Ernie Butler

Ernie Butler (died August 29, 2007) was a comedy impresario in Montreal, Quebec for almost 30 years.

For the Portsmouth F.C. goalkeeper, see Ernest Butler. For the Southend and Darlington winger, see Ernie Butler (footballer, born 1924).

He was the proprietor of the Comedy Nest at the Pepsi Forum, and supported top-notch skill from the time he started Stitches on Crescent Street in 1979. Butler was the presenter of The CJAD Comedy Hour on AM radio and also co-hosted that station's Irish Show.

He is credited with putting Montreal on the comedy map, and establishing the climate that would lead to the world-famous "Just For Laughs" festival. He gave a start to many top-flight comedians, among them Jim Carrey, who opened the first Comedy Nest show.

Butler was also a great supporter of charities, often lending his club for fund-raising events.

Personal life

Butler overcame his compulsions (illicit drugs and alcohol) and supported others in their efforts to do so.

He died of stomach cancer August 29, 2007, after a short illness. He is survived by his wife Marie and three children.

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