'Whose Line' Star Colin Mochrie Rushed To Hospital For Emergency Surgery
By Kelly Coffey-Behrens on January 6, 2026 at 2:45 PM EST
Comic legend Colin Mochrie is kicking off the new year under far from ideal circumstances. The "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" star was rushed to the hospital on Friday and underwent emergency eye surgery after being diagnosed with a detached retina, forcing him to postpone multiple dates on his current comedy tour. Colin Mochrie shared the update with fans in a joint statement alongside collaborator Asad Mecci and their HYPROV live show, confirming the sudden medical scare.
Colin Mochrie Postpones Tour Dates Following Emergency Ocular Surgery
“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.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, a retinal detachment occurs when the thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye pulls away from its normal position. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss. Symptoms often include sudden flashes of light, dark floating shapes, reduced vision, and loss of side vision, making emergency surgery crucial.
Doctors ‘Optimistic’ About Mochrie’s Recovery
While the situation was serious, the post offered a hopeful outlook. According to the update, Mochrie’s medical team is “optimistic about his full recovery,” though he will need time to rest and heal before returning to the stage. The comedian also expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support, noting that he is “incredibly grateful for your support and well wishes.”
The HYPROV team echoed those sentiments, captioning the announcement, “We are so sorry and we wish @colinmochrie7591 a speedy recovery.”
HYPROV Tour Puts Colin Mochrie At The Center Of A Live Comedy Experiment
Mochrie has been touring with HYPROV, a unique live show that blends comedy and hypnotism, which launched last month and is scheduled to run through April. The format involves Mecci hypnotizing 20 volunteer audience members, after which Mochrie improvises comedy scenes with them onstage.
Organizers describe the show as “part mind experiment, part comedy lab, and 100 percent entertainment,” with improvised music driving each performance into uncharted territory. Despite the setback, the statement assured fans that Mochrie “looks forward to being back on stage and sharing many more laughs with all of you in the near future.”
The tour has also featured appearances from notable entertainers, including Stephanie Courtney, Barrett Foa, Jeff Hiller, Jonathan Mangum, Amber Nash, Gary Mindy Sterling, and Anthony Williams.
Mochrie Talks About His Legendary 'Whose Line' Run
Mochrie holds the record for the most appearances on "Whose Line Is It Anyway?," clocking in at an incredible 431 episodes across the show’s 21-season run. It’s a streak that cemented him as one of improv’s most recognizable and reliable performers. But despite decades of experience and thousands of hours onstage, Mochrie says his pre-show routine is anything but intense.
“I wish I could tell you there was a grueling physical and mental warm up,” he told WTMJ in January 2025. “I just sit and have a coffee.” That laid-back approach, he explained, comes from sheer comfort with the craft. “I’ve been doing this for over 40 years now, so I’m at the point where I’m incredibly comfortable walking out on stage in front of an audience who wants to see a show that we don’t actually have.”
Colin Mochrie’s Complicated History With 'Whose Line Is It Anyway?'
Despite being one of the most recognizable faces of "Whose Line Is It Anyway?," Mochrie has been candid about having a complicated relationship with the long-running improv series. In a 2023 interview with Vulture, Mochrie described his feelings toward the show as a mix of gratitude and frustration. “There is a complicated relationship with the show,” he explained. “The cast loves each other, and the actual shooting is always fun. We are all grateful that the show gave us a showcase and allowed us to be able to tour.”
But that appreciation, he said, has always come with a major downside. “The downside is that we never received fair compensation for the success of the show,” Mochrie claimed. “We provide the content but don’t get paid as ‘writers.’ We never received residuals for a show that’s been shown around the world since its inception.”
For now, fans are sending their love as Mochrie focuses on healing, with hopes he’ll be back doing what he does best.
