Colin Mochrie Postpones Comedy Tour After Emergency Eye Surgery

The veteran actor was diagnosed with a detached retina.

Actor Colin Mochrie attends The CW Network’s New York 2013 Upfront Presentation at The London Hotel in New York City on May 16, 2013. Ben Gabbe/Getty Images

Comedian and television veteran Colin Mochrie has postponed upcoming performances on his HYPROV comedy tour after being diagnosed with a detached retina and undergoing emergency eye surgery, according to a statement shared on social media on Jan. 2.

The announcement was posted jointly by Mochrie, his tour partner Asad Mecci, and the official account for HYPROV, a live show that combines hypnosis and improvisational comedy. Organizers said the decision was made following medical advice that Mochrie take time to rest and recover.

“We regret to inform you that our upcoming shows will be postponed due to a medical situation involving Colin Mochrie,” the statement reads. “Colin has been diagnosed with a detached retina and will be undergoing emergency eye surgery today. His medical team is optimistic about his full recovery, but he needs time to rest and heal.”

The statement acknowledged disappointment among ticket holders and said organizers are actively working to reschedule affected performances. Tickets for postponed shows will be honored for new dates, with refund information to be provided for those unable to attend rescheduled performances.

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

A retinal detachment is a serious medical condition that occurs when the retina, a thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye, pulls away from its normal position.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the condition interrupts the retina’s supply of oxygen and nutrients and is considered a medical emergency. Without prompt treatment, a detached retina can lead to permanent vision loss. Surgery is typically required to repair the detachment, and recovery time varies depending on severity and treatment method.

Mochrie and Mecci launched the current HYPROV tour in December 2025, with performances scheduled across the United States and Canada through the spring. During the show, Mecci hypnotizes selected audience members, while Mochrie performs improvised comedy alongside them.

Mochrie, 68, is best known for his long-running role on the improvisational comedy series “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” He first appeared on the British version of the show before becoming a central cast member on the American adaptation, which aired on ABC from 1998 to 2007 and later returned in a revival on The CW from 2013 to 2024.

Over the course of his career, Mochrie has become one of the most recognizable figures in televised improv comedy, earning a reputation for quick wit, physical comedy, and musical improvisation. In addition to “Whose Line Is It Anyway,” he has appeared in numerous television series, live tours, and comedy specials, and remains an active stage performer.