Comedians React to Mitzi Shore’s Death
Mitzi Shore, a one-time powerhouse in the comedy business whose influence has continued to permeate comedy stages around the world long after she took a step back running the world famous comedy store, has passed away. Her son Pauly had been tweeting out that she had been on hospice, and asking friends to send messages to Mitzi while she could hear them. Mitzi died after suffering from Parkinsons Disease according to news reports. She passed away on World Parkinson’s Day.
Mitzi is survived by four children, Pauly, Peter, Scott and Sandy. Mitzi’s reign as the godmother of comedy began when she took over running The Comedy Store (owned initially by her husband Sammy Shore), which remains one of the most iconic clubs worldwide and continues to be a home where young comedians can hone their craft and develop into the greatest comedians in the country.
Comedians took to Twitter and Instagram to express love, gratitude and condolences this week.
Countless comedians owe their careers at least in part to The Comedy Store and Mitzi’s legacy- comedy giants like Robin Williams, Jay Leno, David Letterman, Roseanne Barr, Garry Shandling, Richard Pryor, Jim Carrey, Jimmie Walker, Andy Kaufman, Bob Saget, Richard Lewis, and Elayne Boosler.
Mitzi is survived by three other children: Peter, Scott, and Sandy and at least three generations of comics.
Mom/Mitzi passed Early in the morning at 4.42 am she was 87 years old my heart lays heavy
— Pauly Shore (@PaulyShore) April 11, 2018
Alfred, Mom's caregiver, and I took Mom/Mitzi to @TheComedyStore this afternoon for her last time. Our maintenance man of 20 years Juan Carlos had the neon lights on for her, and her music playing #ourgodmotherofcomedy
— Pauly Shore (@PaulyShore) April 10, 2018
All comics/Friends that are calling me/texing/e mailing I’m not responding to anyone as you can imagine… mom/Mitzi is transitioning
— Pauly Shore (@PaulyShore) April 11, 2018
Mom/Mitzi update she not in pain just chilling..thank you all for all the kind messages I feel it’s Important to let you all know what’s going on cause of the love you all have for her and the @TheComedyStore #ourcomedygodmother
— Pauly Shore (@PaulyShore) April 10, 2018
All fellow comedians let mom Mitzi know how honored you are for her letting you develop your craft at @TheComedyStore she will be able to feel you in your tweet ..while she is still with us personalize it to HER?
— Pauly Shore (@PaulyShore) April 8, 2018
The reason why I have been Canceling shows and have been laying low on Social is that mom Mitzi. Shore has been on hospice let’s all prey she when she goes to heaven she go peaceful I know she was loved by many of you
— Pauly Shore (@PaulyShore) April 7, 2018
(1 of 2)It is with great sadness and very heavy hearts that we report the passing of Mitzi Shore. Mitzi was an extraordinary woman and leader who identified, cultivated and celebrated comedy’s best performers. pic.twitter.com/BkKFv4Uq4n
— The Comedy Store (@TheComedyStore) April 11, 2018
(2 of 2) She helped change the face of comedy and leaves behind an indelible mark and legacy in the entertainment industry and stand-up community. We will all miss her dearly.
The Comedy Store will be closed today. pic.twitter.com/n3jaO1P4s6
— The Comedy Store (@TheComedyStore) April 11, 2018
Mitzi leaves behind a legacy of showcasing talent of the highest caliber and allowing them to create and share their laughs with all of us. We applaud her dedication to the craft of comedy. pic.twitter.com/kvcT4RtHvh
— NationalComedyCenter (@NtlComedyCenter) April 11, 2018
RIP Mitzi. Thank you for letting me into the @TheComedyStore and making me a part of its history and allowing me to perform there and perfect my craft. You are forever synonymous with the craft you loved. My prayers are with the Shore family. God Bless you. #godmotherofcomedy pic.twitter.com/HpUmIzVcSV
— Bret Ernst (@BretErnst) April 11, 2018
If there's any justice, Mitzi Shore won't be allowed into heaven until she showcases for all the comics she drove to suicide. #RIPMitzi #GiveGodTheLight
— Ari Shaffir (@AriShaffir) April 11, 2018
https://twitter.com/chadzumock/status/984087454557884416
RIP Mitzi Shore – She was and will forever be the most innovative and influential person in stand up comedy. The Comedy Store is not just a club, but a community where I've met friends that I will have for the rest of my life. Mitzi – Love you, you're impossible to follow.
