Phil Hanley

Canadian stand-up comedian and actor Phil Hanley began his career in comedy by performing at open mics around Vancouver, often interjecting his performances between bands at music venues. It was in these settings that he developed his distinguishing blend of material and crowd interaction, ensuring each of his performances was unique.

Hanley's style, characterized by unpredictable reflection delivered with razor-sharp accuracy, has its roots in the grand tradition of joke-telling. His performances at the 2008 Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal not only garnered him international recognition but also saw him earn accolades in the Montreal Gazette's annual "Best Jokes of the Festival." The Hollywood Reporter named him one of the five comics generating a buzz at the festival, a distinction that led to a featured segment on the "Tonight Show with Jay Leno." Time Out also described him as a "master of crowdwork." Since then, he has appeared on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," "Late Night with Seth Meyers," and "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson."

Since his early acclaim, Hanley has built an extensive list of credits. He appeared in season four of "John Oliver's New York Stand-Up Show" in 2013 and his own half-hour special on Comedy Central in 2015. He also featured in two episodes of "Inside Amy Schumer" between 2015 and 2022. In addition to his stand-up work, Hanley ventured into podcasting, co-hosting "We Know Nothing" with Anya Marina and Sam Morril from 2014 to 2016 and later hosting "Keeping Joe" with Sam Morril and Joe Machi from 2017 to 2020. He is a regular performer at the Comedy Cellar in NYC, which keeps him connected to the vibrant pulse of the comedy scene.

Hanley's comedy has also translated into success in the film and recording industries. In 2017, he starred in the comedy film "Sundowners" and two years later appeared in "I Feel Pretty." He released his comedy album "Please Don't Chit Chat While I'm Pursuing My Dream" in 2018. Most recently, in 2022, Hanley released an hour-long stand-up special "Ooh La La" on his YouTube channel. He is currently writing a memoir titled "Spellbound," set to be published in 2024 by Henry Holt (Macmillan). Hanley also uses his personal experiences with dyslexia and ADHD as an advocate, working with organizations like Eye To Eye and Dyslexia Canada to increase awareness and support. Hanley's journey from a Vancouver open mic performer to an influential voice in comedy and advocacy highlights his dynamic and evolving career.