Canadian stand-up comedian and host Mike Bullard has died, his family confirmed Sunday.
Bullard’s half-brother, musician Chuck Jackson, confirmed to The Canadian Press that Bullard’s family learned of his death on Friday.
Jackson said the coroner is conducting an investigation and the exact cause of death is unknown at this time, but Bullard, 67, had underlying health problems.
A friend found him in the apartment where he was staying, and the body is being held by authorities, Jackson said.
He said a celebration of life will be held later when the family can gather from abroad, but for now the family is asking to mourn privately.
Bullard, a longtime standup comedian, hosted two late-night talk shows – Open Mike with Mike Bullardwhich ran on CTV from 1997 to 2003, and The Mike Bullard Showwhich aired briefly on Global from 2003 to 2004. He won two Gemini Awards for the CTV show.
Mark Breslin, the founder and CEO of comedy bar chain Yuk Yuk’s, worked with Bullard and told CBC Toronto on Sunday that he was also a “very good friend” for more than three decades.
Breslin described Bullard as a “fantastic comedian” who particularly stood out for his work as a host and host. “Crowdwork was his specialty and he was probably the best in the country,” Breslin said.
Bullard also worked on radio as a host of Beyond the Mic with Mike Bullard between 2010 and 2016 at CFRB in Toronto, but he lost that show after he was accused of making harassing calls to an ex-girlfriend.
In 2018, Bullard pleaded guilty to harassing the victim, journalist Cynthia Mulligan, and violating court orders. He received a conditional discharge.
Breslin said the legal challenges have “collapsed.” [Bullard] into a severe depression that took years to emerge from.
“He was pretty bitter that a lot of people left him because of it,” Breslin said.
Bullard traveled to Ukraine in November 2022 to do humanitarian work, raise money and deliver supplies, often near the front lines. He returned to Canada in February 2023.
Late night trailblazer Mike Bullard sits in the red chair with George.
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