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To
Pat, Air Farce was the comedy equivalent of "Swingin' Time".
He also has found another director that shares the same work ethics
and philosophy as he does. "I love Perry's style," Pat
says, when thinking about Perry Rosemond's illustrious career of
directing hundreds of live programs. "He thinks live and directs
live. You can't ask for more than that."
And
what about his eight-year experience with Air Farce? "I love
coming to work every day. There's always a new challenge, but in
an inviting way." Pat also has many words of praise for the
production duo of Abbott and Ferguson. "Roger and Don make
TV fun, as it should be. They let you know when you've done a good
job. But also when you haven't. They're honest and I respect that."
But what impresses Pat the most is how the Air Farce crew can take
raw material on Monday and have it polished and complete by Thursday
(which is taping night). "Everyone contributes and works together
to make the show look as good as it does. It is really quite the
process to see." With this kind of respect to everyone on the
cast and crew, it's no wonder Pat is considered one of the most
respected members of the Air Farce family. A nice sentiment, even
if he has trouble smiling about it.
Pat's
love for working behind-the-scenes in TV came full circle when the
producers approached him to appear on the show. They were looking
for someone with a menacing appearance who could help Colonel Stacy
with his Chicken Cannon targets. Not surprisingly, Pat got the job
immediately. However, it wasn't until season four that Pat got his
big break. The producer's needed someone to play the ruthless linebacker,
"Mad Dog Matowski" in the sketch Criminal Sports Desk.
From that day on, a star was born. Pat has gone on to appear in
numerous episodes, covering ground as a deliveryman, a biker and
even impersonating Wayne Gretzky, badly. It's not
Pat's style to linger around in his appearances, so don't blink
or you'll miss him. Nor is it his style to smile. But rest assured,
you'll be hard pressed to find anyone having more fun than he is.
As the cameras turn off for another week, Pat takes off his "game
face" and is able to relax his clenched jaw muscles. He lets
out a huge grin and tells a joke backstage. As if the smiles were
kept prisoner behind his closed lips, the real Pat McDonald comes
out. Knowing that he has another week of preparations in front of
him, he walks down the CBC corridor known as "The Comedy Wall
of Fame", telling Air Farce writer/performer John
Morgan a joke someone in the audience told him earlier. He didn't
smile then, but he is laughing about it now. So to those of you
who come down to CBC to see an Air Farce taping, don't be discouraged
if you can't make Pat McDonald laugh. No one can. But rest assured,
whether it's at home or in the studio, he'll make you laugh. At
least you better - if you know what's good for you.
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Stan's
e-Baby
Aired: Jan 26, 2001
Stan
unveils his new web page, and delivery service e-baby.com.
Pat
proved himself perfectly inept at delivering babies!.
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