Michael Magee, a multifaceted individual with a passion for the performing arts and the world of horse racing, first drew breath on October 11, 1929, in the vibrant city of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. His parents, esteemed members of the Ontario Jockey Club, played a significant role in shaping his early years and influencing his future pursuits. Initially, Magee demonstrated little interest in the world of horse racing, a subject that seemed foreign and uninviting to his young mind. However, his father, perceiving his son's lack of enthusiasm, issued a challenge that would forever alter the course of Magee's life: to learn about horse racing before passing judgment. This catalyst sparked a flame of curiosity within Magee, and as he delved deeper into the subject, he discovered a newfound appreciation for the majesty and complexity of horses.
Throughout his formative years, Magee navigated a complex and tumultuous educational landscape, attending a succession of private schools in the province of Ontario, where he struggled to find stability and consistency.
However, it was during this period of personal turmoil that he discovered an unexpected source of comfort and solace at the race tracks.
Initially, he found employment as a money runner for the mutuels department at the original Woodbine track, located in the eastside of Toronto, before relocating to Vancouver and taking on a similar role at Exhibition Park.
In addition to his work at the racetracks, Magee held a variety of jobs during his adolescence, including janitor, surveyor, hotel desk clerk, and canning factory worker, a testament to his resourcefulness and adaptability in the face of uncertainty.
In the year 1956, Magee embarked on a new professional venture, entering into a partnership with Triangle Stable, a pioneering entity that initially boasted a meager roster consisting of a solitary racer, the aptly named Brighton Queen, which drew inspiration from a iconic English Channel paddle steamer.
Subsequently, Magee made his radio debut on the esteemed CKNW broadcasting station, where he became a daily fixture on the popular It Could Happen Show, a unique program that ingeniously incorporated a simulated horse race into its format.
Throughout his illustrious career, spanning nearly five decades, Magee dedicated himself to discussing the esteemed Sport of Kings, with stints on a variety of prominent radio platforms, including the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's (CBC) Radio network, CKEY, CKO, and The FAN.
In the pivotal year of 1968, a notable individual made a significant introduction, presenting the character of Fred C. Dobbs on Gerussi: Words and Music, a cantankerous personality who harbored a deep-seated distrust towards politicians and bureaucrats.
Prior to his national television debut, he made his presence known on Ottawa television, assuming the role of a parliamentary correspondent from Beamsville, a small town located in the province of Ontario, Canada.
It was on a 1969 New Year's Eve broadcast, alongside the accomplished Canadian actor and writer Don Harron, that he made his national television debut, marking a significant milestone in his career.
In the year 1973, a significant event took place in the life of Magee, as he exchanged vows with the lovely Mabel "Duddie" McDonald, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his personal life. This union led to the creation of their very own television program, cleverly titled "The Real Magees", which undoubtedly brought joy and entertainment to countless viewers. Moreover, Magee and his spouse Mabel ventured into the world of entrepreneurship, establishing and operating a meat market on Church Street in the bustling city of Toronto. Despite their initial success, their marriage unfortunately did not endure, and the couple ultimately decided to go their separate ways, bringing an end to their union.
In the year 1980, a pivotal moment in the career of the esteemed voice actor, John Stocker, occurred when he was entrusted with the coveted role of Cyril Sneer, a cigar-smoking, maniacally greedy pink aardvark, in the television special, "The Christmas Raccoons". This marked the beginning of a long-term collaboration between Magee and the character, as he would go on to voice Cyril Sneer for the remainder of the series.
Throughout his tenure as the voice of Cyril Sneer, Magee imbued the character with a level of depth and complexity that was unparalleled. His mastery of the role was so impressive that it's a wonder to behold. His portrayal of Cyril Sneer was nothing short of remarkable, and his performance was met with widespread acclaim.
It's worth noting that Cyril Sneer and his sniggering canine companion, Snag, were Magee's only voice roles, yet he managed to bring them to life in a way that was nothing short of magical. His ability to breathe life into his characters was a true gift, and his legacy as a voice actor continues to be celebrated to this day.
Noted Canadian author and literary figure, John Magee, courted controversy in the 1980s with a series of off-color remarks and misogynistic comments delivered during an after-dinner speech at the Writers' Union of Canada. The crass jokes and biting insults directed towards female attendees sparked widespread outrage, resulting in a mass exodus of women from the gathering.
Michael Magee, a distinguished individual, breathed his last on July 15, 2011, at the ripe age of 81, succumbing to the debilitating effects of colitis, which ultimately led to a heart failure that proved to be his mortal undoing.
