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Colin Mochrie

Colin Mochrie is a Scottish-born Canadian actor and improvisational comedian best known for his work on the British and American versions of Whose Line Is It Anyway?.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Colin Mochrie is a Scottish-born Canadian actor and improvisational comedian best known for his work on the British and American versions of Whose Line Is It Anyway?. He has also appeared in Canadian television and stage comedy, including Second City and This Hour Has 22 Minutes. Mochrie is widely associated with improvisational comedy in Canada and abroad.

Early life and education

Mochrie was born in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, Scotland, and moved to Canada with his family during childhood, initially settling in Montreal in 1964 and later moving to Vancouver. He trained at Studio 58 in Vancouver, which helped launch his career in performance and improvisation.

Improv and television career

He worked with the Vancouver TheatreSports League and later with Second City in Toronto before becoming a regular performer on the British version of Whose Line Is It Anyway? and subsequently the American version. These appearances made him one of the most recognisable figures in televised improv comedy.

Canadian work and collaborations

Mochrie has had a long career in Canadian entertainment, including work on This Hour Has 22 Minutes and other television projects. He has also frequently collaborated with fellow comedian Ryan Stiles.

Personal life

Mochrie married comedian and actor Debra McGrath in 1989. Public biographies also identify one daughter, Kinley Mochrie.

Key facts

  • Born in Scotland and raised in Canada after his family moved to Montreal in 1964 and later Vancouver.
  • Trained at Studio 58 in Vancouver before working in theatre and improv.
  • Performed with the Vancouver TheatreSports League and later with Second City in Toronto.
  • Became a regular performer on the British version of Whose Line Is It Anyway? and later the American version.
  • Married comedian Debra McGrath in 1989 and is associated with Canadian television including This Hour Has 22 Minutes.
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Canadian context

Mochrie is strongly connected to Canadian comedy and television, having grown up in Canada and worked with Canadian companies and programs such as Second City in Toronto and This Hour Has 22 Minutes.[4][8][10]

Frequently asked questions

Who is Colin Mochrie?
He is a Scottish-born Canadian actor and improvisational comedian known especially for Whose Line Is It Anyway?.
What is Colin Mochrie best known for?
He is best known for appearing on the British and American versions of Whose Line Is It Anyway?.
Where was Colin Mochrie born?
He was born in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, Scotland.
Is Colin Mochrie Canadian?
Yes. He is described as Canadian in multiple biographies and moved to Canada as a child.
Who is Colin Mochrie married to?
He is married to comedian Debra McGrath.

References

  1. The Second City — https://www.secondcity.com/people/colin-mochrie
    Supports: Canadian comedy career, early life in Canada, Whose Line Is It Anyway? history
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0595110/bio/
    Supports: birth date, birth name, birthplace, spouse, child
  3. Fandango — https://www.fandango.com/people/colin-mochrie-458956/biography
    Supports: early life, training, Canadian and UK/US comedy career
  4. Wikipedia — https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colin_Mochrie
    Supports: Studio 58, Vancouver TheatreSports League, broad biography
  5. National Speakers Bureau — https://www.nsb.com/speakers/colin-mochrie/
    Supports: Canadian television credits and awards