Tributes are pouring in on social media for the man described as the “King of Canadian Comedy”.
Mike MacDonald has died at the age of 63, though no details have been released about his death.
Saddened to hear of the passing of our dear friend and Canadian comedy legend Mike MacDonald. Over the years he has graced our stages more than any other comic and will be greatly missed. #RIPMike pic.twitter.com/YES7PayNSp
— Just For Laughs (@justforlaughs) March 18, 2018
MacDonald appeared on many television shows, including Late Night with David Letterman, The Arsenio Hall Show, and Just For Laughs.
He also wrote and starred in three nominated and critically acclaimed CBC/Showtime specials of his own.
MacDonald was diagnosed with hepatitis C in 2011 and underwent a liver transplant in March of 2013 — almost a year after his liver and kidneys shut down.
Mike MacDonald has passed away. I can’t wrap my head around it. Part of me wants to yell IT’S NOT TRUE!!! The rest of me is numb. Spent so many nights (late80s/early90s) into the morning, playing cards & laughing ourselves sick. And fighting. Then laughing more.
Goddammit.— Brent Butt (@BrentButt) March 17, 2018
Sad to hear of the passing of Mike Macdonald. One of the greats of stand up comedy, a Canadian from my hometown of Ottawa, and a friend. Rest in Peace Mike. Say hello to Carlin and Pryor for us. I’m sure you are already making them laugh up there. https://t.co/cF21y1YAoo
— Tom Green (@tomgreenlive) March 18, 2018
What a loss. I was lucky to have performed with Mike several times. I loved watching him from the wings. Can’t believe he finally got the light. I remember watching @justforlaughs as a teen & thinking you could get no better. I was right. #ripmikemacdonald https://t.co/OXyk3izgl5
— Mark Critch (@markcritch) March 18, 2018
So sad to hear about Mike MacDonald. I had the pleasure of performing with Canadian comedy legend a couple times. Once at a @justforlaughs gala and recently when I performed in Ottawa(his hometown). On both occasions he was pure class and funny as hell. RIP https://t.co/SopbUQEugo
— Jim Gaffigan (@JimGaffigan) March 18, 2018
