Robin, Billy, Whoopi Find "Relief"

Fri., Sep. 8, 2006 6:30 AM PDT by Gina Serpe

If laughter really is the best medicine, then the rebirth of Comic Relief couldn't have come at a better time for Robin Williams.

For the first time in nearly eight years, the star-studded fundraising concert will return to the airwaves with proceeds going to benefit Hurricane Katrina rebuilding efforts. Original hosts Williams, Billy Crystal and Whoopi Goldberg will return to lead the Nov. 18 telecast.

"The comedy community wants to help," Bob Zmuda, president and founder of Comic Relief, said.

"Disasters like Katrina devastate the environment and cause suffering for all forms of life, both human and animal. Comic Relief is determined to address these tragedies by benefiting everyone from the elderly to children, and pets."

Comic Relief 2006 will take place in Las Vegas' Caesar's Palace as part of the second annual Comedy Festival.

The event, which was presented annually between 1986 to 1998, will return to its original cable home of HBO, though this go-round will also be simulcast on TBS.

"For two decades, Comic Relief has used the art of comedy to help people in need," Steve Koonin, executive VP of the cable channel, said. "As television's 'very funny' network, we at TBS are proud to take part in bringing the best comedy talent in the industry together for what is certain to be an extraordinary television event for a very worthy cause."

In addition to the comic stylings of Williams, Crystal and Goldberg--and a slew of celebs yet to be named--the three-hour show will feature live and taped segments from New Orleans, including showing special footage from area filmmaker Kenny Morrison.

Prior to its airwave decampment in 1998, the stand-up benefit has produced more than 80 shows, including the eight HBO-run specials, and raised more than $50 million to primarily help the nation's homeless communities. In 1992, Comic Relief took on another worthy cause, dedicating a benefit concert to the victims of Hurricane Andrew. The show raised $2 million.

Comic Relief won't be the only comedy institution to resurface this November, however.

The high-profile gig will likely mark Williams' first public outing since announcing last month that he had "found himself drinking again after 20 years of sobriety."

The Oscar winner's rep claimed he was taking "proactive measures to deal with this for his own well-being and the well-being of his family," and while use of the word "rehab" was carefully avoided, reports soon surfaced that the 54-year-old had checked himself into a treatment center in Oregon.

Regardless, the unstoppable riffer will be back in top form Nov. 18.