Steve Granitz/WireImage, ABC/Kevin Mazur, ABC/Image Group LAA number of stars got together tonight to Stand Up to Cancer.
Jennifer Aniston, Gwyneth Paltrow, Reese Witherspoon, Kerry Washington, Katie Couric and so many more A-listers joined forces for the one-hour commercial-free telecast that was broadcasted live from the Dolby Theater Friday night in an effort to raise funds for cancer research.
The telecast, which was co-produced by Paltrow and Emmy-winning producer Joel Gallen, began with a humorous start with Melissa McCarthy running down Hollywood Boulevard with the SU2C torch, which she then passed to fellow comic Steve Carrell (who opted to take the escalator instead of all those stairs), who finally dropped the torch down to Eric Stonestreet. The Modern Family star took that SU2C torch all the way into the Dolby Theater, officially kicking off the event.
From that point forward, stars continued to take the stage to help share stories from cancer survivors as well as their own personal tales.
Katie Couric, who was leading the way at the social media and telephone area, made her first appearance since announcing the loss of her mother, Elinor Hene Couric, who has died at age 91.
Pierce Brosnan shared his own story of losing his first wife Cassandra and daughter Charlotte to ovarian cancer. "To watch someone you love have his or her life eaten away bit by bit by this insidious disease, that part of your sorrow becomes an indelible part of your psyche. I held the generous, strong, beautiful hand of my first wife Cassie as ovarian cancer took her life much too soon. Just last year, I held the hand of my funny, wonderful daughter Charlotte before she, too, died from this wretched inherited disease," he told the crowd.
The actor also made the announcement that Stand Up to Cancer will be organizing an ovarian cancer dream team with the help of the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance and the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition.
The audience also enjoyed a variety of musical performances, including Ariana Grande, who sang "My Everything," Dave Matthews Band, who sang "Mercy" at the top of the show and Jennifer Hudson, Common and Lupe Fiasco who teamed up for one blowout performance to end the telecast.
Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrell) also made a surprise appearance while at his news desk over at Global News Network and simply stated, "Let's grab one of cancer's testicles and pop it like a plump water balloon on a hot summer day." Couldn't have said it better ourselves, Ron.
And the awkward moment of the night goes to Mike Myers, who took the opportunity to share a Rob Forddig. "Canada invented insulin in treatement of diabetes, was a pioneer of radiation technology in the treatment of cancer and while Canada did not invent the degenerate drug-loving mayor, the city of Toronto just may have perfected it. Thanks Rob Ford!"
SU2C's first three telecasts took place in 2008, 2010 and 2012 and aired in more than 190 countries. To date, more than $261 million has been pledged to support various innovative cancer research programs.