Mike Bullard accomplished something no other Canadian had before:
he hosted Canada's first truly successful nightly talk show. The long
running "Open Mike with Mike Bullard" won Gemini Awards and was the
most-watched late-night talk show in Canada's largest market,
comparable in popularity and success to late-night heavyweights
Letterman and Leno.
One of Canada's most recognized celebrities, Mike Bullard was a
multi-disciplinary comic who had published a book, "Open Book: Little
Thoughts from a Big Head" (Doubleday), and had also recorded a CD,
"Stick 2 Comedy" (BMG). Recognized as "Favourite Talk Show Host" by the
readers of TV Guide, Mike Bullard had come a long way from the grind of
Canada's comedy club circuit, where for over a decade he cultivated a
reputation as one of the quickest and cleverest club wits in the
country. A native of Mississauga, Ontario, Bullard worked full-time at
other occupations while simultaneously pursuing his comedy career,
playing over 1400 gigs in his spare time. Indeed, it was only weeks
before "Open Mike with Mike Bullard" launched that Bullard quit his day
job at Bell Canada.
"Open Mike with Mike Bullard" debuted quietly in November of 1997 on
The Comedy Network and went on to be picked up by the conventional CTV
network in 1998. Bullard's razor sharp, often self-deprecating humour,
insightful jabs at the human condition and his ability to engage in
raunchy, unscripted banter with audience members made the show a
favourite with television viewers.
The series gradually achieved status as a key component of the
entertainment scene in Canada. Often credited with fostering a Canadian
star system, the show has featured a mix of celebrity guests from the
worlds of film, television, stage, sports, music and politics on both
sides of the border. Notable guests have included Nicolas Cage, Moby,
Tommy Lee, Enrique Iglesias, Kathie Lee Gifford, Tony Bennett, Nelly
Furtado, Nickelback, Burt Reynolds, Barenaked Ladies, Joan Rivers, Bo
Derek and Prime Minister Jean Chretien. While he had enjoyed his
success, Mike Bullard remained a Canadian "everyman", tirelessly working
on behalf of dozens of charities and giving back to the community. He
made over 150 appearances a year for organizations such as The United
Way, Big Brothers and Sisters, Foster Parents Plan, Casey House, The
Humane Society and the Hospital for Sick Children, among others.
With a healthy outlook on life, Mike Bullard would swim in
his pool at home, ride his Yamaha, kayak on the Credit River and
walk his dog Yankee.
