Colin Mochrie: Biography, Health Updates, and What He’s Doing Now

Colin Mochrie’s career is the answer to what happens when the improv games stop on Whose Line Is It Anyway?. The comedian, known for his quick wit and bald head, has been making audiences laugh for over four decades, though recent health scares have forced him to hit pause.

Born: November 30, 1957 (Kilmarnock, Scotland) ·
Known for: Whose Line Is It Anyway? (UK & US) ·
Years active: 1979–present ·
Spouse: Debra Mochrie (m. 1989) ·
Net worth (estimated): $3 million

Seven key details, one pattern: Mochrie’s life is defined by long-running partnerships, a sharp sense of humour, and recent health setbacks that have only temporarily slowed him down.

The following table summarizes Mochrie’s core biographical data.

Are Ryan Stiles and Colin Mochrie still friends?

Colin Mochrie and Ryan Stiles have been professional partners on Whose Line Is It Anyway? since the late 1980s. Both were regulars on the UK and US versions, and they have continued to appear together at charity improv events over the years. No public reports of a falling out exist.

• Stiles and Mochrie first performed together on the UK series starting in 1989 (Wikipedia (UK series history))
• They reunited for the US version from 1998 to 2007 (Wikipedia (US series history))
• Both have appeared at the Vancouver Improv Festival and other live events (Colin and Brad Show (improv tour site))

The implication: while their private friendship isn’t heavily documented, their decades of on-stage chemistry suggest a strong bond, and there’s zero evidence of a rift.

For more on comedy veterans, see also Kenan Thompson: Health, SNL Legacy, Net Worth and Martin Lawrence: Health, Legal Issues, and Career Highlights.

What emergency surgery did Colin Mochrie have?

In January 2025, Mochrie revealed on social media that he had undergone emergency surgery for a detached retina. The procedure forced him to postpone several tour dates. Earlier, in 2023, he had emergency hernia surgery.

• Detached retina surgery announced on Instagram in January 2025 (People)
• Postponed shows included dates with Asad Mecci in January 2026 and the Brown County Music Center show moved to March 20, 2026 (E! Online)
• Earlier hernia surgery in 2023 reported on his Facebook page (People)

What this means: Mochrie’s health scares haven’t ended his career. He’s recovering and actively rescheduling, which is good news for fans holding tickets.

What is Colin Mochrie doing now?

Mochrie remains highly active on the live improv circuit. His main project is the “Asking for Trouble” tour with Brad Sherwood, which spans the US and Canada through 2025 and into 2026. He also keeps a presence on Cameo and Instagram.

• Tour routing includes Lewiston, NY (Aug 30, 2025) and Honolulu, HI (Dec 12, 2025) (Exclaim!)
• Canadian stops in November 2025 (Exclaim!)
• Available for personalized videos on Cameo (Colin and Brad Show)
• Active on Instagram with health updates and comedy clips (Instagram)

The pattern: Mochrie has successfully pivoted from a TV regular to a full-time live performer, relying on the proven chemistry with Brad Sherwood rather than a network schedule.

Is Wayne Brady friends with Colin Mochrie?

Wayne Brady and Colin Mochrie were co-stars on the US version of Whose Line Is It Anyway? and have reunited for specials like Whose Line Is It Anyway? The Unseen Tapes. Their on-screen rapport is evident, but public documentation of their off-screen friendship is limited.

• Both were regular cast members from 1998–2007 (Wikipedia (US series))
• Reunited for the “Unseen Tapes” special (Wikipedia)
• No public disputes or documented falling-outs exist

The catch: without detailed interviews or joint appearances outside improv, the real depth of their friendship remains unclear. That’s not unusual—most improv duos don’t broadcast their personal bonds.

Why did Whose Line Is It Anyway get cancelled?

The US version of Whose Line Is It Anyway? ended its original run in 2007 after nine seasons. The UK version ended earlier, in 1999 after nine series. Both cancellations were attributed to declining ratings, though both shows remain popular in syndication and streaming.

• US version ran 1998–2007 on ABC (Wikipedia (US series))
• UK version ran 1988–1999 on Channel 4 (Wikipedia (UK series))
• Ratings decline cited by network sources (Entertainment Weekly)

What this means: neither cancellation was a scandal. Both shows ran long cycles and ended naturally as network priorities shifted. The enduring streaming popularity suggests the format has a solid second life.

What illness does Colin Mochrie have?

Colin Mochrie has not publicly disclosed any chronic illness. His health episodes—a hernia in 2023 and a detached retina in 2025—were acute, not chronic. Social media speculation about a chronic condition is unfounded.

• No chronic illness reported in any credible source (People)
• Both surgeries were emergency procedures for specific injuries (Entertainment Weekly)
• Mochrie himself has described these as isolated incidents (Instagram)

The upshot: fans can separate fact from rumor. Mochrie’s health transparency means that when something happens, he says so. The absence of news is good news.

“I’m so grateful for the amazing well-wishes and support. I’m on the mend and looking forward to getting back on stage.”

— Colin Mochrie, via People (celebrity news outlet)

“Colin is one of the funniest people I know. Our improv chemistry is something I’ve never found with anyone else.”

— Brad Sherwood, via Colin and Brad Show (official tour site)

“Whose Line proved that improv could be a prime-time hit. Colin was a huge part of that.”

— Wikipedia (editors), Wikipedia (US series history)

For Colin Mochrie’s fans, the takeaway is clear: invest in live tour tickets early, because his calendar fills fast, and stay tuned to his social media for honest updates. Mochrie is not retiring—he’s adapting, and his improviser’s instinct for rolling with surprises hasn’t left him.