Quirky Canadian Harland Williams left behind a career as a forest ranger to try his hand at stand-up comedy, and soon made the transition to acting, quickly moving from obscure character player to lead in the 1997 feature “RocketMan.” Harland made his feature film acting debut in 1994’s “Dumb and Dumber,” starring Jim Carrey. Williams was then cast in his own comedy series playing the eponymous cockeyed optimist on The WB’s “Simon” from 1995-1996. More film work followed in 1996 when the actor was featured as a sonar expert in the inane comedy, “Down Periscope.” Williams’ next feature, “RocketMan” would mark his starring debut and helped to launch Williams’ career. While he returned to smaller character roles in films as varied as “Wag the Dog,” “Half-Baked” and “Dog Park,” he was given more opportunities on the small screen, starring in the ABC TV-movie, “Mr. Headmistress.” Williams teamed up with “Kids in the Hall” cast member McCulloch again, in the 1999 feature “Superstar” and was showcased to good effect in the comedy, “The Whole Nine Yards,” performing in his first nude scene. The comedian hosted the Comedy Central stand-up series “Premium Blend” beginning in 2000. While busy on television, Williams continued to do film work, and completed a starring role in “X -Girlfriends” and was Tom Green’s affably abused sidekick in “Freddy Got Fingered.” More recent projects include “Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero” and “Jake and the Never Land Pirates.” Harland Williams continues to perform stand-up anywhere there’s a stage.
