Comedian Mitch Hedberg dead

Written by Tom Johnson
Published March 31, 2005
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On February 5, 1999 Mitch made his fifth appearance on "The Late Night Show with David Letterman." Last July he was invited to return to the comedy festival "Just for Laughs" where he stole the attention of the industry, audiences, and press alike. His stand-out performances secured a development deal with FOX to create his own sitcom and prompted TIME magazine to include him as one of the next generation of comedy stars and The Hollywood Reporter to headline their review of the Festival, "Laughs are Loudest for Hedberg." Mitch also recently completed a reality show pilot for MTV.

Mitch passed away in March, 2005.To say goodbye, I'd like to present one of my favorite Hedberg pieces:

I bought a doughnut and they gave me a receipt for the doughnut...I don't need a receipt for the doughnut - I'll just give you money and you give me the doughnut, end of transaction. We don't need to bring ink and paper into this. I can't imagine a scenario in which I would need to prove that I bought a doughnut...Some skeptical friend, don't even act like I didn't buy a doughnut, I've got the documentation right here...oh wait it's back home in the file...under "D", for doughnut.
If you'd like to revel in the simple genius of Hedberg's odd observations like the above, Wikipedia has a page for him here.

As the comedy clubs often put on their marquees to mark the passing of a fellow comedian, "Make God laugh."

More on Hedberg here, here, and here.

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Comedian Mitch Hedberg dead
Published: March 31, 2005
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Section: Culture
Filed Under: Video: Comedy
Writer: Tom Johnson
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#1 — March 31, 2005 @ 13:50PM — Joanna

It is April Fool's tomorrow....and no one but this blog and comedy central has said anything more about it yet. Coincidence?

#2 — March 31, 2005 @ 13:53PM — Phillip Winn [URL]

Joanna, no. He was a comedian. That's why Comedy Central is a good source of info. Comedy, get it?

#3 — March 31, 2005 @ 13:54PM — chocolate fever

April fools..or sad sad day....

1st post ftw

#4 — March 31, 2005 @ 13:56PM — chocolate fever

or not...

comedy central is where i go for all my news

#5 — March 31, 2005 @ 13:59PM — M. Janosko

Howard Stern, this Blog, and Comedy Central are the only sources to this. Youd think SOME news market in america would cover this, at least briefly. Yet news.google.com shows this as the ONLY relevent result.

im no disbelieving it, but its a bit far fetched. even the venue hes playing at tonight is denying it.

#6 — March 31, 2005 @ 13:59PM — Joe

Big mistake being the first google news indexed source to run with this story. I have a direct line to someone at the Howard Stern Show who says this is a hoax. Guess who's taking the train up from Baltimore for tomorrow's show?

#7 — March 31, 2005 @ 14:01PM — Phil

An article from a few days ago mentioned he missed some dates - strange coincidence...

He was great.

#8 — March 31, 2005 @ 14:05PM — Jake [URL]

I hope this is a hoax, I had tickets and missed his show in December... WHY GOD WHY!!!!!!!!


PS: I hope with all my heart this is a hoax Mitch! I wont miss ur show next time yo!

I'm gonna go get a frozen banana out the freezer, save it for later. :(

#9 — March 31, 2005 @ 14:06PM — solace [URL]
#10 — March 31, 2005 @ 14:09PM — Wally Glenn [URL]

I like Mitch, he's funny. If this is a prank, it's a bit dark.

Speaking of pranks, if Mitch has died, make the most out of life and April 1st. Mitch would want it that way.


http://www.gwally.com/pranks/

#11 — March 31, 2005 @ 14:10PM — SCR
#12 — March 31, 2005 @ 14:10PM — Eric Olsen

Thanks Solace, USA Today just confirmed this. April Fools is April 1, only

#13 — March 31, 2005 @ 14:11PM — Kevin King

I just called the improve in Baltimore. They said allsohws are cancelled and refunds are available.

Good night funny man! You will be missed.

#14 — March 31, 2005 @ 14:12PM — Temple Stark [URL]

Enough with the long links lazy asses.

[a href="URL"] LINKWORD [ /a]

except replace [ and ] with < and >

#15 — March 31, 2005 @ 14:12PM — LegendaryMonkey [URL]

He was great.

Rest in peace, Mitch. Hang out with Bill Hicks.

#16 — March 31, 2005 @ 14:16PM — DrQu+xum [URL]

The Pioneer Press (here, free reg req) has reported on his death as well.

#17 — March 31, 2005 @ 14:16PM — nick

Google has added two more to their News search...

