Stand-up comedy star Jim Gaffigan recently performed in Vancouver, where he noticed a shift in the audience’s attitudes toward Americans. Known for his relatable humor, Gaffigan shared his observations on the “We Might Be Drunk” podcast, recalling his performances at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre from April 3 to 5.
Gaffigan described Vancouver audiences as “amazing,” a sentiment shared by podcast hosts Sam Morill and Mark Normand. He also reflected on the way international audiences react to jokes about the U.S. Europeans, according to Gaffigan, can be “condescending,” while Canadians were traditionally supportive, always assuring him that any negative feelings were directed at the U.S. government, not the people.
However, Gaffigan noticed a significant change in Vancouver. “Now the Canadians are like, ‘We hate you,’” he said, attributing this shift to the impact of Donald Trump’s tariffs and annexation threats. The comedian also recounted a moment of personal frustration when he tried to order bourbon at a Vancouver whiskey bar, only to be told that they weren’t selling any American whiskey due to the ongoing tensions.
Afterward, Gaffigan was able to enjoy some bourbon at his American-owned hotel, but the incident highlighted the changing sentiment in Canada toward its southern neighbor.
Earlier this month, Gaffigan humorously reflected on his love for Vancouver, joking about the city’s constant rain and abundance of places named Vancouver. Despite the shift in attitude, the comedian still holds a fondness for the city, having spent three months there during the pandemic.
