He began his acting career in a 1974 Canadian television special, The Ottawa Valley. His next role was in a 1979 Canadian comedy, Meatballs, in which he starred opposite Bill Murray, portrayed  as a shy, loner teen attendee of a summer camp, who has trouble fitting in. The movie was a hit, grossing more than $43 million at the box office, and Makepeace received good notices for his work in the film.
Makepeace began his acting career with a 1974 Canadian television production, The Ottawa Valley. He then appeared in a 1979 Canadian comedy, Meatballs, where he played a shy, isolated teenager at summer camp who faces difficulties integrating into the group. The movie was a commercial success, grossing over $43 million, and Makepeace received praise for his portrayal.