They mention a heart attack. Even though I'd love for this to be a pre-April Fool's day joke, I'm starting to think that may just be wishful thinking.

#18 — March 31, 2005 @ 14:17PM — Michael

Nooo!

#19 — March 31, 2005 @ 14:20PM — Tim [URL]

Just called the improv as well-- they confirmed that they had heard from his management company and were refunding tickets... news story online now says it happened wednesday morning. Sad -- had tickets for saturday night...

#20 — March 31, 2005 @ 14:23PM — Eric Olsen

thanks very much for all the input everyone

#21 — March 31, 2005 @ 14:27PM — Joe C.

USAtoday.com, search for mitch hedberg, they covere the story briefly.

#22 — March 31, 2005 @ 14:34PM — Jeff Clark [URL]

Dammit. This is so incredibly sad.

#23 — March 31, 2005 @ 14:43PM — Treetop

I went to see him last weekend in Richmond at the Funnybone, and he didn't make it to any shows Wed-Fri. So who knows what was going on.

#24 — March 31, 2005 @ 14:50PM — Brent

this sucks. i just saw him in Cleveland. not his best performance but he was so talented. sad to hear this today!

#25 — March 31, 2005 @ 14:51PM — Eric Olsen

hey Tom, great job, might be super to update with additional nfo, maybe an actual excerpt from your earlier reviews, etc. This is very big news and you and Jeff were there first.

#26 — March 31, 2005 @ 15:07PM — tc [URL]

this sux. mitch was my favorite comedian, i always supported him when ever i could. i saw him a few months ago...

#27 — March 31, 2005 @ 15:10PM — Jayar Bass

Hunter S. and now MITCH! this can't be! what is this, the apocalypse? please be a hoax. please be a hoax. please be a hoax....

I missed him when he came to Reading, but my friend went and said he was too drunk to be funny. i woulda still loved it.

My fav: "i think pringles originally wanted to make tennis balls." - Mitch Hedberg

we'll miss you man!

#28 — March 31, 2005 @ 15:12PM — Eric Olsen

at this point I would say it's pretty close to 100% not a hoax

#29 — March 31, 2005 @ 15:14PM — Barbara

Who gives a $hit? Another not-nearly-as-funny-as-he-thought-he-was Gen Xers Darwins out.
Maybe Pauly Shore and Tom Green will be the next to go.

#30 — March 31, 2005 @ 15:20PM — Judith

I am so devastated. What a tragic loss for the world. He was an incredible genius. There are no words for this. Goodbye Mitch ;+(

#31 — March 31, 2005 @ 15:20PM — Tim

Barbara, you're an ass. Go stick your head in the oven.

One of my fav's of all time. "A friend asked me if I would like a frozen banana. I said, 'No, but I'd like a regular banana later, so yeah."

#32 — March 31, 2005 @ 15:20PM — Ben

Barbara shut the f-ck up. You have no sense of humor. Mitch was gonna come to my school next Wed. I wish that you would have died instead of him you b-tch.

#33 — March 31, 2005 @ 15:22PM — Matt Komen [URL]

I work for the Improv. Unfortunately, this is no joke. We'll miss you Mitch!
Go to the site below, his hometown paper and check out the obituary.
http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/11278099.htm

#34 — March 31, 2005 @ 15:24PM — Eric Olsen

great one Tim! Barbara, way too cold.

#35 — March 31, 2005 @ 15:25PM — Temple Stark [URL]

Hedberg was much funnier than Green and Pauly Shore wasn't ever trying to be funny was he?

Not too sure what posesses the Barbaras of the world to dump on someone else's parade.

#36 — March 31, 2005 @ 15:26PM — Zack

I called Funny Bones in Virginia Beach, VA where he was to perform on 4/9, and they confirmed the show was cancelled b/c of his death.

#37 — March 31, 2005 @ 15:28PM — Jake

Yeah, who'd think, him and schiavo around the same time... dang... too bad the country is full of ppl like Barbara, religious fanatics that are the reason stupid Schiavo who dies from the result of anorexia and low electrolytes and rots for 15 years get more media than a famous comedian... thats BS and its probably Barbaras chritian un-funny ass's fault... FU Barbara!!! Yo cunt

#38 — March 31, 2005 @ 15:28PM — pw

i like the line "darwins out"... but yeah, it's a shame methinks. i wanted to see him in b-more as well.

#39 — March 31, 2005 @ 15:29PM — John

barbara, pauly shore and tom green are no where in the same league as mitch. pauly and green were just going for cheap laughs and did dumb gags. mitch was smart and creative with his comedy. his creativity made him great. "chicago is the windy city. montana is the big sky state... those two should get together... it would be a kite flyer's paradise..."

