Russell Peters in Montreal to promote Just for Laughs Festival
Posted June 6, 2023 12:39 pm.
Last Updated June 6, 2023 7:08 pm.
Comedy, poutine and smoked meat.
Those are the top three things Russell Peters loves about Montreal, and why he keeps coming back.
The Canadian icon was in Montreal Tuesday to help drum up excitement for this summer’s Just for Laughs Festival.
“It’s the best comedy festival in the world,” said Peters. “If you’re an actor, you go to Cannes, or Sundance, or you go to TIFF. This is it for comedians.”
Peters was among more than 30 comedians, musicians and artists – all performing at this year’s fest – on hand at Place des Arts. Comedians François Pérusse, Rachid Badouri, Eddy King, Oussama Fares and the cast of “HAIR, the musical” were among them.
More than 30 comedians, musicians and artists – all performing at this year’s Just for Laughs festival – were on hand at Place des Arts June 6, 2023. (Martin Daigle/CityNews)
Peters, who said a few words at the introductory event, was not shy to share with CityNews his questionable eating habits when he’s in Montreal.
“Poutine and smoked meat,” he said. “They’re my two favourite things to do. Which I had for breakfast today: poutine and smoked meat. Probably not the healthiest breakfast. But when I have that heart attack, just know that I enjoyed it.”
Peters joins Ali Wong, Jonathan Van Ness and Jack Whitehall as the headliners announced so far for the festival’s 41st edition.
“We’re very excited this summer because Russell’s going to host four shows over two nights with 32 of the best comics in the world, including Jessica Kirson, Donnell Rawlings,” said JFL president Bruce Hills. “It’s going to be a huge event, and we’re very happy to put it in the hands of this amazing Canadian superstar.”
Added Peters: “Exciting that they still trust me.”
Comedian Russell Peters (left) and Just for Laughs President Bruce Hills June 6, 2023, at Place des Arts in Montreal. (Martin Daigle/CityNews)
The festival is entering its fifth decade of existence. Hills says there’s a reason it’s the premier comedy fest in the world.
“The goal is not to top it, it’s to do something different,” he said of festivals to come. “And I think we’ve done that. And to focus on what we do best, and that is bring the biggest stars in the world with the next stars that are going to be launched from this festival. The discoverability aspect of what we do is crucial.”
Just for Laughs runs July 14-29.
“Laughter. Happiness. That’s really the only thing you should take away,” said Peters. “I don’t want to take away anything more than that. Let’s not get to deep, it’s comedy. We’re gonna make you laugh.
“I was a young person trying to make it in this business when I started. I was 19 when I started. I’m 53 now.”
