Just for Laughs was founded in 1983 by Gilbert Rozon as a two-day French-language event. In 1985, Andy Nulman joined the festival's staff and introduced English-language events as well; under Nulman's stewardship, the festival increased to a full month, with French-speaking performers during the first half, and English speakers in the second half. International and non-verbal acts are scattered throughout the program. In 1999, Nulman left the festival's full-time employ; however, he directed its major Gala Shows at the Saint-Denis Theatre every July, and remained on the board of directors of the festival's parent company. After an 11-year absence, Nulman returned to Just for Laughs in July 2010 as president of Festivals and Television. Each day, performers, "New Vaudevillians" and other acts both vocal and visual perform throughout the city, particularly in the "Latin Quarter"—an area known for its theatres, cafés and boutique shopping. In the evenings, the nightclubs and live venue theatres offer special programs supporting the performers. Although Just for Laughs attracts spectators from around the world, many of those in the audience are talent scouts, booking agents, producers and managers from the entertainment industry. Performing at the festival is one of the biggest opportunities for undiscovered talent to showcase their act in front of industry professionals. The Just for Laughs festival also has the Comediacomedy film festival component, which started in 1996. It gives awards for feature and short films. 2005, Comedia screened 125 short films from around the world as well as several feature-length films. In February 1994, the festival sponsored a splinter project in Hollywood, Florida. That coastal area is a favourite winter destination for Quebecers who head south to vacation in the warmer weather. The event, Juste Pour Rire—En Vacances, was held in the Young Circle Park, an outdoor venue with an urban park setting. In July 2007, Just For Laughs celebrated its 25th edition, launching a festival in Toronto, Ontario. In 2009, a U.S. edition of the festival was held in Chicago, sponsored by U.S. cable networkTBS. In July 2016, Just For Laughs London was held at Russel Square. On April 3, 2020, it was announced that the 2020 edition of Just For Laughs would be postponed until the fall due to the coronavirus pandemic. It is was scheduled to run from September 29 to October 11, 2020, however on July 21, 2020 organizers reversed their decision and cancelled the event. To fill the gap, they choose for a series of virtual performances that will run online, for two days, on October 9 and 10, 2020.
On October 18, 2017, festival president and founder Gilbert Rozon resigned from his position following allegations of sexual misconduct. Rozon later announced that he would sell the festival. As per a partnership with the conglomerate, Quebecor was given right of first refusal to counter competing offers. The company, however, declined. On March 21, 2018, it was announced that the festival would be acquired by a partnership between U.S.-based talent agency ICM Partners and Ontario comedian Howie Mandel. In their announcement of the purchase, it was stated that Just for Laughs would remain based in Montreal, and that there would be no changes in its management or operations. It was also stated that the partnership was seeking other local partners. Quebecor subsequently announced that it would become a "founding partner" of Le Grand Montréal Comédie Fest—a competing event that was being established by a group of Quebecois comedians as a competitor in the wake of the Rozon scandal. In May 2018, La Presse reported that the partnership planned to sell a 51% stake in Just for Laughs to Bell Canada and Evenko, so that the event would remain majority-owned by Canadian interests and remain eligible for government tax credits. On June 7, 2018, Just for Laughs confirmed that Bell Media and Groupe CH had acquired stakes in the festival.
TV shows
Tapings from festival performances have been featured in Just for Laughs-branded television programs and specials, which have aired on channels such as CBC Television, The Comedy Network, and TVA. The festival has also lent its name to a hidden camera comedy series, , which has also been aired by various Canadian channels, and has been sold internationally.
Mascot
Victor is the mascot and logo for the comedy festival Just for Laughs. It was designed by Vittorio Fiorucci of the Canadian Design Resource company. The image was inspired by a monster that preys on Montreal. The logo can be seen across the world on posters, T-shirts, event site markers, costumes, and inflatables. In 2005 the character was redesigned by animator Alan Best at the behest of advertising agencyCossette as part of a comprehensive graphic overhaul of the Just For Laughs brand. In 2007, "Rose" was created, a character to be the wife of Victor.