#40 — March 31, 2005 @ 15:35PM — dd [URL]

Real nice there, barb. Obviously WE care.

Who asked you?

#41 — March 31, 2005 @ 15:37PM — Anisha Rangi

I agree Barbara..ur an ass.

what kind of person wishes death on anyone.

karma baby.

#42 — March 31, 2005 @ 15:42PM — HWT

Can't wait 'til tomorrow to see if Joe really has a source or if he's just one of those people who lies to get attention.

#43 — March 31, 2005 @ 15:53PM — c

you posted at the wrong site barb... many people are very saddened by this. i'll pray that god will save your evil soul.

#44 — March 31, 2005 @ 15:54PM — Ramon

Well,

Last year the company I work was promoting some Hedburg/ Lynch dates. I praised Hedburg to the settler so he was quite surprised when Hedburg performed in a manner not unlike the one described in Tom's review. Looks like this has been a long time coming and it's a shame and a waste.

Too bad that many people never got to see Hedburg perform as the brilliant comedian he truly was but only as a disfunctional chemical repository.

Mitch you'll be missed but you are an idiot!

#45 — March 31, 2005 @ 16:01PM — Neoforce

Not that I agree with what Barbara said, how do you people get the fact that she's some religious nut-case out of her comment? It's pure conjecture and it's just as bad to rail on Christians becuase of what some woman, who you don't even know was a Christian insulted a comedian.

#46 — March 31, 2005 @ 16:03PM — Lono [URL]

Everytime I go out to eat, I think of a Hedberg bit about the server skipping over someone's name if they haven't responded quickly enough.

Dufrane's, table for two - DuFrane

Jackson - party of two - Jackson

Mitch: What about the DuFranes? isn't anyone concerned that they are missing? They were just here, and hungry too.

#47 — March 31, 2005 @ 16:07PM — jen [URL]

was lucky enough to have caught mitch twice. this is way more depressing than a vegetable dying.

thanks, mitch - everytime i see someone handing out a flyer i think "here, you throw this away."

#48 — March 31, 2005 @ 16:08PM — hoodkitty

I saw him at Caroline's for the first of his latest NYC shows on thursday, march 17. And he was VERY funny. New material and old. Absolutely as funny as ever. There is no reason to think that none of his shows have been funny lately because of whatever he was going through. This one was. May he dream of donuts.

#49 — March 31, 2005 @ 16:14PM — clarice

The response from the author of the Pioneer Press article --

Hello...
Mitch's mother used to work for the Pioneer Press. She apparently had told another employee at the newspaper about this, who in turn contacted me. I called Mary Hedberg this morning and she confirmed it -- the quotes from her in my story come from that conversation.

MATT PEIKEN
St. Paul Pioneer Press

#50 — March 31, 2005 @ 16:16PM — willis

i always wanted a breifcase handcuffed to my hand....yea

and umm...fck u barb, ill be sayin that shit about u at ur funeral

#51 — March 31, 2005 @ 16:21PM — Betsy

I always enjoyed Mitch's appearances on Letterman. My favorite went something like:

"Rice is great if you're hungry and you want a thousand of something."

He was weird and wonderful. RIP, Mitch.

#52 — March 31, 2005 @ 16:30PM — Fadashio

Hedberg was a genius.
"Fruit on the bottom, hope on top."

By the by...I don't understand anyone thinking that our pal Babs up there is a religious fanatic. I know not of ANY religious-types that would use a term like "Darwin out". Don't most relious people believe Darwin is somewhat of an anti-Christ? Correct me if I'm wrong.

#53 — March 31, 2005 @ 16:40PM — niiiiiiiiiiig

yeah, too bad if he was dead his website would say it... or any of the other 28347 websites...

#54 — March 31, 2005 @ 16:40PM — jimmybop [URL]

such a very very sad thing.... Mitch will be missed!!!!

"This shirt is dry clean only. Which means...it's dirty." -Mitch

#55 — March 31, 2005 @ 17:02PM — Marissa Leone [URL]

This is so sad. I can't believe this again. Knowing that I won't be able to laugh at him at another live show is pretty upsetting. :( A Mitch quote in his memory... "You should never tell someone they have a nice dimple, because maybe they were shot in the face with a bbgun"

#56 — March 31, 2005 @ 17:05PM — Jake Lucas

Wow, I never really expected this to happen this soon. It seems like only yesterday I saw him at the Oakdale. I'll really miss him.

