In 1986 Comic Relief, a charity organization was founded with a mission to raise funds to help the homeless.

Performances ranged from comedy to live music and speeches, some of which was intended to enlighten people about the realities of the homeless.

Comedians Robin Williams, Billy Crystal, and Whoopi Goldberg were the hosts of the show and performed with hundreds of other comedians, celebrities, and occasional politicians.

Many beautiful friendships were formed over decades while producing this show to help the most vulnerable people in society.

Here is the opening sketch from the first show in 1986

In 1990 Robin, Billy and Whoopie offered a testimony to Congress for the homeless

At 8m35, Robin says the one thing that echoes in my heart every day and probably still does with all those who supported Comic Relief:  “You can’t keep picking people up, you have to stop them from falling.”

Favorite Sketches from Comic Relief

“The Introduction from Hell” is one of my favorite moments of Comic Relief 5, which I think overall was their best year.  Energetically it just felt like their hearts were on fire and everyone was doing really great.

There are dozens of sketches that we’d love to share, including one from Billy playing a war veteran.  It is very memorable.  If this website continues, it would be nice to show this and many other sketches.

Billy and Robin sing about getting older.  I don’t remember what year this was, but it is quite funny.

Behind the Scenes

For the friends of Comic Relief that gave their personal time and resources to this effort, we thought you would like some behind the scenes footage to see your friends once again.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Here is some behind the scenes footage for making advertisements for the Comic Relief shows.  (It’s fun to see raw footage!)

This Incredible Legacy Deserves a Monument in DC

I’d like to see a permanent monument in Washington DC to honor this incredible trio and their friends.  As leaders in the entertainment industry, they offered a glowing example to future generations that others can follow to make the world a better place.

They knew the homeless are the most vulnerable people in society that have no social voice, or worse are abused for their status.  Homelessness can happen thru circumstance that is no fault of their own.  To have THAT level of empathy and compassion is truly extra-ordinary.

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About the project: Instead of “liking” Robin and all that he stood for, you are being invited to be Robin for someone else. Let’s echo an immense legacy and fill the world with MORE love.