Rick Moranis Sacrificed Career to Raise His Kids Alone after Their Beloved Mom Passed Away

Comedian Rick Moranis became a household name in the ’80s. After Anne Moranis died, his career fell apart. He was a single father and had to find a way to balance work and family life.Source: Getty Images. His comedy talent was first discovered before he made it big in Hollywood.

Actor Rick Moranis has been dubbed a “comedic genius” after bringing his on-screen characters to life dating back to the 1980s and 1990s.

Rick’s memorable roles include playing an accountant in “Ghostbusters,” a caveman in “The Flintstones,” and a mad inventor in “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids.”

His comedic talent first sparked before making it big in Hollywood. He was a hockey game salesman when it all started.

Rick sold programs to hockey fans but, because it was slow-moving, he used humor to get the attention of the crowds.Source: Getty Images Rick developed a skill while he was a teenager. According to Goal Cast.com, he would yell:

“Souvenir hot dogs! Get your ice-cold programs!”

Apart from the antics, Rick also developed a skill as a teenager. He wanted to become a rock star one day and began playing guitar and writing his own songs. He was a successful musician because of his talent.

In high school, Rick worked as a DJ under the moniker “Rick Allen” for several radio stations in Toronto. His big break came in 1977 when he used his humor on CBC’s “90 Minutes Live,” a series of sketches he wrote.

He was approached by Dave Thomas, a friend, to be an auditioned for an upcoming TV series. Rick soon received recognition for his unique sense of humor, later joining the cast of “Second City Television (SCTV), where his popularity gained momentum.

RICK’S RISE TO SUPERSTARDOM

1980 saw the move to CBC of SCTV. Rick and Thomas were chosen to create “identifiable Candian content” for the network. They collaborated and devised a sketch called “The Great White North,” which features brothers Doug and Bob McKenzie.

The sketch became a success both in the US and Canada, and years later, a comedy album cut from the skit got nominated for a Grammy Award.

By 1983, Rick and Thomas were asked to reprise their goofy roles in their own film, “Strange Brew,” which became a box-office hit, raking in double its initial budget.

Rick’s fame began to rise steadily, and in 1984, he starred as Louis Tully in the movie “Ghostbusters” for which he also helped write the screenplay. The film became a multi-million-dollar success and earned Rick his golden status as a comedy legend in Hollywood.

In 1989, he starred in the sequel that made $215 million. However, Rick refused to do a reboot of the franchise, telling The Hollywood Reporter in October 2015 that it was senseless to make a comeback for a cameo:

“I wish them well. I’m hoping it’s fantastic. It just doesn’t make sense to me. Why would I shoot just one day on something I did 30+years ago?

RICK’S FAST-RISING CAREER INTRODUCED HIM TO HIS WIFE

Rick’s Hollywood career started rapidly. He became a fan favorite and was sought-after by directors who wanted to work with him for their screenplays. The next few years saw him star in more notable films such as “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Spaceballs.”

During that period, he met costume designer Anne who would later become his wife. The pair wed in 1986 and welcomed two kids, a daughter and a son named Rachel and Mitchell.

Rick met the love of his life during the peak of his career. She was later diagnosed with breast cancer. Anne’s health deteriorated, and the disease spread to her liver.

Rick decided to drop the projects he worked on during a pinnacle period in his career to be home with his ailing wife. Anne sadly succumbed to cancer in 1991, leaving her dearest husband to care for their young children alone.

RICK STRUGGLED TO JUGGLE WORK WITH RAISING KIDS

After her death, Rick tried to pick up where he left in his career as a comedy actor, but he soon learned that it would not be that easy. Traveling nonstop while raising his brood became more challenging as keeping in touch with them while far away was not convenient.

He then remembered that he had a good childhood back in his hometown, Toronto. That was when he decided to recreate the same childhood memories he had for his kids. The writer chose to exit Hollywood in 1997 quietly.

Later, he explained that he had taken a break from the showbiz at first but that it turned into 18 years. The producer told USA Today in 2005 that he realized he was better off away from the spotlight:

“I took a little bit of a break. The little break turned into a longer one, and I realized that I didn’t miss it.”

Rick later revealed to The Hollywood Reporter that raising his children was important to him, and he has had no regrets about deciding to become a stay-at-home dad.

“I changed my life from being at work to staying home with my kids. It was a completely different lifestyle. It was important for me. I have no regrets. My life is wonderful,” he said.

RICK’S RARE TV APPEARANCES SINCE HIS HIATUS

After he decided to step away from the limelight by gradually declining movie and TV roles, it made people wonder whether he retired or not.

Rick eventually made an on-screen comeback when he made a rare appearance alongside actor Ryan Reynolds in a 40-second commercial. Fans were delighted to see Rick after so long. Within days of its release, it had 1.5 million views.

Rick also stunned fans when he made another rare appearance in a Disney Plus documentary series, “Disney Pop Culture.” The doccie is dedicated to the 1989 hit film, “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids.” The songwriter went down memory lane, sharing some of his memorable moments from the movie.