Drew Barrymore to Host ''AFI's 100Years...100 Laughs,'' CBS Special Airing June 13,2000.

Entertainment Editors

LOS ANGELES--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--May 4, 2000

Celebration Of The 100 Funniest American Movies

To Feature Appearances By Film's Funniest Stars,

Including Tim Allen, Billy Crystal, Cameron Diaz, Janeane Garafalo,

Steve Martin, Ben Stiller, Robin Williams and More

"America's sweetheart" Drew Barrymore ("Never Been Kissed," "Ever After") will host "AFI's 100 Years...100 Laughs," AFI announced today.

Paying tribute to the funniest American movies of the past 100 years, the entertainment special will be broadcast Tuesday, June 13 (8 to 11 PM, ET/PT and 7 PM CT) on the CBS Television Network. During the program, the confidential list of 100 of America's funniest films of all time will be revealed with commentary from some of film's biggest comedy stars. A wide array of funny films -- from slapstick comedy to romantic comedy; from satire and black comedy to musical comedy; from comedy of manners to comedy of errors -- will be represented.

The special is the third installment of AFI's salute to the 100th anniversary of American movies, following the last two critically-acclaimed network specials, "AFI's 100 Years...100 Movies" and "AFI's 100 Years...100 Stars," which sparked discussions of America's film history among millions across the nation. According to AFI Director and CEO Jean Picker Firstenberg, "Movies that make us laugh are often overlooked for major film awards. AFI hopes to give funny films the last laugh."

The celebrities interviewed for the special include Tim Allen, Milton Berle, Mel Brooks, Billy Crystal, Tony Curtis, Cameron Diaz, the Farrelly Brothers, Janeane Garafalo, Teri Garr, Whoopi Goldberg, David Alan Grier, Charles Grodin, Nathan Lane, Jack Lemmon, Barry Levinson, Shirley MacLaine, Marcel Marceau, Garry Marshall, Steve Martin, Sydney Pollack, Carl Reiner, Mickey Rooney, Martin Short, Ben Stiller, Lily Tomlin, Billy Wilder, Robin Williams and more.

"We are proud to announce that Drew Barrymore joins our celebration of America's funniest movies. She is not only one of today's top comedic actresses, but also a member of one of America's great acting dynasties, so with every smile, Drew projects a legacy of excellence in American film," said Firstenberg. "In addition, it is an honor to have such a tremendous response and the enthusiastic participation of some of the most talented and entertaining people in film."