Mike Myers To Play Second City Legend Del Close In Upcoming Film

By Mae Rice in Arts & Entertainment on Feb 9, 2017 8:30PM

Mike Myers accepts an award (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Legendary improv pioneer, Chicagoan and Second City teacher Del Close is getting the movie treatment. Mike Myers has signed on to play Close—who mentored stars like Bill Murray, Tina Fey, and Myers himself—in Del, directed by Betty Thomas.

The film will be a comedy, to the surprise of no one. The story hinges on a relationship between Close and a (seemingly composite, fictionalized) comedy mentee. The two have an initially disastrous working relationship that turns transformative for both of them.

It sounds like it will be a wild and funny ride—Close was known for pushing his students outside their comfort zones, and though we forget about Mike Myers for months at a time, he was in the classic, anniversary-celebrating Wayne's World. Thomas, too, has a solid comedy background. She directed John Tucker Must Die, which does have some defenders, though she also tragically helmed Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel.

While you wait for Close to get the big screen treatment he deserves, read more about his career and acting chops.