Mike MacDonald fundraiser

While Norm Macdonald is playing tonight at Yuk Yuk's, another Canadian comedy legend by the name of MacDonald will be on the minds of many. Mike MacDonald is battling hepatitis C and needs your help. To that end, comedy clubs across the country are hosting a benefit for the Canadian King of Comedy tonight. With Norm Macdonald booked in advance, Yuk Yuk's held their benefit last week, but Lafflines in New West and the Sin Bin Sports Grill in Vancouver will do their part this evening (info on the links provided). We often hear horrors of the American style of the medical system and this is one glaring example. MacDonald has lived in Los Angeles for years and his medical costs are prohibitive. Thankfully he's still Canadian so can get help back home, where he's staying throughout this ordeal, but not being able to earn a living is taking its toll.

Check out this video to get a taste of his comedy (which he's unable to perform now while waiting for a liver transplant) and to see just how sick he is. Looks like he still has his sense of humour, though, which is great to see.

I can't count the number of times I've watched Mike perform live and he always – always! – destroys. I've only ever interviewed him once, back in 2002. If you want to check it out, follow the link to comedycouch.com. It's a good one.