#57 — March 31, 2005 @ 17:12PM — Drew

Mitch was my favorite comedian, I was planning on going to see him later on down the road. When I saw the e-mail I got, I was stunned, I sort of died inside myself. I'm so depressed. Mitch, you will be missed :'(

#58 — March 31, 2005 @ 17:14PM — Drew

By the way Barbera, you suck, drop dead.

#59 — March 31, 2005 @ 17:14PM — Bob

I can honestly say that I have never laughed more than when I saw Mitch back in 2001. He will be missed.

"I like an escalator man, because an escalator can never break. It can only become stairs. You'll never see an 'Escalator Temporarily Out of Order' sign....just 'Escalator Temporarily Stairs.' Sorry for the convenience."

#60 — March 31, 2005 @ 17:22PM — tommyo

If it's true, then I'm not surprised. I saw him in Seattle in December and he was an absolute drunken mess on stage. He kept repeating jokes. It was a real bomb. People were leaving throughout his set. The emcee eventually cut him off to end the set. It was sad. I saw him a few years back and he was awesome! I couldn't believe the difference between then and now.

#61 — March 31, 2005 @ 17:49PM — Phydeaux [URL]

Thanks for all the laughs Mitch. You taught me to not take life so seriously. You were one of my biggest inspirations not only in making people laugh, but in my views of the world.

If carrots got you drunk, rabbits would be fuct up.

#62 — March 31, 2005 @ 17:51PM — chuck

Mitch played the Celebrity Theatre in AZ and I was there...he staggered on after Stephen Lynch, and eventually laid on the stage and asked the audience to throw him pills. One looked appetizing, and he took it right then and there. He was so unfunny that the stampede up the aisles was not only embarrassing, it was tragic in its own right. I think this guy was a genius, but I kinda saw this coming, ESPECIALLY if it was an overdose.

#63 — March 31, 2005 @ 17:56PM — Michelle

This is so depressing. He was so funny! No one tells it quite like him. He will definately be missed.

#64 — March 31, 2005 @ 19:00PM — Brian

I saw Mitch in Orlando at the Improv last summer. Sold out show. I was in the front row. The man was absolutely BRILLIANT. A sad, sad day indeed.

#65 — March 31, 2005 @ 19:39PM — Julie

hmm wouldnt it be on the news or something?

i mean, i love mitch hedberg as much as the next person but i think this could possibally be a set-up. And if its not, then R.I.P.

#66 — March 31, 2005 @ 19:39PM — Chris Flagg

Wow.

I never got to see him live.. I almost did, but wasn't able to go. But I always loved his comedy, and I introduced him to as many of my friends as possible. This is, shocking, to say the least.

Hopefully, he's off in a gigantic koala infested apartment in the sky.

#67 — March 31, 2005 @ 19:40PM — Richter

Sad day, best new comedian in my book and best overall behind possibly Carlin.


You shouldn't wave at strangers cause what if they dont have a hand, they'll think you're cocky. Look what I got motherfucker. This things useful Im'a go pick something up.

#68 — March 31, 2005 @ 19:41PM — julie

carlin rules

#69 — March 31, 2005 @ 19:42PM — Heather

I saw Mitch a total of 7 times. I drove 4 hours during a gall bladder attack to see Mitch in Tampa (I live in South Floida). I last saw him in Orlando in December, and my best friend and I were planning JUST LAST NIGHT to see him when he came down to West Palm in June. I was so hopeful this morning that when she called me in hysterics begging me to check his website because she was on her way to work, and I searched everything I could all day, hoping that this was some sick April Fool's joke. So hopeful. I only believed it when Twincities.com posted the story. I met him once, briefly, where she and I gave him a koala and a snake bite kit (no, I'm not kidding!) and he dedicated those jokes to us that night. My heart goes out to Lynn in the worst way. I doubt she will see this, but I hope she knows that this massive fan base that I knew nothing about is holding her so close to their hearts. I am truely sorry.

I have to say that this was inevitable... I am just so sad it had to happen like this.

Oh, and my favorite has always been the corn on the cob/ mitch alltogethaaaah joke. Christ I am so miserable.

Later, guys.

H

#70 — March 31, 2005 @ 20:09PM — danknugz

yeah, i'll chime in, too.

i HOPE it's a joke - as pissed as i'll be at him, this has brought me together with people i haven't spoken to in quite some time...we're all at a loss. the world was a better place with him in it.

all right,
-t.

#71 — March 31, 2005 @ 20:11PM — Eric Berlin [URL]

Man, this is super sad. I saw the name and it didn't connect for a little while... then it hit.

