Mike Bullard, Canadian Comedian and Broadcaster, Dies at 67
Mike Bullard, a beloved Canadian stand-up comic and former talk show presenter, has tragically passed away at the age of 67. According to his family, Bullard was found dead after what is believed to be a heart attack, as they shared in an interview with Global News.
Bullard, who was born in Etobicoke, a suburb of Toronto, made a name for himself in the comedy world before transitioning to television. He began his career performing stand-up comedy at clubs across Ontario and gained popularity with his unique sense of humor and commanding stage presence.
Raised in a working-class family, Bullard’s father worked in the retail industry while his mother was a homemaker. He had two siblings, including his younger brother, Pat Bullard, a comedian and television writer based in the United States, and his older half-brother, Chuck Jackson, the lead singer of the Downchild Blues Band. The family relocated several times, from Don Mills to Galt (now known as Cambridge), and later to Mississauga, where Bullard spent much of his life.
Before becoming a household name in comedy, Bullard had a brief stint as a police officer with Peel Regional Police. However, his passion for comedy ultimately led him to leave law enforcement after being prohibited from performing at comedy clubs. He returned to work at Bell Canada, where he climbed the ranks to become an associate director of corporate investigation, all while continuing to pursue his comedy career part-time.
Bullard’s breakthrough came in 1988 after performing at the Just for Laughs festival in Montreal, which led to a long-term partnership with Yuk Yuk’s, Canada’s most famous comedy club chain. Over the years, he worked as an emcee and headliner, captivating audiences across the province.
His rise to national fame occurred in 1997 when he was tapped by CTV to host the late-night talk show “Open Mike With Mike Bullard”, which ran successfully until 2003. He briefly moved to Global Television to host “The Mike Bullard Show”, though it lasted only 13 weeks. After his television career, Bullard transitioned to radio, finding success with his show “Beyond the Mic with Mike Bullard” on Newstalk 1010 from 2010 to 2016.
In 2016, Bullard stepped away from his radio position after facing criminal harassment charges related to a former romantic partner. He later pleaded guilty to one count of harassing communication in 2018.
Despite the challenges in his later years, Bullard’s contributions to the entertainment world were widely recognized. He received two Gemini Awards for his work on “Open Mike” and was honored with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2013 for his contributions to the community. In 2022, Bullard demonstrated his commitment to humanitarian efforts by volunteering with aid organizations in Ukraine following Russia’s invasion of the country.
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Mike Bullard’s passing marks the end of an era for Canadian comedy, and he will be remembered for his quick wit, candid humor, and dedication to his craft. His influence on Canadian broadcasting and stand-up comedy will not be forgotten.
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