Rick Moranis: the sad reason why the Canadian left his acting career behind

One of the first faces that comes to mind when we think about our favourite childhood films is that of Canadian actor Rick Moranis.

The actor nearly always played the role of a loser or nerd who, in the end, triumphed in his own way. Unfortunately, we've lost sight of him over the years, and it wasn't by chance. Behind the actor's absence on the screen lies a sad story.

Rick Moranis married costume designer Ann Belsky in 1986. The union was short-lived, but not because they didn't get along. His wife was given a devastating breast cancer diagnosis and died in February 1991.

After his wife's death, Rick Moranis concentrated on raising the two children he had with Ann. Following their mother's death, Mitchell and Rachel became the actor's main priority.

Rick Moranis then began to be very selective with the job opportunities that appeared. His new life plan was to work only in New York City, and if he had to travel, it would only be during the summer vacation periods.

In addition to 'Ghostbusters' (1984), among his most famous works are 'Honey, I Shrunk the Kids' (1989), 'The Flintstones,' 'Little Giants' (both 1994), and 'Big Bully' (1996).

After filming 'Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves!' in 1997, the third film in the saga about shrinking people, Rick Moranis decided to leave the acting world to take a break.

Rick's career was doing great and, many thought his decision was just crazy. However, the actor did some publicity for television, radio, and voice acting, among other things. He gave voice to characters from animated films such as 'Rudolph' (1998) and 'Brother Bear' (2003).

In 2015, with his children grown, Rick Moranis began to rethink his return to the industry. It seemed that his day of mourning and as a single father were coming to an end. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the actor said he was looking for a good script to get back into action.

However, Rick Moranis declined to make a cameo in the latest version of 'Ghostbusters' (2016). In his own words, he wanted to be “selective” in choosing new roles.

Then, in 2018, he voiced a character from 'The Goldbergs' and began working on 'Prop Culture' and 'An Afternoon with SCTV,' a documentary by Martin Scorsese.

It would be nice to see Rick Moranis return to the big screen however, his decision to be selective in his project choices and prioritize family is totally understandable.  But how did Moranis get started in the industry?

Born in Toronto, Ontario, in 1953, the Rick began his career as an actor, comedian, and musician on Canadian television.

Using the radio name of "Rick Allan," Moranis began his career working as a disc jockey on the radio in the 1970s. He worked at three different radio stations in Toronto, and during the mid-70s, he got his big break when he was asked to perform on CBC television. Moranis appeared alongside Rob Cowan, and the pair performed their spoof on 'Hockey Night in Canada' and received rave reviews.

By 1980 Rick had begun to establish himself as an actor, collaborating on 'Second City TV,' a famous Canadian comedy show. He shared the stage with other big names like Dave Thomas, John Candy, and Martin Short.

During his active acting career, Rick Moranis didn't want to work on anything related to direction or script. However, in his 'retirement' period, he even wrote some comics.

But before that, in 1983, he co-directed (and starred), alongside his friend Dave Thomas, in the comedy 'Strange Brew,' an American-Canadian production.

After his debut in 'Strange Brew' (1983), he moved to the United States, where he became famous for his unforgettable role as Louis Tully in 'Ghostbusters' (1984).

In the following years, in addition to the aforementioned films, we also saw him in 'A Little Shop of Horrors', and 'Spaceballs' (1987).

Throughout his career, Rick Moranis has received several awards. The first came in 1982 for his work at SCTV. It was an Emmy in the category of “Outstanding Writing in Variety Show or Music”. In 1990, he won an American comedy award as Funniest Supporting Actor for 'Parenthood.'

In addition, in 1995, he received the Earle Grey Award at the Gemini Awards for Best Cast on SCTV. Later in 2006, he was nominated for a Grammy for best comedy album for 'The Agoraphobic Cowboy.'

Yes, Rick Moranis is also in the music business. He has released three albums, and all unsurprisingly pertain to the category of "comedic music.

After 'The Agoraphobic Cowboy' (2005) came 'My Mother Brisket and Other Love Songs,' released in 2013. Rick's first album dates back to his early years in the arts. It's called 'You, Me, the Music and Me' and it was released in 1989.

In 2020, Rick Moranis went through a frightening moment. On a morning that seemed to be like any other, the actor went for a walk and was attacked by a stranger.

Rick had to be taken to the hospital but fortunately was discharged as he was not seriously injured. The assailant, who already had a criminal record, was identified by the hoodie he was wearing, which had 'I Love NY' written on it, was arrested.