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Wayne and Shuster, comedy team composed of John Louis Wayne (b at Toronto 28 May 1918; d there 18 July 1990) and Frank Shuster (b at Toronto 5 Sept 1916; d there 13 Jan 2002). They met at Harbord Collegiate, Toronto, where they performed in annual revues. After receiving BAs in English from U of T, they were both studying for MAs when WWII intervened. After enlisting in the infantry, they were soon reunited, writing and performing for The Army Show.
Following the war, they returned to Canada and worked together on radio (by 1946 they had their own show on CBC) and later on television. In 1950 they began appearing as guests on various American TV programs, including a record 67 performances on "The Ed Sullivan Show." Although their wide-ranging skits, described as "an amiable mixture of slapstick, pantomime, visual tricks, sheer corn and sometimes ingenious twists on classic situations," did not always meet with critical approval, the comedy team remained popular and won several international awards. Despite their popularity in the US, Wayne and Shuster remained based, personally and professionally, in Toronto, repeatedly resisting pressure to pursue greater wealth and fame south of the border.
 Wayne and Shuster, VideoJohnny Wayne (left) and Frank Shuster spoof Shakespeare's Julius Caesar in their trademark sketch, Rinse the Blood Off My Toga, performed on a CBC-TV Wayne & Shuster special broadcast on 30 April 1976 (courtesy CBC).
 Wayne and ShusterJohnny Wayne (left) and Frank Shuster (courtesy Library and Archives Canada/MISA).
Author
CHARLES DOUGALL
Links to Other Sites
The History of Canadian Broadcasting
This site is dedicated to the visionary pioneers who created Canada’s broadcasting industry. Features profiles of members of the CAB Hall of Fame and much more. From the Canadian Communications Foundation.
Scenario Productions
This site offers an extensive selection of audio clips from classic CBC radio plays and other popular programs.
The Frank Shuster Fonds
A brief article about the Frank Shuster fonds, which provide a retrospective of two of Canada's most successful comedians Johnny Wayne and Frank Shuster. From Library and Archives Canada.
Frank Shuster
A CBC obituary for comedian Frank Shuster.
Frank Shuster
An obituary for comedian and writer Frank Shuster. From the website for "The Independent."
Wayne and Shuster: Duo were Canada's comedy ambassadors
A profile of the popular comedy duo Wayne and Shuster. From the "Playback" website.
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