“Being Portuguese wasn’t a thing I performed, it was how I lived. I didn’t grow up thinking my culture was cool, now it’s all I talk about”

Comedian Mike Rita isn’t just a stand-up. He’s a naturally funny guy who also happens to be Portuguese. Born in Canada to immigrant parents, he grew up mimicking their voices and mannerisms as a way to connect with the adults around him. But for years he left that part of himself off stage… until, one day, someone called him on it and it changed everything.