But Most Importantly, He Made Me Laugh

Amid the uproar of Terri Schiavo's passing and the concern for the Pope's most recent downturn, I just read about another tragedy – one which, well, is important to me.

According to eonline.com:
"PASSING: Mitch Hedberg, a funnyman who got his first big break on The Late Show with David Letterman and went on to appear in MTV's Comikaze, Comedy Central's Comedy Product and NBC's Comedy Showcase, died Mar. 30, reportedly after suffering a heart attack. He was 37."

I first saw Mitch Hedberg perform at the Laugh Factory in Hollywood back in 1998. I had recently moved out here to Los Angeles and that evening was one of my first social excursions in my new hometown. I can’t remember any of the other comics’ names from that night. The headliner was the voice of Roger Rabbit, if that matters at all.

But I remember Mitch. He had a style and voice all his own. Yes, my friends and I wondered if he was stoned. Yes, he messed up a joke or two (possibly intentionally). But he made you remember him. And he made me laugh. If you know me, you understand that is what counts the most in my opinion.

And strangely enough, I was a little more assured about my move out West. For that, I thank him. Thirty-seven is too young for anyone to go, but especially for the unique voices in the world.

To learn more about Mitch Hedberg, visit his site here.

wojr  ¶ 12:28 PM