Russell Peters

Russell Peters is a Canadian stand-up comedian, actor, and producer known for his sharp observational humor and global perspective. Born in Toronto to Anglo-Indian parents, Peters built his career by blending personal stories of growing up in a multicultural household with witty commentary on race, identity, and cultural stereotypes. He began performing stand-up in the late 1980s and steadily gained recognition, eventually breaking into the international spotlight with his 2004 appearance on "Comedy Now!"—a set that went viral online and introduced him to a worldwide audience.

Over the years, Peters has become one of the most successful touring comedians in the world, selling out arenas across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. His specials, including "Outsourced," "Red, White and Brown," and "Almost Famous," have been major hits, with Netflix releasing his special "Notorious" in 2013. His comedy, often built on accents, cultural observations, and interactions with audience members, has resonated widely with diverse communities and made him a trailblazer for global stand-up comedy.

Beyond the stage, Peters has acted in films and television shows such as "Source Code," "The Indian Detective," and "Chef." He has also served as a producer, helping to elevate other comedic voices. In recognition of his contributions, he became the first comedian to sell out Toronto’s Air Canada Centre and was listed on Forbes’ highest-paid comedians list.