He had a really unique approach to comedy AND he was funny: a super rare combo. I heard him on The Howard Stern show within the last week, doing the news (perhaps it was a best of show?).

His laconic, drawling style was so different from the New York cats, but he rolled with it and was great. He did this great bit about the people who make Pringles were originally tennis ball makers... and then a truck pulled up with a bunch of potatos, and they figured, "oh well, guess we'll make potato chips."

He'll be missed.

#72 — March 31, 2005 @ 20:16PM — Drain [URL]

so, his CD should be called

"dead not dead?" instead of "live not dead"

...my friend asked if i wanted a frozen banana

#73 — March 31, 2005 @ 20:19PM — gunzy

Tragedy, this world needs all the jokes it can muster..........this one is no laughing matter.....sorry to hear the news..........

#74 — March 31, 2005 @ 20:49PM — rest in peace mitch

Wow, i am just tottaly shocked, this is so fucking sad. The man was a genius and was on his way to being the greatest comedian of all time. So tonight we all raise a glass to Mitch Hedburg. Mitch, make God laugh man.

"If carrots got you drunk, rabbits would be fucked up."

#75 — March 31, 2005 @ 20:52PM — millie

OMG ..At first the name did not register, I get e-mail notices on Celebrity death watch and when I was reading it I said to my BF, that ain't the real funny slow talking guy on comedy central is it? And sure enough it was, OMG I am sooooooo sad .. Prayers to his family and friends for there loss.

#76 — March 31, 2005 @ 21:02PM — Dan

Mitch was the funniest comedian I've ever heard in my life...I've never laughed as hard as when I saw him live just TWO weeks ago...I wish it was a hoax, I really do...Without him I would've never known that "Ducks Eat For Free At Subway!"...the funniest joke I have ever heard...We'll miss ya Mitchell

#77 — March 31, 2005 @ 21:04PM — Nico

Mitch Hedberg practically defined college for me...I am such a big fan of his. This is just terrible.

"Why is the floor as low as I can go?"

Poor Mitch.

#78 — March 31, 2005 @ 21:10PM — riley kehn

Rest in Peace, Mitch.
You were a great man.
I wish I could help you apprehend a Koala Bear but....

#79 — March 31, 2005 @ 21:30PM — Nokomis [URL]

Wow...Mitch will definately be missed. He was the funniest guy I've heard in a long time. On a 10 hour car ride, my friends and I listened to his cds over and over and just about pissed ourselves laughing. Reading favorite quotes here I'm laughing and crying at the same time.

This is truly a tragedy and just a sad, sad day :(

#80 — March 31, 2005 @ 21:52PM — Maz

Ironic....I can hear Mitch writing this joke...."I hope I don't die on March 31...No one would believe it." I say " Mom.....What are you doing? Is that a press release...?!?.. Oh shit I must be dead.."

RIP

#81 — March 31, 2005 @ 22:44PM — Heather

Maz, that was AWESOME.

My friends and I have decided withing the next week or so, we're going to have a Mitch party, and sit around watching videos (we even have his Dr. Katz appearance!) and eat pringles and spaghetti and carrots (my best friend, previously mentioned, actually made a list of the foods discussed while we were road tripping once) and just celebrate him. I'm still stunned. But I did buy a Dr. Pepper at Target tonight, and raised my bottle to him on the way home. What a weird day...

#82 — March 31, 2005 @ 22:54PM — JR

It's no joke. I've been following this all day, praying it was a joke. I'd been planning to see Mitch next weekend at the VA Beach Funny Bone.

But tonight, they've informed us that the show is cancelled, and they've refunded the money. They're trying to find someone to take his spot, and they're offering us free tickets to the show.

No thanks. I'll be staying home, listening to his CDs and watching his TV spots.

This really, really sucks.

#83 — March 31, 2005 @ 23:04PM — andrew

dude this is the worst news i have heard in a long time, i dont think its a hoax... that would be way to f-ed up.

good bye mitch hedberg, ask god if you can change the title of corn and such

#84 — March 31, 2005 @ 23:19PM — Stacie

I can't stop crying. :(

#85 — March 31, 2005 @ 23:30PM — John

I am in total shock!!! I never knew a comedian could cause so much pain. We miss you Mitch! We have lost a true genius. Within a few moments of listening to Mitch - he was your friend forever. What a style...what a delivery!

I pray you are the eternal 'race car passenger'. May God keep and protect you and we will look for you on Heavenly Central.

