Even years after “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” ended, improv icon Colin Mochrie still has fond memories of his time on the show.
The American version of the beloved television series initially ran from 1998 to 2007 before its revival from 2013 to 2024. Colin Mochrie was an on-screen staple the entire time.
Now, the Canadian actor is looking back at some of his most treasured memories from the show.
Colin Mochrie Remembers Richard Simmons’ Iconic Guest Appearance
Colin Mochrie recently appeared on the “Dos and D” podcast to discuss his run on the beloved comedy show. “Whose Line” featured many big names in comedy over the years. On occasion, they even invited celebrity guests outside the comedy realm.
During the discussion, Mochrie revealed that fitness guru Richard Simmons‘ appearance on the show was one of his favorite episodes of all time.
“I mean, there is one particular scene with Richard Simmons that I truly believe is one of the funniest things that was ever on television. And it’s all because of Richard,” the Canadian comedian remembered. “I mean, he was totally committed to the bit. Most of the scenes I don’t remember because the night goes so quickly. That one, I remember mainly because there’s one point where they had to cut the audience’s laughter because it was like, a minute and a half with Richard Simmons’ head bobbing at my crotch.”
The interview cuts to a clip from the iconic episode. Colin Mochrie and Ryan Stiles pretend to jet ski, using Richard Simmons and Wayne Brady as human props. The audience roars with laughter as host Drew Carey doubles over with giggles at his desk.
“And in the final cut, they had to cut some of that because it just went on too long. I’m sure there was like a censorship issue. I just remember going, ‘Oh, this is something that every improviser should watch. Because [Richard Simmons] was not an improviser, but he did everything that you’re supposed to. He accepted every offer, he gave offers. Some of them were very odd, but they gave us something to play with. [He was] totally committed to the end.”
The ‘Whose Line’ Cast Loved Having Robin Williams Perform With Them
Though “Whose Line” had many top performers, Robin Williams was certainly one of the biggest names to grace the stage.
“He was everything you wanted your inspiration to be,” Mochrie gushed about the late comedian. “I mean, he was an Oscar winner. And he came to do our show.”
During the interview, Colin Mochrie detailed how Robin Williams was just “one of the guys” as soon as he arrived on the set.
“[Williams was] one of those guys who knows the crew’s names within an hour. I still don’t know their names,” Mochrie quipped. “[He was] incredibly generous and of course funny.”
The “Whose Line” star went on to describe how the improv cast would often do little bits after the show ended. Robin Williams told his manager that he wanted to stay and participate, even though they were no longer filming.
“He went through three shirts,” Mochrie told the podcast hosts. “He’s a sweater. And the last one, as he was taking it off, there was a woman going, ‘Robin, Robin, give me your shirt!’ And he threw it at her. We just heard, ‘splat.'”
Colin Mochrie describes the late Robin Williams as being one of the best guest stars on the series.
“In that show, everyone’s energy was ramped up 150%,” he recalled. “It was like, you did not want to be left behind. And it was great. It was truly a highlight.”
