By Callam Rodya

One of Canada’s most prolific and recognizable television personalities has died.

Roger Abbott, long-time cast member of the popular CBC sketch comedy program Royal Canadian Air Farce, passed away Saturday night at Toronto General Hospital. He was 64.

Abbott was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia 14 years ago. He was part of the original cast of Air Farce, along with Don Ferguson and Luba Goy, when it premiered in 1973.

Born in Birkenhead, England, he immigrated to Canada in 1953, settling in Montreal with his family.

Abbott’s Air Farce impersonations included former prime minister Jean Chrétien, CBC chief correspondent Peter Mansbridge, and singer Leonard Cohen.

Abbott has received numerous awards for his work, including 15 Actra awards, a Juno Award, and the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award. He was also honored with a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame.

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