#86 — March 31, 2005 @ 23:58PM — Taleah

I am one of Mitch's older fans. My 19 yr old son Jared made me sit and listen to a couple of cds and watch a video and I was hooked. He was so funny, talented and creative with his humor. He is very comparable to George Carlin. He talked about real everyday funny things that you never really thought about. My son was a HUGE fan and we will both miss him terribly. Rest in Peace.

#87 — April 1, 2005 @ 01:42AM — Gabe

Mitch was probably my second favorite comic after George Carlin. I had seen him on Letterman, Carson Daly and such shows over the past three years or so, and always thought he was hilarious... A couple weeks ago, out of nowhere, he came to mind... I hadn't seen him or heard of him in a while, and he just popped into my mind, I don't know why... I didn't even remember his name, but there I was, just thinking about him for God knows why... and then two weeks ago he I put on the Howard Stern Radio Show and I heard a familiar voice... I knew it was Mitch... His name was mentioned and so I remembered his name, too. A couple of days ago I came across a CD of Stand up comedy performances I have downloaded, and Mitch's Comedy Central performance was on there, too... Since he went on Stern, it hit me, that this guy is my second favorite comedian after Carlin, and that says a lot 'cause I've never had a strong second favorite. Just as I became a huge fan of his, just as soon as I got attached, I turn on the Howard Stern radio show, and find out that he died. This truely sucks. He is still my second favorite comedian, and he was THAT DAMN GOOD! May God rest his soul.

R.I.P. MITCH HEDBERG (1968-2005)
First John Ritter, then Elliott Smith, then Jonathan Brandis, then Rodney Dangerfield, and a shitload of people in between, and now Mitch.

#88 — April 1, 2005 @ 11:12AM — hooligan

I dislike this article, so I gave it to my editor and he said they sohuld rewrite it.

Mitch said, f%$# that! I'll just make a copy..

#89 — April 1, 2005 @ 11:17AM — Andrew [URL]

I don't think it's a hoax... here's the link to the AP report. :-(

#90 — April 1, 2005 @ 12:41PM — Jono

Saw Mitch at carolines, one of his last shows. He was incredible, but he did in fact bomb. It was almost funnier that he bombed because he is so funny when it comes to not being that funny, or something of the sort. He kept turing to the wall behind him and banging his Mic on the wall. I thought he was hysterical but his timing was a bit off. His words were hard to understand and he was nodding off. Having stuggled with heroin myself i said to my girlfreind that he seemed like he was on dope, so when i heard of his death i was pretty sure that is was true. Regardless mitch was one of the funniest commedianes we have had and was at the height of his careeer with nowhere to go but up. It sucks especially when funny people die, its like losing a cartoon charecter or something.
"I went to the doctor, all he did was suck my blood, do not go to Dr. Acuala."

#91 — April 1, 2005 @ 21:31PM — Sean

God, I loved Mitch Hedberg. He was my favorite comic. This reminds me of the loss of another favorite of mine about 21 years ago on April 1st, which I learned of at the Concord BART trainstation: The death of Marvin Gaye. The good die young, alas.

#92 — April 1, 2005 @ 22:34PM — zach

Why is it that the great, the truly great, always die so very young. Mitch Hedberg was great. While most comedians were attacking us with either corny observational humor about their dull relationships or stupid jokes about race and sex, Mitch took the ordinary and made it sublime. His jokes were more than funny, they were brilliant. His delivery was always dead on, while his humor seems to appeal to virtually everyone. Everyone I know, from my conservative mother to a hardcore liberal best friend, loved him and thought him to be a genius; now, we all cry for him and pray that this is, indeed, the suspected hoax. If not, then Mitch will surely join the legions of other comedic legends from Lenny Bruce to John Belushi to Bill Hicks, all taken from us too early. I'm sure that Mitch is reading our posts in heaven now, and I only hope that he is now as happy as he made all of us on countless occasions. With a warmth, honesty, and inspiration so hard to find in comedy today, Mitch Hedberg is destined to become an icon on the medium and a national comedic hero. There will be no greater crime in this world if he recieves any less.

#93 — April 2, 2005 @ 15:31PM — david

Mitch was one of the greatest. I hope he's in Heven with Bill hicks now Listening to Jimi on harp.

RIP Mitch. Thanks for the laughs.

Oh and barbara, I hope you choke on your own puke.

#94 — April 2, 2005 @ 18:40PM — Jeb

One of the greatest, my ass. I always thought his bits were among the lamest and unfunniest. Figures that american morons wouldn't know enough to be able to distinguish him and comedians with true class (like John Ritter). And that stoner delivery shtick wore thin after 5 minutes...something he never fucking clued into. Barbara just seems to be the only other one among you brain-dead sheep with the backbone to say it like it really is. Surprise. Anyway, this guy was just another bottom-feeder riding the dregs of the now long-gone stand-up boom...good riddance and onward Darwin.

