Just for Laughs: A timeline

1983: 
Juste pour rire is launched with four shows over two nights. In French only. Free outdoor events take place on St-Denis St.
1985:
Juste pour rire launches English component, Just For Laughs. Among the performers are Jay Leno, Kevin Nealon and Yakov Smirnoff. André-Philippe Gagnon dazzles audience with his rendering of We Are the World at Théâtre St-Denis, launching his career and putting fest on map.
Jerry Lewis underwhelms in 1986.
1986:
Andrea Martin hosts serie