co-wrote and starred in as Guru Pitka, an aspiring self-help guru. Unfortunately, the film was met with poor critical reception and underperformed at the box office. The following year, Myers appeared in Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds (2009) as a British general, marking a departure from his typical comedic roles.

As for Myers’s future projects, speculation has abounded, with reports suggesting the possibility of a fourth Austin Powers film, as well as a stage musical prequel focused on the iconic spy character.

Personal Life

Mike Myers married his first wife, Robin Ruzan, in 1993, and the couple divorced in 2006. In 2010, Myers married Kelly Tisdale, and together they have a son, Spike, born in 2011.