Judd Apatow & Friends’ New York Comedy Festival Show to Benefit Hurricane Helene Relief

Judd Apatow’s New York Comedy Festival show Judd Apatow & Friends at the Beacon Theatre on Saturday, Nov. 9, will benefit the American Red Cross in North Carolina. The filmmaker and comedian will donate all artist proceeds to the organization in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

“This show is about more than just making people laugh — it’s about coming together for those in need,” Apatow said in a statement. “All proceeds will directly support American Red Cross’ Hurricane Helene efforts in North Carolina as it’s essential for us to unify and rebuild after such devastation.”

Apatow, 56, has directed, written and produced such films as The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005), Knocked Up (2007) and The King of Staten Island (2020). He has won three Primetime Emmys for his work on programs starring three top comedians – The Ben Stiller Show (1993), The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling (2018) and George Carlin’s American Dream (2022).

As a stand-up comedian, the native New Yorker has appeared on The Tonight Show. His 2017 Netflix comedy special Judd Apatow: The Return, drew critical acclaim.

The music community has stepped up in a big way in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Taylor Swift, Dolly Parton, Morgan Wallen, Miranda Lambert, Luke Combs and Eric Church have all contributed in various ways, as have Metallica’s All Within My Hands Foundation and such artists as R.E.M., Fleet Foxes, Jason Isbell, Phish and The Decemberists, who contributed tracks to a benefit album.

Launched in 2004, The New York Comedy Festival (NYCF) was created by Caroline Hirsch and Carolines. Tickets can be purchased on the festival’s site and Judd Apatow’s website.