Jimmy Fallon back at Just for Laughs

Hosted two galas at the fest where he was discovered

By Georg Szalai

July 19, 2008, 09:25 PM ET

MONTREAL -- Actions speak louder than words.

Jimmy Fallon was not available for interviews at the 26th annual Just for Laughs comedy festival in Montreal, but he hosted two galas Saturday night that gave the designated Conan O'Brien successor a chance to strut his comedic stuff.

Fallon returned to JFL 12 years after being discovered here as a standout on the "New Faces" showcase of up-and-comers. "My name is Jimmy Fallon," he opened his first gala. "Or as it's pronounced in French -- George Clooney."

Fallon went on to say it's great to be in Canada -- "or as my president calls it -- 'Upper Montana.' "
The comedian also reminded audiences that many young performers come to Just for Laughs every year in hopes of turning "brilliant comedy into a canceled sitcom."

Fallon also looked back on the first 25 years of the festival and the big names who have performed here with impressions of such audience favorites as Jerry Seinfeld, Bill Cosby, Lewis Black, Chris Rock, Robin Williams, Steve Martin, Larry the Cable Guy and others.

Fallon also broke out the guitar twice. One song was a number with the chorus "You spit when you talk." One of the best-received lines in it said: "(Your friends) talk behind your back, because it's the only dry place."

On Friday night, JFL had put the spotlight on one of Fallon's future late-night peers as Craig Ferguson hosted a gala.

Jimmy Fallon back at Just for Laughs

Hosted two galas at the fest where he was discovered

By Georg Szalai

July 19, 2008, 09:25 PM ET