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Mike Bullard achieved a milestone no other Canadian had: hosting Canada's first truly successful nightly talk show. His long-running series, "Open Mike with Mike Bullard," earned Gemini Awards and became the most-watched late-night talk show in Canada's largest market, rivaling the popularity and success of late-night icons Letterman and Leno.
As one of Canada's most recognizable celebrities, Bullard was a versatile comedian who authored the book "Open Book: Little Thoughts from a Big Head" (Doubleday) and released a comedy CD, "Stick 2 Comedy" (BMG). Voted "Favourite Talk Show Host" by TV Guide readers, he rose from the grind of Canada's comedy club circuit, where he spent over a decade building a reputation as one of the country's quickest and sharpest wits. A Mississauga, Ontario native, Bullard balanced full-time jobs while performing more than 1,400 comedy gigs in his free time. He only quit his day job at Bell Canada weeks before "Open Mike with Mike Bullard" premiered.
The show launched quietly in November 1997 on The Comedy Network and was picked up by the CTV network in 1998. Bullard's sharp, often self-deprecating humor, insightful observations on the human condition, and talent for unscripted, edgy banter with the audience quickly made the program a favorite among viewers.
Over time, the series became a staple of Canadian entertainment and was credited with promoting a Canadian star system. It featured a diverse array of guests from film, television, theater, sports, music, and politics from both Canada and the U.S. Notable guests 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 Chrétien. Despite his success, Bullard remained a relatable Canadian everyman, dedicating significant time to charity work. He made over 150 appearances annually 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.
Maintaining a balanced lifestyle, Bullard enjoyed swimming in his pool, riding his Yamaha, kayaking on the Credit River, and walking his dog, Yankee.
