Popular Comedian Undergoes Surgery After Suffering Medical Emergency

Comedian Colin Mochrie has been forced to postpone several upcoming tour dates after suffering a sudden medical issue that required emergency surgery.

The Whose Line Is It Anyway? star, 68, shared the update on Friday, Jan. 2, in a joint social media post with his tour partner Asad Mecci and the official Instagram account for their hypnosis-improv show HYPROV.

“We regret to inform you that our upcoming show will be postponed due to a medical situation involving Colin Mochrie,” the statement read. “Colin has been diagnosed with a detached retina and will be undergoing emergency eye surgery today.”

The post added that Mochrie’s medical team is optimistic about his recovery but said he needs time to rest and heal before returning to the stage.

A detached retina is a serious condition in which the retina separates from the tissue that supports it. According to the Cleveland Clinic, symptoms can include flashes of light, floaters, blurred vision, and loss of peripheral vision. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss.

“Colin is incredibly grateful for your support and well wishes,” the statement continued. “He looks forward to being back on stage and sharing many more laughs with all of you in the near future.”

Fans and fellow performers quickly flooded the comments with messages of support.

“Very sorry to hear that! Sending lots of love,” wrote British actress and comedian Sarah O’Connell. “Wishing you a quick and stress-free recovery!”

“Colin is a national treasure. Hope things go well,” one fan commented, while another added, “Heal thoroughly, rest, and come back when you’re ready. Sending love.”

Mochrie and Mecci launched their HYPROV tour in mid-December, with performances scheduled through April. The show blends hypnosis and improv comedy, with Mecci placing volunteers under hypnosis before Mochrie performs scenes with them onstage. The tour is billed as “a one-of-a-kind high-wire act of comedy, chaos, and connection.”

No new dates have been announced yet for the postponed shows, but organizers said updates will be shared once Mochrie has recovered.