Mike Myers to Play Improv Pioneer Del Close in Betty Thomas-Directed Film
The Second City comedy Godfather trained John Belushi, Tina Fey, Bill Murray, and Myers himself, among others
February 9, 2017
In the world of modern comedy, few figures cast as towering a shadow as improv comedy pioneer Del Close. As a teacher in Chicago’s Second City, Close guided protégés like John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Gilda Radner, Bill Murray, Tina Fey, Chris Farley, and Mike Myers, among many others. Now, Myers is reportedly starring as his comedy mentor in a new film called “Del,” helmed by “Private Parts” director Betty Thomas.
“Del” will be produced by Covert Media’s CEO Paul Hanson along with Diane Alexander of Second City, among others. Covert will be fully financing the project, which may act as a sort of “Saturday Night Live” origin story, with worldwide sales launching at the Berlin Film Festival.
“Mike Myers is a comedy genius and the perfect actor to inhabit this complicated, funny, poignant character,” Hanson said in a statement. “A pioneer of his craft, Close has passed his knowledge of humor and improv to the group of comedians that everyone knows today and this hilarious script examines that intimate relationship with his students that has made them so successful.”
“Del” will be one of Mike Myers’ first live-action starring roles since 2008’s “The Love Guru.” He’ll also be starring alongside Margot Robbie later this year in “The Terminal.” Along with Howard’s own “Private Parts,” Betty Thomas has directed “28 Days,” “John Tucker Must Die,” and “Alive and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel,” among others.
Read more about “Del” here.
