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CBC to Air 'Royal Canadian Air Farce Special: A Tribute to Roger Abbott'

TUESDAY, MAR. 29, AT 9:00 P.M. (9:30 NT), ON CBC-TV

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

"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 the 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."

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

Abbott, 64, died Saturday night at Toronto General Hospital, 14 years after being diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.  Over the years, he was honoured with numerous awards for his work, including 15 ACTRA awards, a Juno, the Governor General's Performing Arts Award and a star on Canada's Walk of Fame.