Denis Grignon

It's hard to pigeonhole comedian Denis Grignon. And that's a good thing! His background and experience means he's an extremely versatile comedian who knows how to research his audiences – and make them laugh heartily.

Grignon has earned enthusiastic praise for everything from writing awards shows - which have been hosted by the likes of Steve "Red Green" Smith and members of the Royal Canadian Air Farce - to his own hilarious digs at politics and corporate culture.  It's one reason his clean and clever comedy is seen regularly on the Comedy Network.
 
A former journalist, he still contributes regularly to the CBC as well as major magazines and newspapers, including The Toronto Star. Grignon's brand of comedy works above the neck, not below the belt, regardless of the type of audience – whether it's a corporate conference, an agricultural group or the soldiers in Afghanistan where he performed in 2010. (And he can do it in two official languages!) The Ottawa Citizen calls him, "A sharp and likeable comic who respects an audience's intelligence," while The Globe and Mail says he's "wonderfully relaxed." The Voice of the Farmer said his comedy is "a refreshing change." You’ll say he’s hilarious.

Grignon lives in rural Ontario with his wife, two young sons and assorted laying hens and ducks.

• Comedy

  Sure, Denis Grignon can – and does – perform his standup comedy routine to urban and corporate audience, drawing on his many years experience as journalist and as a corporate writer. But he's equally comfortable performing to those beyond the city limits. Regardless of the audience, Grignon does his research to ensure he delivers the best possible routine that works above the head, never below the belt - for everyone. His topic range from the current political landscape to the foibles of breakfast cereal, and much of his material is inspired by his own personal background growing up Franco-Ontarian, making him particularly appealing to clients with a bilingual audience.

• I could see colleagues with tears in their eyes, laughing so hard.

  Treasury Board of Canada

• A wonderful performance as Master of Ceremonies...the cross Canada audience truly enjoyed your humour and spontaneous interactions....you made delegates feel relaxed and at ease...Needless to say, we received much positive feedback.

  The National Capital Commission

• You not only showed that you had 'done your homework' (which teachers always appreciate), but.... the final applause from our members was loud and sustained. You 'hit a home run.'

  Secondary School Federation - Waterloo

• Not only were you funny, but you managed to find humour in both the banking industry and farming that allowed you to strike a familiar chord with us. You managed it without sounding parochial or like an episode of Hee-Haw; it was still sophisticated (and clean) comedy that we could relate to. I'm not sure how many performers - if any - can do that...

  TD Canada Trust, Agriculture Services

• I have only received positive comments about your show. In fact, one of our staff commented on the fact that you spoke French and were able to swing back and forth between both languages and still keep everyone laughing. They thought that you were extremely talented! Thank you for your intelligent and funny performance. I should mention that I was very impressed by the time you put into researching our organization and becoming familiar and aware of some of the important and 'hot' topics.

  Canadian Institute of Steel Construction

• Attending the event was a mixture of French and English clients and you are to be congratulated for delivering your material with a good balance between the two languages. Farmers approached us after the event to praise your for your professional comedy delivery which to their delight included many agricultural references. Others expressed appreciation that you were able to deliver such a humorous program while avoiding the use of course language. It was truly wholesome family entertainment and your many years performing comedy was evident by the way you immediately established a friendly banter with individuals in the audience.

  RBC, Eastern Ontario Agricultural Business Banking Centre

• You tailored your opening remarks to our participants and to the event and you included appropriate humour. Responsible to introducing each of our eleven presenters, you used appropriate biographical and career comments as well as personal humorous anecdotes where possible. You made people whom many of the participants knew only as titles sound human, friendly and real. Your closing wrap-up remarks, thanking all those who participated and attended and congratulating the winners provided exactly the right ending to our ceremony.

  Public Works and Government Services Canada

• At our annual general meeting this past year, we were dealing with the aftermath and stress of some very trying contract negotiations. Thankfully, Denis Grignon was able provide some much-needed levity to the evening. His humour was a nice tonic for a group of teachers needing a good laugh. Moreover, he did it while still adhering to the standards we'd requested of him – that his act be devoid of any off-colour or offensive content. We are a very culturally diverse local and not only did Denis manage to not offend anyone, but his act was actually quite inclusive. Occasional teachers, especially, are a unique lot and we really appreciated the work Denis did to write material that resonated with us. He was well received.

  Peel Elementary Occasional Teachers

• Well done! The conference attendees – railway company execs who came from all across Canada and even the U.S. – had nothing but positive things to say about your act. It was not only in good taste, but also spoke directly to them and what they do. And I know our delegates from Québec really appreciated that you were able to parlez-vous with them in their first language. All the best in the future and once again, thanks for helping to make our event a success.

  The Railway Association of Canada

• Ce Comédien franco-ontarien a sut nour offrir deux excellentes performances. Quelle belle soirée!

  Collège Notre-Dame Sudbury