Brad MacDonald is a Montreal-based comedian known for his deadpan delivery, surreal bits, and what he calls “a fierce commitment to something stupid.” A blend of absurdist storytelling and emotional honesty, Brad’s comedy is as clever as it is offbeat — from recreating Frasier bloopers live on stage to musing about fainting at the gym as a metaphor for life.
He recently performed in Best of the Fest at Off–Just for Laughs’ JFL Live Sessions, with clips coming soon to YouTube, and co-hosts the comedy-philosophy podcast My Head Hurts with Raquel Maestre.
How would you describe your comedy style?
A fierce commitment to something stupid. When I was a teaching assistant for a literature class many years ago, I noticed one of the students had somehow added a nickname in parentheses under his real name for his official student photo ID. That nickname was “Tater Salad.” I loved that this kid took precious time in his life to make sure he accomplished this goal. I still don’t know how it got past the registrar’s office. Ever since then, it’s been my comedic north star.
Who are some of your influences?
Zach Galifianakis, Rory Scovel, Will Ferrell, Tim & Eric, Molly Shannon, Jon Glaser, David Letterman, Danny McBride, Atsuko Okatsuka, Jack Handey, Norm MacDonald.
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
Pee-wee Herman
Who is your favourite comedian now?
Larry David
What is your pre-show ritual?
I burst through the window of the venue, then bleed out while clutching a photo of my beloved girlfriend Sarah, only to be miraculously revived by the sound of her voice telling me I am a true, distinctive and original artist. Then I relax my pelvic floor.
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
My favourite place to perform in Montreal is Théâtre Sainte-Catherine. The people who run it love weird comedy, and their crowds enjoy strange experiments. It’s a bohemian oasis of creative expression.
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
I have a joke I’m working on about no one at the gym noticing when I fainted on a bicep curl machine, and I’m starting not to hate it or myself. Fainting on a bicep curl machine (and these machines are definitely not just for old people), only to find no one noticed, serves as a metaphor for my life.
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
I call up my friend Crazy Daryl and say, “Who’s hot right now, Crazy Daryl?” or I just go to as many shows as I can. When I first started, I was too nervous to pay attention to other comedians if I was about to go on, but lately I’ve found it really fascinating to follow closely how a comic speaks and moves on stage—I like watching someone’s personality weave itself into a joke’s structure. Ironically, the anxious tics comedians try to repress often become the most engaging parts of their act.
Tell us a joke about your city.
I like to go to Montreal’s Formula One car shows and arrogantly brag that I drive a 2025 Ferrero Rocher.
Do you have anything to promote right now?
This summer, I was on Off-Just for Laughs’ JFL Live Sessions as part of Best of the Fest. Clips from that performance will soon be posted on the Just for Laughs YouTube page. Also, I have a philosophy/comedy podcast with the hilarious Raquel Maestre called My Head Hurts.
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
Lauren Mallory, a great comedian and writer.
