Early Life and Background
Paul O’Sullivan was born on April 4, 1964, in Canada. He became one of the well-loved figures in Canadian comedy and theatre, known for his sharp improv skills and warm presence. He joined George Brown College’s Theatre Arts Program early in his career, honing his craft in performance, direction, and writing.
His training didn’t stop at formal education — Paul was deeply involved with Toronto’s Second City, a legendary improv troupe that has produced many famous comedians. His time there helped shape his comedic voice and stage sensibilities.
Career in Comedy and Acting
Paul O’Sullivan’s career spanned stage, television, and teaching. He was a veteran of improv and sketch comedy, frequently appearing on shows like Improv Heaven and Hell and directing for Second City.
On television, he acted in a wide variety of shows. Some of his credits include:
- George Shrinks
- Friends and Heroes
- Grossology
- Getting Along Famously
- Guest roles in The Red Green Show, Dan for Mayor, Murdoch Mysteries, and Little Mosque on the Prairie.
On the film side, Paul appeared in Dirty Work (1998), Flutter (2012), Score: A Hockey Musical (2010), and others.
Beyond acting, he taught comedy writing and performance at Humber College in Toronto, sharing his deep improv expertise with younger generations.
Personal Life
Paul was in a long-term relationship with actress Linda Kash, and together they had three daughters. They lived on a farm outside Peterborough, Ontario — a place of relative quiet and family life despite their careers in show business.
Death
Tragically, Paul O’Sullivan passed away on May 18, 2012, at the age of 48. (Sources: Wikipedia, IMDb) He died in a car crash near Peterborough, Ontario — his car left the road, crossed the shoulder, and struck a parked flatbed truck.
His death was widely mourned in the Canadian theatre and comedy community. He was remembered not only for his talent, but for his generosity as a teacher and colleague.
Legacy
Paul’s impact lives on in multiple ways:
- Comedy education: Through his work at Humber College, he influenced a generation of comedy writers and performers.
- Television & film: His roles continue to be appreciated by fans of Canadian TV and comedy.
- Improv culture: His dedication to improv, especially with Second City, helped keep that style alive and thriving in Canada.
- Personal inspiration: Many remember him for his kindness, mentorship, and the joy he brought to his performances.
Interesting Facts
- He was very musically inclined — when improvising, his fellow performers often encouraged him to sing.
- He hosted the six-hour live broadcast for the launch of The Comedy Network, called One Shameless Launchathon.
- He was a member of a sketch troupe called Skippy’s Rangers, alongside comedians Bob Martin, Lisa Lambert, and Jonathan Crombie.
FAQs
Q: When was Paul O’Sullivan born?
A: He was born on April 4, 1964.
Q: What was Paul O’Sullivan best known for?
A: He was best known as a Canadian comedy actor and improviser, particularly for his work with the Second City troupe and television roles in Grossology, George Shrinks, and more.
Q: Did Paul O’Sullivan teach comedy?
A: Yes, he taught comedy writing and performance at Humber College in Toronto.
Q: How did Paul O’Sullivan die?
A: He died in a car accident on May 18, 2012, near Peterborough, Ontario.
Q: Was Paul O’Sullivan married?
A: He was not married, but he was in a long-term partnership with actress Linda Kash, and they had three daughters.
Conclusion
Paul O’Sullivan remains a beloved figure in Canadian comedy and theatre. With a career that spanned improv, television, film, and education, he impacted many lives both onstage and off. Though his life was cut short, his legacy endures through his performances and students. Paul O’Sullivan’s dedication to the craft and the generosity he showed others make him a lasting inspiration for comedians and actors today.