Mike Myers, one of the most multifaceted performers of his generation, has brought an astonishing array of memorable characters to life in film and television. As a writer, producer and actor, Myers is best known as the creative force behind such iconic characters as AUSTIN POWERS and SHREK, propelling Myers to become the only actor to ever have six films which have grossed $200M+ in a row.
Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Myers began his professional career the day he graduated from high school. Mike took his final exams at nine o'clock in the morning, auditioned for Toronto's famed Second City comedy troupe at noon and was hired at three in the afternoon. This ultimately led to Myers joining Chicago's Second City Troupe, an association that would change his life forever. SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE producer Lorne Michaels' discovery of Myers at Second City led to his debut as a featured performer and writer on the show in 1989.
For his groundbreaking work on SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, Myers was nominated for an Emmy for "Best Performance in a Comedy or Variety Show" and won an Emmy for "Best Writing for Comedy or Variety Show." Among the characters that Myers made popular performing on SNL are: German talk show host, Dieter; Linda Richman in "Coffee Talk; the hyperactive-hypoglycemic Phillip; Simon the boy in the bathtub; and his legendary impersonation of rock icon, Mick Jagger.
Myers successfully brought his popular SNL character, Wayne Campbell, to the big screen in WAYNE’S WORLD, which he also wrote. The film broke box office records and grossed over $200 million. In 1993, he reprised the role of Wayne Campbell in the hit sequel, WAYNE’S WORLD 2, also written by Myers. Between Wayne's World releases, Myers starred as an eccentric Scottish father and his first-generation Scottish-American son in the romantic comedy, SO I MARRIED AN AXE MURDERER. In 1998 he appeared in Miramax's ensemble drama, 54, starring Ryan Phillipe, Salma Hayek, Neve Campbell and Sela Ward, in which he earned critical acclaim for his portrayal of nightclub owner Steve Rubell.
In 1997, Myers created, wrote, produced and starred in the smash hit AUSTIN POWERS: INTERNATIONAL MAN OF MYSTERY. Myers portrayal of Austin Powers, a fashion photographer/swinger/spy cryogenically frozen in the 60's and was thawed in the 90's in order to reclaim his “mojo” and capture his diabolical nemesis Dr. Evil (also played by Myers) had an enormous impact on popular culture, spawning two sequels. 1999's AUSTIN POWERS: THE SPY WHO SHAGGED ME, the second installment of the series introduced a hilarious new character, an overweight Scottish double agent named Fat Bastard. In its first weekend of release, the film made more money than the original AUSTIN POWERS made in its entire domestic theatrical run. The movie has garnered numerous awards including several MTV Movie Awards, People's Choice, a Blockbuster Entertainment award and a Grammy. Myers himself earned an American Comedy Award for Funniest Actor in a Movie for his work in the film. With worldwide box office receipts nearing $300M, AUSTIN POWERS IN GOLDMEMBER out-grossed its two predecessors making it the only third installment of a comedy to ever do so. The Austin Powers franchise has grossed nearly one billion dollars making it one of the highest grossing comedy franchises of all time.
Lending his voice to the title role of the 2001 Dreamworks animated feature, SHREK, Myers again struck a chord with audiences who fell in love with this modern-day fairy tale about a misunderstood ogre. The film won the Academy Award in the "Best Animated Feature Film.” In May 2004, SHREK 2 was released and went on to gross more than $440 million making it the third biggest film in box office history. In 2007, Dreamworks released SHREK THE THIRD to a $330 million domestic bow, paving the way for SHREK GOES FOURTH set for release in 2010.
Myers received a star on the Walk of Fame in Hollywood, California in July 2002, for his impressive body of work. He was also honored with the Jack Benny Award by the student body of the University of California, as well as the 2003 AFI Star Award at U.S. Comedy Arts Festival and has a star on Canada's Walk of Fame.
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