Looking on the funny side of life

Canadian comedy scene veteran Mike MacDonald said his goal has always been to show people the funny nature of real life.

In writing his acts, he does so in such a way that if “they shot me up with sodium penethol just before I went on, the act would remain exactly the same,” he said, speaking to Northern Life in a recent phone interview.

“I think at best, as comedians, we're doing our job correctly when we're exposing the fact that the emperor has no clothes.”

Given some of MacDonald's personal challenges, though, you might think it would be difficult for him to find things funny.

The 59-year-old is touring the country this fall after rebounding from some major health issues — he underwent a liver transplant last year. He's also fought bipolar disorder, depression and addictions.

He said he often uses his personal ordeals as grist for the comedy mill.

MacDonald, who's been a stand-up comic for 36 years, said he originally got into the business because he was just a goofy kid.

“I used to get kicked out of band for being too funny,” he said.

Naturally, when it came to choosing a career, comedy seemed a good fit.

“I realized that with comedy, I didn't have to have four or five other guys agreeing with me all the time,” MacDonald said.

The prominent comedian has been nominated for two Gemini awards for his writing and performances, and has appeared on numerous television shows, including “Late Night with David Letterman” and “The Arsenio Hall Show.”

MacDonald has hosted both the Gemini Awards and the “Just for Laughs 10th Anniversary Special,” and appeared on the CBC television show “Mosquito Lake.”

On Oct. 11, he's bringing his act to Sudbury, where he'll perform two shows — at 8 and 10:30 p.m. — at Little Montreal on Elgin Street.

He'll be joined by comedian Darren Frost, who you might recognize from his role as an angry French teacher on the CBC television show “Mr. D.”

Tickets to the show, which cost $25 each, are available at Little Montreal or at the Sudbury Theatre Centre box office. Phone 705-674-8381 or visit www.sudburytheatre.ca.