R.I.P. Toronto Comic Jo-Anna Downey

BY Calum SlingerlandPublished Dec 2, 2016

Lauded within the Canadian comedy community, Toronto-based comic Jo-Anna Downey has died following a battle with ALS.

A veteran of stand-up comedy in the city, Downey was the host of popular weekly Toronto shows Open Mike at Spirits and Standing on the Danforth. The shows helped launch the careers of young Toronto comics and were attended by the likes of Robin Williams, Lewis Black and Patton Oswalt.

Downey's battle with ALS had left her unable to speak or perform in recent years. A fundraiser that had been planned for her will still proceed tonight at the Eton House in Toronto, with more information available here.

Find reaction to the news from the Canadian comedy community below.

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