HILARIOUS ROASTMASTER JEFF ROSS MENTORS COMICS TO ROAST FAMED FUNNYMAN GILBERT GOTTFRIED ON NBC'S "LAST COMIC STANDING" THURSDAY, JULY 24

Plus, Two Comics Face Off in Head-to-Head Showdown as the "Challenge Round" Concludes

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. - July 22, 2014 - Jeff Ross mentors the comics and Gilbert Gottfried is the man of the hour as the comedians learn the art of roasting on NBC's lively laughfest "Last Comic Standing," airing Thursday, July 24 (10-11 p.m. ET).

It's down to the last six comedians left in the competition, and they are tasked with their final challenge: roasting veteran comic Gilbert Gottfried. None of the finalists have been part of a roast before, so Jeff Ross - "The Roastmaster General" - mentors the comics, meeting with them individually to help shape their jabs and jokes as they take on a new comedy discipline. The result is a no-holds barred, hilarious night of comedy at the Avalon Ballroom in Hollywood, where the comics roast not only Gottfried, but also each other.

Then it's the final head-to-head showdown, in which two comics face off and perform for judges Roseanne Barr, Keenen Ivory Wayans and Russell Peters. The judges determine who wins the showdown, and who will be headed home. That marks the end of the "Challenge Round," and signals the start of the "Title Round" on July 31 - the final three episodes that will ultimately reveal season eight's "Last Comic Standing."

Jeff Ross is an actor, writer, director, producer, and comedian originally from Newark, New Jersey. He created and starred in "The Burn With Jeff Ross" on Comedy Central, and continues to produce and star in their popular celebrity roast franchise. He will next be seen on the big screen in Jeremy Garrelick's "The Wedding Ringer," with Kevin Hart and Josh Gad, as well as "Flock of Dudes" with Chris D'Elia.

He also starred in the multi camera comedy pilot "Keep It Together," produced by Kevin Hart. His writing credits include the screenplay "The Comedian" (co-written with Art Linson) and the book "I Only Roast The Ones I Love" published by Simon & Schuster. Ross continues to tour the world performing live as "The Roastmaster General."

Gilbert Gottfried has appeared on numerous Comedy Central Roasts and the Comedy Central series "The Burn with Jeff Ross." At the young age of 15, Gottfried began doing stand-up at open mike nights in New York City and after a few short years, became known around town as "The Comedian's Comedian." After spending several years mastering the art of stand-up comedy, he was hired as a cast member on NBC's "Saturday Night Live."

He appeared on "The Cosby Show" and "Late Night with David Letterman," with his work in television soon leading to roles in film, including a scene-stealing performance in the hit sequel "Beverly Hills Cop II." While still performing in comedy clubs, Gottfried began to gain a reputation as the king of quirky roles in both movies and television. He appeared in such movies as "Problem Child," "Problem Child II," "Look Who's Talking II" and "The Adventures of Ford Fairlane." He was also the host of the popular late night movie series "USA Up All Night."

After his stellar performance as the wise cracking parrot, Iago, in the Disney classic "Aladdin," Gottfried became one of the industry's most recognizable voiceover talents, lending his voice to several commercials, cartoons and movies, including the frustrated duck in the AFLAC Insurance commercials. Gottfried also is the voice of Digit in the long-running PBS Series "Cyberchase," can be heard on the Comedy Central series "The Annoying Orange," and as the voice of the horse on "Family Guy." He has been a frequent guest on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and "The Howard Stern Show," and has had a recurring role on "Law and Order: SVU." He is currently showing another side of himself by hosting "Gilbert Gottfried's Amazing Colossal Podcast."

Page Hurwitz and Wanda Sykes, producing partners at Push It Productions, are executive producers along with Javier Winnik. "Last Comic Standing" is produced by Universal Television and Push It Productions.

Please visit the official show site at: http://www.nbc.com/last-comic-standing

For the latest 'Last Comic Standing' news, videos, and photos, please like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. https://www.facebook.com/lastcomicstanding https://twitter.com/NBCLastComic #Last Comic