Written by: Rajesh Kumar

The King of Canadian Comedy: Steve Smith

Steve Smith, the mastermind behind the beloved sketch comedy show The Red Green Show, has been tickling the funny bones of Canadians and beyond for over three decades. As the cocreator and star of the show, Smith has become synonymous with the title character, Red Green, a lovable, bumbling handyman with a penchant for duct tape and outlandish inventions.

The Early Years

Born on Christmas Eve in 1945, Smith grew up in Toronto, Ontario. Before venturing into the world of comedy, he studied engineering at the University of Waterloo and worked a variety of jobs. It wasn't until 1979 that he began to produce, write, and star in Smith & Smith, a sketch comedy series with his wife, Morag Smith.

Rise to Fame

In the 1980s, Smith created the family sitcom Me & Max, but it was his return to sketch comedy with The Comedy Mill that truly showcased his talent. The show ran for four years, solidifying Smith's status as a rising star in Canadian comedy.

In 1991, Smith cocreated The Red Green Show, which would go on to become his most iconic and enduring creation. The show's 15-season run and 300 episodes cemented Smith's place as a Canadian comedy legend. The show's quirky humor, clever writing, and memorable characters resonated with audiences across the country.

Beyond The Red Green Show

Smith's talents extend beyond the world of Red Green. He has written for various TV shows, including Top Cops and Offside, and has lent his voice to several animated projects, including the Cartoon Network's Space Ghost Coast to Coast and Wes Anderson's Moonrise Kingdom.

In addition to his television work, Smith has written a syndicated newspaper column as Red Green and has toured extensively, bringing his unique brand of humor to live audiences. He has also made appearances in films, including the 2002 feature Duct Tape Forever, which was based on his Red Green Show character.

Awards and Accolades

Smith's contributions to Canadian comedy have been recognized with numerous awards and nominations. He has won multiple Gemini Awards and has been inducted into the Canadian Comedy Hall of Fame.

With a career spanning over four decades, Steve Smith has left an indelible mark on Canadian comedy. His unique brand of humor, clever writing, and memorable characters have endeared him to audiences across the country. As Red Green, he has become an iconic figure, synonymous with duct tape, outlandish inventions, and, above all, laughter.

Fun Facts

• Smith's wife, Morag, is also a writer and actress, and has worked with him on several projects.
• In 2009, Smith supplied his voice to a talking fish for a public service announcement about illegal fishing near government hydro dams.
• Smith has been touring as Red Green since the 1990s, entertaining audiences across Canada and the United States.

As a testament to his enduring popularity, Steve Smith continues to make Canadians laugh with his unique brand of humor and his beloved alter ego, Red Green. His legacy as one of Canada's greatest comedians is secure, and his impact on the world of comedy will be felt for generations to come.