Just for Laughs promises big names, star power at this year's comedy fest

Just for Laughs is set to unveil its lineup for this summer’s comedy festival, and it’s promising big names and mega star power.

Comedian Howie Mandel, new part-owner of JFL, says his goal is to create more brand awareness

CBC News ·
Comedian Howie Mandel, one of the new co-owners of the Just for Laughs comedy festival, says the festival will stay in Montreal and he hopes to make it more popular. (Ryan Remiorz/The Canadian Press)

Just for Laughs is set to unveil its lineup for this summer's comedy festival, and it's promising big names and mega star power.

"Just for Laughs is newly energized with new blood," said Canadian comedian Howie Mandel, who is a new part-owner of Just for Laughs.

"I think people will be bowled over and excited to be a part of it."

Some big names, released earlier last month, include Girls Trip star Tiffany Haddish and host of The Daily Show Trevor Noah.

Mandel also confirmed to CBC this week that he will be hosting a gala this summer.

The full lineup will be unveiled at a news conference this morning at 10 a.m.

This marks the first edition of the festival since it was bought by Mandel and a Los Angeles-based talent and literary agency.​

The festival's future was uncertain after sexual assault allegations involving Juste pour rire co-founder and president Gilbert Rozon emerged during the #metoo movement.

Mandel said the key players who have made the international festival what it is today are still part of the team, and he wants to work with them to boost the festival's brand recognition.

"My dream has been to have Canada and Montreal and Just for Laughs recognized as the mecca of comedy," Mandel said. "You know what Coachella is, even if you've never gone, everybody is talking about it. It's part of the pop culture...and that's what we have to do."

The festival runs from July 11-29.