#95 — April 2, 2005 @ 19:26PM — Heather

Don't feed the trolls...

What I think I will miss the most about Mitch is that he never made his audience the butt if his jokes. Sure, it might have been different if he ever looked at us, but still... he never found humor in making fun of anyone else... He really was the best.

#96 — April 2, 2005 @ 19:56PM — gonzo marx

Heather sez...
*Don't feed the trolls...*

oh noes!!!

what will i eat???

Excelsior!

#97 — April 2, 2005 @ 20:02PM — Jose Carrillo

I saw Mitch live two times both in Austin (Austin capitol comedy club, and the Paramount), and all I have to say is thank you. You made me laugh so hard i could not even breathe some times.

I am sure you are in a better place now making the Pope John Paul II smile, you rock man.

TWO I CAN BREAK A TWO

I AM SAVED BY THE BOUNCIY OF CITRUS.

#98 — April 2, 2005 @ 20:05PM — GillianSouth

I just want to go on record to say I love Mitch and my prayers go out to Lynn and the Hedberg family.

I've been a fan of Mitch for quite a few years- ironically, he made me laugh through hard times when my mom died of alcoholism (withdrawl and liver complications). My experience with this is that I won't remember Mitch for his bad days- only his best ones. I have a lot of awful memories of my mom when she was under the influence- but that's not who she was and that is not who she will be remembered as. Same goes for Mitchie.

He will always, always go down as a brilliant comic and an all-around guy, from things I've read about him. I encourage all to read his journals on his website. I wish he could have found recovery. I hope this is a wake-up call for any of his fans struggling with alcoholism or drug addiction. Some of the most amazing, brilliant, funny, kind people suffered from, as Mitch said "the only disease you can get yelled at for having."

Fans, laugh again, and remember him well as Mitch Hedberg, the one and only.

http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Mitch_Hedberg

Mitch, as I hear they say in times like this at comedy clubs:

"Make God laugh."

Hope they have lots of koalas up there for you, pal.

#99 — April 2, 2005 @ 20:19PM — GillianSouth

one more thing: I think it would be nice, out of respect for anyone who has died, to not leave scathing and negative remarks on blogs like this, just an idea. There's no sense in comparing comedians or comparing people who the world has lost or cussing out people...

let's just say nice things. Mitch never made mean remarks about people and stayed funny and real, so let's go that route.

whether it's mitch or the pope or terry schiavo or hunter s. thompson- all people live and die, and are also loved and loathed. there's no point in comparing them to be spiteful.

let's just remember the love, shall we? what's the point in living otherwise?

PEACE, everyone. even on the internet.

#100 — April 2, 2005 @ 21:03PM — Sean

Jeb and Barbara. Barbara and Jeb. I'll just go with my own opinion, thanks.

#101 — April 2, 2005 @ 22:34PM — HW Saxton

I despise needles,users of intravenous
drugs and the like. They are diseased &
sick people. I have seen Heroin take the
lives of a good friend and an ex used to
be girlfriend in the last decade.Also I
have seen drugs destroy the families of
friends & life long friendships as well.

I am sure beyond reasonable doubt,that
some of you have reading this have also
unfortunately experienced the effects of
substance abuse first hand. Be it direct
indirect or peripheral.Whether it was
yourself,friends,family,co-workers and
what have you it's almost impossible to
avoid as it is an epidemic.

In as far as dealing with the addicted,
their problem should be looked upon as
the health (mental/physical)issue that
it is & not a criminal issue per se.

Now this isn't to say they should not be
punished for criminal activity related
to the problem (theft,prostitution,etc.)
but rather to say it should be addressed
differently than other major crimes like
Murder,Rape,Car Theft and the like.

Other countries (the Netherlands as one
example)that have dealt with it from a
health stand point and who've explored
other avenues of rehabilitation besides
just the incarceration of common users &
addicts have seen marked decreases in
drug related crime(s).

There are unfortunate souls who are just
unwilling and/or unable to change. Just
locking them up leads to no real change
in most cases and exposes them to hard
core criminal elements IMO,creating more
problems that may not have been their in
the first place.And it's not as if drugs
can't be found in the prison system.

Then on the other hand just maybe my car
stereo will still be there when I go to
work in the morning.

Oh yeah, R.I.P Mitch wherever you are.



