Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Judd Apatow Among Stars to Appear On Get-Out-the-Vote Comedy Special, Telethon for America

By Cayla Bamberger  |  October 31, 2018 | 3:01pm
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Comedy News Telethon For America
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Judd Apatow Among Stars to Appear On Get-Out-the-Vote Comedy Special, Telethon for America
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Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Judd Apatow, Chelsea Handler and Amy Schumer are among the stars set to appear in the get-out-the-vote comedy special Telethon for America, per Variety. The event will take place on Nov. 5, the night before the midterm elections.

Organized by comedian-actor Ben Gleib, Telethon For America is not looking to raise money, but to take pledges to increase voter turnout.

“The Telethon For America flips the traditional telethon on its head. Young Americans are more motivated than ever before and the Telethon For America is working to build on that momentum to make sure an even higher percentage of young people get out and vote,” Gleib said in a statement. “We are excited to reach them in a brand new way, thanks to our production partners, our performers, and the social platforms of the influencers that they listen to.”

The telethon will feature live performances, comedy, music, pre-taped segments and a phone bank with celebrity staffers, who will talk with fans to ensure their votes.

Stars to appear at the event and staff the phone banks include Jessica Alba, Lil Rel, Handler, Ashley Benson, Adam Devine, Whitney Cummings, Russell Peters, Alyssa Milano, Jeff Ross, Sophia Bush, Tom Arnold, Aisha Taylor, Minnie Driver, Erik Griffin, Debra Messing, Jackie Tohn, Connie Britton, Wyatt Cenac, Natasha Leggero, Tone Bell, Iliza Shlesinger, Rory Scovel, Mary McCormack, Samantha Ronson, Schumer, Jim Jefferies, Jane Fonda, Charlize Theron, Brad Williams and Zoe Lister-Jones.

The non-partisan endeavor is tied to When We All Vote, an organization launched by former first lady Michelle Obama. The initiative aims to bring together citizens, institutions and organizations to spark conversations about our rights and responsibilities in shaping our democracy.

“This is a great opportunity to reach millions of voters the day before one of the most important elections of our lifetime to remind them that their vote is their voice and their vote is their power,” said Kyle Lierman, CEO of When We All Vote. “Not only will we encourage voters to go vote and take their friends and families with them, but we’ll arm them with all the tools and information they need to cast their ballot.”

Telethon For America will air on Nov. 5 at 9 p.m. ET. The two-hour telecast will stream live on YouTube, Facebook Live and Comedy Central’s website.

 
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