Just For Laughs Vancouver is celebrating its 10th anniversary in spectacular fashion, adding legendary talk show host David Letterman and beloved comic actor Zach Galifianakis to its star-studded lineup for a special joint appearance at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre on February 18.
The pairing brings together two comedy giants with distinctly different styles but undeniable chemistry. Letterman, whose 33-year television run on The Late Show made him a cultural institution, has returned to the spotlight through his Netflix series 'My Next Guest Needs No Introduction,' interviewing luminaries from Barack Obama to Tina Fey to Adam Sandler.
It's been decades since Letterman performed standup in Canada—archived footage from a 1978 CBC appearance shows just how long. The opportunity to see the comedy legend perform live represents a rare treat for Vancouver audiences.
Galifianakis brings his own considerable following, having starred in The Hangover franchise and created the viral interview series 'Between Two Ferns.' The actor-comedian reportedly owns property in B.C.'s Gulf Islands, giving the appearance a hometown feel. His work on 'Only Murders in the Building' and films like 'The Campaign' and 'Dinner for Schmucks' has kept him at the forefront of American comedy.
The 10th anniversary of Just For Laughs Vancouver marks a significant milestone for the festival, which has grown to become one of the city's premier cultural events. Each February, the festival brings top-tier comedy talent to venues across the city, from intimate club shows to arena-filling headliners.
The Letterman-Galifianakis show adds A-list star power to an already impressive lineup, positioning the anniversary celebration as the biggest edition yet.
For comedy fans, the announcement confirms Vancouver's place on the international comedy circuit. What began as an offshoot of Montreal's legendary Just For Laughs festival has evolved into a destination event in its own right.
Tickets went on sale to the general public on January 21 through the JFL Vancouver website, with shows expected to sell quickly given the star power involved.