Quick Facts: Just For Laughs

By The Canadian Press

Posted Mar 21, 2018 05:41:30 PM.

Last Updated Mar 21, 2018 06:01:29 PM.

This article is more than 5 years old.

MONTREAL – Five things to know about Just for Laughs:

Founded: The largest international comedy festival in the world was founded in 1983 as a two-day French-language event, English acts were added two years later.

Extended: The festival increased to a full month, with Juste pour rire in the first half and Just for Laughs in the second half.

Other festivals: 2007 Just For Laughs launched a Toronto festival, followed in 2009 with Chicago and 2016 in London.

Founder: Gilbert Rozon resigned on Oct. 18 after allegations of sexual misconduct and later decided to sell his majority shares in the company.

Famed acts: Hundreds of big-name comedians have participated, including Joan Rivers, Jimmy Fallon, Kevin Hart and Amy Schumer. 2018 festival includes Jim Carrey, Trevor Noah, Judd Hirsh and Craig Ferguson.

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