Mike Myers
In 1992 Mike Myers earned $1 million for his first starring role in Wayne’s World. Ten years later and ten films later, he was earning $25 million for his starring role Austin Powers in Goldmember. His growing popularity was certainly obvious.
Michael Myers was born on May 25, 1963 in Ontario, Canada. His parents, Eric and Alice Myers, were originally from England and Mike Myers holds duel citizenship in both Canada and the UK. Upon graduation from high school in 1982, Mike Myers was accepted as a member of Toronto’s Second CitySaturday Night Live greats as Dan Aykroyd, Gilda Radnor, and Martin Short. During this time he worked on Toronto’s cityTV and even has a role on a British children’s television show Wide Awake Morning. improv comedy troupe. At a young age, he walked in the footsteps of such During his early career, Mike Myers met Robin Ruzan, a writer and actress who would appear with him in some of his movies. They met at a hockey game when Robin was hit by a flying puck. The two dated for years and then were married in May of 1993 right as Mike Myers movie career was taking off.
In 1989, Mike Myers followed the footsteps of Aykroyd, Radnor and Short all the way to New York City where he became a cast member of Saturday Night Live. For six seasons he entertained night owl’s with fellow cast mates Dana Carvey, Chris Farley, David Spade, Phil Hartman, and Adam Sandler.
The popular recurring skit that Mike Myers and Dana Carvey performed, Wayne’s World, earned the two starring roles in a film of the same name. It was one of the most popular movies of 1992 and was followed by a sequel the next year. That same year he filmed the romantic comedy So I Married an Axe Murderer with Nancy Travis.
In 1995 Mike Myers left Saturday Night Live. His first film after his SNL departure was the 1997 mega hit Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery which he wrote and starred in. As a James Bond parody, he created the memorable characters of Powers as well Dr. Evil, Fat Bastard and Goldmember in the film and its two sequels. He also got to romance Elizabeth Hurley, Heather Graham, and Beyonce Knowles.
Although Mike Myers is known for his comedy, in 1998 he wowed audiences and critics with his dramatic role in the movie 54. Other notable film roles include the voice of Shrek in the movies Shrek (2001) and Shrek 2 (2004), and the Cat in The Cat in the Hat (2003).
In December of 2005 Mike Myers’ publicist released a statement saying that he and his wife of 12 years had separated. No reason for the split was given, and the tabloids have left him and Robin alone with their business.
Myers is slated to portray the Who’s former drummer Keith Moon in a movie about his life in 2007, as well as lending his voice talents for a third Shrek movie. |
