Lightning strikes as stars come out for Stand Up To Cancer

ABOVE: Global Toronto’s Minna Rhee talks about the big stars and bigger hearts behind the ‘Stand Up To Cancer’ special.

TORONTO — The stars came out for a good cause Friday night but lighting prevented them from shining on the Stand Up To Cancer telecast.

A sudden thunderstorm caused technical problems that prevented Ben Stiller, who was scheduled to appear live from Toronto, from appearing on the special broadcast on all of the major U.S. and Canadian networks.

In Los Angeles, Canadian actor Mike Myers — who wore a Canadian flag in his shirt pocket — praised his home nation for inventing insulin and pioneering radiation technology in the treatment of cancer.

“And while Canada did not invent the degenerate drug-loving mayor, the city of Toronto just may have perfected it,” he joked. “Thanks Rob Ford. Thanks.”

Myers was supposed to throw to Stiller and guests gathered at a downtown Toronto event venue. They included Rufus Wainwright, Lauren Holly, Kurtwood Smith, Tatiana Maslany, Jason Priestley and Scott Thompson.

It was the first time since Stand Up To Cancer debuted in 2008 that all of Canada’s major TV networks simulcast the hour-long fundraiser.

Hosted by Katie Couric, the show included appearances by stars including Jennifer Aniston, Jessica Alba, Jon Hamm, Mark Harmon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Dave Grohl, Halle Berry, Pierce Brosnan, Anna Kendrick, Rob Lowe, Kevin Bacon, Will Ferrell, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Dane Cook, Joe Manganiello and Jordana Brewster.

The telecast included performances by Dave Matthews, The Who, Jennifer Hudson and Ariana Grande.

Funds raised during the broadcast from Canadian viewers will go to the creation of collaborative research teams, as well as education and awareness programs conducted in Canada.

BELOW: Stars arrive at the Stand Up To Cancer viewing party in Toronto.