Ali Rizvi Badshah
Born and raised in Toronto, Ali Rizvi Badshah (Riz) went from being a break dancing latchkey kid and graffiti artist, to becoming a leading player in Canadian comedy. Riz appeared on the front page of the Toronto Star and was chosen as one of their Ten People to Watch in 2009 – becoming the first comedian to ever appear on their list. He is the new host of CBC Radio’s hit comedy show Laugh Out Loud, appears regularly on CBC’s The Debaters, and has recurring roles on CBC’s Afghanada and Monsoon House with Russell Peters. Riz was the standout finalist on CBC’s comedy series The Second City’s Next Comedy Legend and was featured on the Comedy Network’s Nubian Disciples Special as part of the “Next Generation of Great Canadian Comics.” He appears regularly on MuchMusic’s Video On Trial and, in the past year, has taped three nationally televised stand-up comedy performances for the CBC.