Rick Moranis was born Frederick Allan Moranis on April 18, 1953 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 1 He developed an early interest in comedy and began his entertainment career as a radio disc jockey in the mid-1970s, working at various Toronto stations under the name "Rick Allan." 1

Moranis transitioned to television in the late 1970s, appearing on CBC comedy shows like 90 Minutes Live alongside future SCTV stars like John Candy. 2 In 1980, he joined the cast of the iconic Canadian sketch comedy series Second City Television (SCTV) at the recommendation of Dave Thomas. 3 Moranis was the only SCTV cast member who did not originate from the Second City improv troupe. 3

On SCTV, Moranis created many memorable characters through his celebrity impersonations and original sketches. 1 His most famous role was as Bob McKenzie, one half of the stereotypical Canadian brothers "Bob and Doug McKenzie" with Dave Thomas. 14 The wildly popular characters launched Moranis' career and led to projects like the 1983 film Strange Brew. 14

Rick Moranis' breakthrough came with his role as Louis Tully in the 1984 blockbuster Ghostbusters, directed by Ivan Reitman and co-starring Bill Murray. 1 His portrayal of the nerdy accountant who gets possessed by a demonic spirit showcased his talent for physical comedy and impersonations. 2

Moranis cemented his status as a comedy icon with starring roles in films like Spaceballs (1987) as Lord Dark Helmet for director Mel Brooks, 3 and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989) as the quirky inventor Wayne Szalinski. 1 He brought his signature high-energy, neurotic style to other beloved films like Little Shop of Horrors (1986) as Seymour Krelborn, working with director Frank Oz. 4

Throughout his career, Moranis frequently collaborated with comedy legends like Bill Murray in films like Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters II. 12 He also worked multiple times with Steve Martin on projects like Parenthood (1989) and the Mel Brooks films Spaceballs and Little Shop of Horrors. 34 Moranis' ability to steal scenes with his unique brand of manic humor made him a favorite of directors like Reitman, Brooks, and Harold Ramis. 123

Bob and Doug McKenzie were the iconic Canadian brothers played by Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas on the sketch comedy series SCTV. 1 Originally intended as filler content to meet Canadian content requirements, the characters became an unexpected hit and cultural phenomenon. 2

The dim-witted, beer-loving siblings from the fictional town of Anytown, Ontario embodied exaggerated Canadian stereotypes with their heavy accents, love of back bacon, and liberal use of "eh" and "hoser." 2 Catchphrases like "Take off, you hoser!" and "Beauty, eh?" entered the popular lexicon. 2

Despite being created as parody, Bob and Doug became beloved icons representing an idealized vision of Canadian culture and values. 2 Their immense popularity led to a hit album, "The Great White North," and the 1983 cult classic film Strange Brew. 12 The characters' enduring appeal cemented their status as SCTV's most famous and recognizable creations. 3