Royal Canadian Air Farce

In Memoriam

Roger Abbott

1946 - 2011

663,000 friends tuned in to our special hour-long tribute to Roger.

If you missed it, or want to revisit some of Roger's most memorable moments on Air Farce, purchase a digital copy of the show on iTunes. 100% of the proceeds go to Easter Seals.

TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2011

Following the sad passing of one of Canada's most beloved comedians, and in celebration of his enormous skills and gifts, CBC Television aired Royal Canadian Air Farce Special: A Tribute to Roger Abbott on Tuesday, March 29th, at 9:00 PM (9:30 NT).

The special highlighted some of Roger's most memorable moments on Air Farce. A master of impersonation and comedic characters, his work covered former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, CBC chief correspondent Peter Mansbridge, singer Leonard Cohen, and the misogynist TV critic Gilbert Smythe Bite-Me.

"Roger Abbott was, quite simply, at the very heart of the CBC family," said Kirstine Stewart, CBC's Executive Vice-President of English Services, in a statement on Sunday. "As one of the founders of Royal Canadian Air Farce, first on radio, then on television, he was, to generations of fans, among the best-known and loved in the history of Canadian comedy. I would extend on behalf of CBC our deepest condolences to his family and friends."

Roger died Saturday night at Toronto General Hospital, 14 years after being diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. He was 64.

TV Feeds My Family: Roger out

Sun Media: Abbott honoured with TV tribute

SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2011

A MESSAGE FROM DON FERGUSON:

I’m heartbroken to tell you that our beloved friend, Roger Abbott, died last night at Toronto General Hospital, fourteen years after being diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a progressive disease that he kept secret from all but a few close friends and family until a week ago. Roger was the guiding light of Royal Canadian Air Farce since it began in 1973, and all of us who have had the honour of working with him and the pleasure of knowing him will dearly miss his kindness, generosity, integrity, leadership, and wonderful sense of humour. God bless Roger!