Births on April 18

Rick Moranis, Canadian-American actor, comedian, singer and screenwriter

Frederick Allan Moranis, widely known as Rick Moranis, born on April 18, 1953, is a celebrated Canadian talent with a diverse career spanning acting, comedy, music, songwriting, writing, and production. He carved out a unique niche in entertainment, becoming a familiar and beloved face during the 1980s and 1990s through his distinctive comedic style and memorable roles.

Moranis first gained widespread recognition as a key player in the seminal sketch comedy series Second City Television (SCTV). This influential show, which ran throughout the 1980s, showcased his improvisational skills and comedic versatility alongside other Canadian luminaries like Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara, and John Candy. His ability to craft endearing, often slightly bumbling or eccentric characters, quickly made him a sought-after presence in major Hollywood film productions, laying the groundwork for his impressive big-screen career.

A Stellar Career in Hollywood

His impressive filmography includes an array of iconic movies that have since become cult classics and family favorites. Moranis brought his distinctive charm to a variety of roles, often portraying earnest, intelligent, yet frequently overwhelmed individuals who resonated deeply with audiences.

• Strange Brew (1983): One of his early starring roles, co-directed and co-written with Dave Thomas, which famously brought their SCTV characters Bob and Doug McKenzie to the big screen.
• Ghostbusters (1984) and Ghostbusters II (1989): As the endearingly nerdy accountant Louis Tully, who unwittingly finds himself caught up in paranormal chaos, delivering some of the films' most quotable lines.
• Little Shop of Horrors (1986): His portrayal of Seymour Krelborn, the shy florist assistant whose life takes an extraordinary turn with a carnivorous plant, showcased his musical and dramatic range in this acclaimed musical dark comedy.
• Spaceballs (1987): Playing the comically villainous Dark Helmet in Mel Brooks' beloved Star Wars parody, a role that further cemented his status as a master of deadpan humor and comedic timing.
• Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989): As the eccentric but well-meaning inventor Wayne Szalinski, a role he enthusiastically reprised in its successful sequels Honey, I Blew Up the Kid (1992) and Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves! (1997). This family-friendly franchise became widely synonymous with his enduring appeal.
• Parenthood (1989): Adding depth and comedic relief to a strong ensemble cast in this critically acclaimed family drama.
• My Blue Heaven (1990): Partnering again with Steve Martin, Moranis played an FBI agent assigned to protect a mob informant.
• The Flintstones (1994): His portrayal of Barney Rubble in the live-action adaptation of the beloved classic cartoon, perfectly capturing the character's loyal and friendly demeanor.

A Deliberate Hiatus for Family

In 1997, at a point where his career was still thriving, Rick Moranis made the profoundly personal decision to step away from live-action acting. This significant move was driven by a desire to devote his full attention to his two young children after the tragic passing of his wife, Ann Belsky, from cancer in 1991. As a widower, he felt a strong imperative to prioritize being a full-time parent, understanding the critical importance of his presence during their formative years. This hiatus, which lasted for over two decades from the live-action screen, was a powerful testament to his deep commitment to his family, a choice that garnered immense respect and resonated deeply with fans and colleagues across the entertainment industry.

While largely absent from live-action films, Moranis did not entirely step away from creative work. He continued to lend his distinctive voice to animated projects, notably as the jovial moose Rutt in Disney's critically acclaimed film Brother Bear (2003) and its subsequent sequel, Brother Bear 2 (2006). During this period, he also explored his musical talents further, releasing comedy albums, including My Mother's Brisket & Other Love Songs (2013), which notably garnered a Grammy nomination for Best Comedy Album. Additionally, he made sporadic appearances at fan conventions, connecting directly with his dedicated audience, who eagerly awaited any news of his potential return.

The Much-Anticipated Return to the Screen

After a nearly 23-year absence from live-action cinema, the news of Rick Moranis's return was met with widespread excitement and anticipation from fans around the globe. In a highly anticipated announcement, it was confirmed that he would reprise his iconic role as the inventive patriarch Wayne Szalinski in a new sequel to the beloved Honey, I Shrunk the Kids franchise. The film, aptly titled Shrunk, promises to bring back his unique blend of humor, warmth, and scientific curiosity to a new generation, signaling a most welcome comeback for one of comedy's most cherished and missed figures.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rick Moranis

Why did Rick Moranis stop acting in live-action films?

Rick Moranis made the personal decision to take a break from live-action acting in 1997 to focus on raising his two children as a single father. His wife, Ann Belsky, passed away from cancer in 1991, and he chose to prioritize being present for his family during their crucial developmental years.

What are some of Rick Moranis's most famous films?

He is widely recognized for his roles in classic films such as Ghostbusters (as Louis Tully), Spaceballs (as Dark Helmet), Little Shop of Horrors (as Seymour Krelborn), and the popular Honey, I Shrunk the Kids series (as Wayne Szalinski). His filmography also includes memorable appearances in Strange Brew, Parenthood, My Blue Heaven, and The Flintstones.

Did Rick Moranis do any voice-over work during his hiatus?

Yes, despite his long break from live-action, Rick Moranis did provide voice-over work. Most notably, he voiced the character Rutt, a comedic moose, in Disney's animated film Brother Bear (2003) and its sequel.

Is Rick Moranis returning to acting?

Yes, after a nearly 23-year hiatus from live-action films, Rick Moranis is set to return in a new sequel to the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids franchise, titled Shrunk, where he will reprise his iconic role as Wayne Szalinski.

What is Second City Television (SCTV)?

Second City Television (SCTV) was a highly influential Canadian sketch comedy television series that aired primarily in the 1980s. It was celebrated for its sharp satirical humor, ensemble cast (which included Moranis, Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara, John Candy, and Martin Short, among others), and clever parodies of television and film, serving as a significant launching pad for many prominent comedians.

Is Rick Moranis also a musician or songwriter?

Yes, in addition to his acting and comedic career, Rick Moranis is also a talented musician and songwriter. He has released comedy albums, including "The Agoraphobic Cowboy" (2005) and My Mother's Brisket & Other Love Songs (2013), the latter of which was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album.