If you have been missing Comic Relief, you will be glad to know it is returning! The three original comedian hosts – Billy Crystal, Whoopi Goldberg, and Robin Williams – will return on November 18th to resurrect their fundraising comedy concert. This is the first time in almost eight years the three have gotten together and this time, the money will go to victims of Hurricane Katrina, including both humans and the animals displaced because of the storm. Due to many factors including lack of housing and jobs, a year after the storm, the New Orleans population is estimated to be half of that before the storm.
Comic Relief started back in 1986 as a fundraiser for the homeless. Through 1998, they had raised more than $50 million dollars. Comic Relief 2006 will be held at the Caesar’s Palace venue in Las Vegas. They have not announced any of the other celebrities or comedians that will attend, but you can bet it will be some of the best. The show will run three hours and show footage of the devastation the New Orleans area suffered. You may not remember, but back in 1992, Comic Relief raised $2 million for victims of Hurricane Andrew.
Don’t worry if you are not an HBO subscriber. While Comic Relief 2006 will be shown on HBO, its original channel, it will also be simulcast on cable channel TBS.
I love Comic Relief and am so glad not only to see it return, but for such a great cause. The show also comes at a good time for comedian Robin Williams, who has been struggling with alcohol abuse and recently entered rehab. It will likely be his first public appearance after he is released from rehab and I hope it does him good to be back on stage with his friends. If there is one thing Robin seems to live for, it is to be on stage.
Visit the official site of Comic Relief 2006.