Jason Canning’s entrance into comedy was somewhat unique as, before even hitting an open-mic he was hand picked to play the wacky Mr Paramount, the face of the Paramount Comedy Channel. An uncanny likeness to Jim Carrey, combined with an ability to duplicate Carrey’s physical antics, made Jason an instant hit and he continued to entertain viewers on the channel for nearly 5 years.
Jason’s special appearances included coveted performances at London’s renowned Royal Albert Hall Playing the role of Fat Sam in the mobster spoof “Bugsy Malone” in his final year of school marked Jason’s entry into comedy and finally some popularity. Shoving a pillow under his shirt and playing a fat American gangster in a school play was Jason’s teen highlight. Rounding off his education at 16 Jason formed a double act with school mate John Keates, simply called “Alas Keates & Canning”. A parody of comedy sketches based on the popular BBC series at the time “Alas Smith & Jones”. Sadly the act died when it was no longer mandatory to attend to school. It would be some time before Jason picked up the pieces of his shattered comedy career. Nearly 20 years in fact. No time like the present! Not only that but he moved to Los Angeles to do it. Over the past 5 years Jason has been honing his stand-up comedy to the delight of audiences all over America. Performing in all the major clubs in LA including the famous Comedy Store in Hollywood, which has launched the careers of some of the worlds most famous comedians including Jim Carrey.
Jason prides himself on his clean comedy and loves to just be in the moment with the audience and allow himself to explore topics organically. “I love writing up on stage. I feel when the pressure’s on to be funny is when I’m at my best!” During the 23 hours a day Jason’s not working as a comedian he’s been busy hosting on E! Entertainment and lending his voice for nationwide campaigns for clients like DreamWorks, WarnerBrothers and BBC America. The results of which garnered Jason a Silver Telly Award. He never leaves home without it! He’s also just landed a guest-starring role along side fellow Brit actor Alfred Molina in the season 2 finale of HBOs hit animated series The Life & Times of Tim. Jason will be invading the UK shores this summer!
