Friends and admirers of the late comedic actress Madeline Kahn gathered for an evening of laughter and remembrance at Carolines on Broadway, where a poignant annual tribute, dubbed “Stand Up for Madeline and OCRF,” raised over $65,000 for the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. Kahn succumbed to the devastating disease in 1999, after a very private battle, but not before going public just weeks before her passing in the hopes of increasing awareness about the disease.

Host Joy Behar and performers Rosie O’Donnell, Peter Boyle, Mario Cantone, Lewis Black, Bill Burr, and Judy Gold kept the crowd in stitches with hilarious stand-up routines and sincere words of tribute to their late inspiring pal and colleague. Kahn is best known for her memorable roles in the Mel Brooks films Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein, and High Anxiety; in the Peter Bogdanovich films Paper Moon and What’s Up Doc?, for her Tony Award-winning role in Wendy Wasserstein’s play, The Sisters Rosensweig; and for her role, at the time of her death, in the TV series Cosby.

With the lineup of talent on stage, there wasn’t a straight face in the house. Those laughing out loud included Gastineau Girls’ Lisa and daughter, Brittny, and Kahn’s hubby, John Hansbury, who announced a newly named research grant in honor of club owner Caroline Hirsch, who facilitated the event. A loving tribute to a funny lady whose memory will live on….