Gerry Dee celebrating two decades with Halifax stop

Class is out for Gerry Dee and his long-running hit CBC sitcom Mr. D, and he’s celebrating 20 years as a comedian with a stand-up tour.

Dee has shot and worked on the teacher comedy for eight seasons in Halifax, but refuses to call the end bittersweet.

“That word just doesn’t apply. We decided it was time to end it, and there was no sadness,” he said.

“There are only sweet memories. We loved our time, and we had to ensure we didn’t drive this thing into the ground.”

Dee can’t believe it’s already been 20 years.

“I’ve seen a lot of ups and downs, but mostly ups. I hope to get 20 more years in here, and I’m excited to keep making a living on this,” he said.

He looks back to when he started as a stand-up comedian and laughs.

“I was struggling, but I was never young. While most people are 17 when they start in the business, I was 30 when I started hitting stages,” said the Last Comic Standing star.

“I had the same experience as the young guys. The bombing, horrible gigs, dangerous drives to shows and all. But it was worth it.”

He said the kind of name recognition he is enjoying is something many comics can only dream of.

“I just always prayed people would come and see me. It’s kind of sad it took an American show for me to get noticed,” he said.

“There are a lot of comedians who are great who don’t get a break, and I’m very lucky.”

He’s pleased with all his success in stand-up and on Mr. D.

“It’s been awesome, and when I started my journey I always hoped for a sitcom. To do it for so long makes me feel fortunate,” he said.

“I’ll miss the show, and it was the best experience. It’s time to move on, though.”

Mr. D is loosely based on Dee’s work for a decade as a teacher. Art ended up imitating his own life.

“There were a lot of things about teaching I loved. It felt pretty cool to do the series, and I got to make fun of myself a little bit,” he said.

“It was a lighthearted spin on the education system that people seemed to enjoy.”

With a return to Halifax for a show imminent, Dee reflects on a place where he’s spent so many of the last few years.

“I’ve been to the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium many times, and it’ll be nice spending a few days seeing friends and I’m excited,” he said.

Though his future is uncertain, he finds some comfort in that.

“I’m excited about what’s next, even though I don’t know what that is. Having the sitcom on my resume will help,” he said.

“We’re back to square one sort of, and I’m seeing what I can try to accomplish next.”