#102 — April 4, 2005 @ 00:37AM — brett

Oh wow, Mitch was much too young to die. Mitch's comedy was so off the wall and clever. Even when he messed up jokes he could still pull of some laughs with his own laughter and honesty. Its good to read the comments from all the people that loved this guy as much as I did. RIP Mitch, you were one in a million buddy.

#103 — April 17, 2005 @ 22:04PM — Dan Miller

Mitch Hedburg was a comedic genius and made me laugh on the crappiest days.

he reminded me to get my priorities crooked.

i haven't slept for 10 days cuz that would be too long

RIP Mitch

#104 — April 25, 2005 @ 15:25PM — mel

This totally suxs! He's my favorite comedian and his life was cut short just when he was making it big. My condolences to his family and friends. He was one hell of a funny guy.

#105 — May 25, 2005 @ 22:16PM — klatfightar

its not sad at all you live you life to be as happy as you can be do whatever you want then you grow unhappy and die unless you fear death then you live untill somethings takes you so low that you give up. live your life to live not die

#106 — June 22, 2005 @ 13:15PM — Lynn shawcoft

I'm reading all you're words, he would have loved them...I was married to him for 6 years his brilliance will never leave me....I/we love you mitch...lynn hedberg

#107 — July 16, 2005 @ 00:22AM — Bob

Hey Jeb & Barbara you have no taste or class. I wouldn't be surprised if you are both the same person, having some sort of gender crisis! Funny is funny, Mitch had a unique, cool perspective. My sympathy to his family and friends. Mitch will be remembered long after Jab & Barbarian.

#108 — August 2, 2005 @ 08:43AM — John G.

Thank you Gillian South. You spoke volumes that I only thought. Sad how when you finally find something or someone (Mitch) you really enjoy they seem to go away. Thanks for the many laughs and that makes crying that much easier. RIP Mitch and may God bless your family.

#109 — August 15, 2005 @ 10:20AM — Mike

NOO!! MITCH!!!!! i found out like a week after it happened and i was sooo sad:-(:-(

R.I.P Mitch.


C'mon Mitchell! Don't give up! A message of inspiration from your friends at Yoplait.
Fruit on the bottom

Hope on top:-( :-(


we will always love you mitch hedburg:-( :-(

Rest in peace, man, rest in peace

#110 — December 27, 2005 @ 02:57AM — ComedyJay

Attention Hedberg fans....
There is goign to be a benefit show in Minneapolis, MN as a tribute to Mitch Hedberg, one of Minnesotas finest! The show, produced by Acme Comedy Company & RCM Entertainment, is going to feature a great line-up of well known comics. The show is going to be April 9th, 2006.
Keep your eyes and ears open as more info will be released in the upcomming weeks.

#111 — January 27, 2006 @ 15:43PM — zIPSCREW

ANYONE WHO'S THINKS JOHN RITTER IS FUNNIER THAN MITCH DEFINATELY HAS THEIR PRIORTIES CROOKED...
I love John Ritter... but there styles sren't even comparable..

peace

#112 — January 27, 2006 @ 15:45PM — Zipscrew

Oh,..and the reason AMERICA is the greatest country on earth is because we CAN figure it out...(and because of people like MITCH HEDBERG)

#113 — January 27, 2006 @ 15:48PM — Zipscrew

Is the rest of the world always going to be so jealous?I hope so...it's what keeps us on our toes! ;o]

#114 — March 8, 2006 @ 14:33PM — Victor

barbara you dumb ass dike get your head out of your ass and laugh because you know that mitch was is and forever will be funny

#115 — March 16, 2006 @ 00:47AM — ComedyJay

April 30th, at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis! The Mitch Hedberg Tribute Show!!!
Patton Oswalt, Dave Mordal, Nick Swardson, and Mike Birbiglia are all on board. More comics are lining up to join the show! Tickets go on sale Friday March 17th at 10am @ TicketMaster.com

http://www.myspace.com/AcmeComedyCompany has all the info, as well as their homepage:
www.acmecomedycompany.com

#116 — June 2, 2006 @ 23:00PM — rape stories [URL]

Maybe we can talk about it more.

#117 — January 18, 2008 @ 15:40PM — Tyler

mitch was an inspiration to me and still is
(escalader temporarily staira...sorry for the convience)

#118 — May 23, 2008 @ 04:37AM — frank

RIP MITCH,

you're the funniest person ive ever heard. you're jokes will live on forever through the people who've uve touched.

#119 — December 19, 2008 @ 20:02PM — Billy

I can't believe it's been that long. I still listen to him here.

#120 — December 21, 2008 @ 20:38PM — kym

" i'm a reach for a lime"
"floating by the bouyancy of citrus"

RIP

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