— Al Madrigal (@almadrigal) April 11, 2018
Mitzi………Thank you for showing me the journey, Thank you for turning me into a comic, and thank you for letting me into your family…..The Green Berets of Comedy…..Rest in Peace…..Fat Baby!
— Joey CoCo Diaz (@madflavor) April 11, 2018
Aw. A toast 2 Mitzi for sitting in the back n actually caring about who n what was on her stage. She made what we do mean something. #thecomedystore https://t.co/uXirdEytIq
— Kathleen Madigan (@kathleenmadigan) April 11, 2018
#MitziShore #RestInComedy
She got me off the streets gave me a place to stay I worked 2 jobs; doorman & paid comic. Thank you Mitzi for giving social misfits a place to call home & grow into social engineers. I love you. Richard & Robin will greet you. Give em the Light! ? #EGGC pic.twitter.com/6V96b6AOOY— Eddie Griffin (@EddieGriffinCom) April 11, 2018
We knew who Mitzi Shore was at the meat packing plant back in Iowa & @TheComedyStore was a palace & Richard Pryer & Robin Williams were heroes we fantasized about 2 make it through long days. Thank you Mitzi for welcoming me & allowing me 2 be on your palace stage with my heroes. https://t.co/ZyQWN5KzU4
— Tom Arnold (@TomArnold) April 9, 2018
Thxs Mitzi for providing a place for a female comic like me to grow… you have done more for stand up comedy then anyone …may you now make God laugh.. condolences @PaulyShore and the @TheComedyStore family.. https://t.co/H08wdUNC9B
— Loni Love (@LoniLove) April 11, 2018
#MotherOfAllComedians #MitziShore #ComedyStore pic.twitter.com/lhCDNrBPKt
— Tammy Pescatelli (@TammyPescatelli) April 11, 2018
RIP Mitzi Shore. I should’ve taken the doorman job when you offered it to me.
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) April 11, 2018
RIP MITZI SHORE
❤️
RL pic.twitter.com/nyYlZG12tj— Richard Lewis (@TheRichardLewis) April 11, 2018
https://twitter.com/RainPryor/status/984118827871956992
Mitzi Shore, created a home away from home. A unique sanctuary filled with stale smoke and alcohol, sometimes drugs. Where voices were heard, that pushed beyond comfortable, and somewhere in there was profound laughter and showers of truth. RIP #MitziShore #ComedyStore
— Rain Pryor (@RainPryor) April 11, 2018
Mitzi………Thank you for showing me the journey, Thank you for turning me into a comic, and thank you for letting me into your family…..The Green Berets of Comedy…..Rest in Peace…..Fat Baby!
— Joey CoCo Diaz (@madflavor) April 11, 2018
Love and comfort, Pauly. https://t.co/YV06Ta3Odw
— Moshe Kasher (@moshekasher) April 11, 2018
I’ll always remember back in 2008 when Jerrod Carmichael, @AngelosJokes, @JamarNeighbors and myself got to perform in front of Mitzi Shore during potluck at @TheComedyStore. Never have been more nervous in my life. So lucky I got to perform for her. #rip
— Josh Adam Meyers (@JoshAdamMeyers) April 11, 2018
Mitzi Shore was a pioneer who gave more comics their start than I can count…I did my first legit comedy gig at the Store. She was a woman in a male dominated business who pulled no punches, something I always admired. My heart goes out to @paulyshore and the entire Shore family pic.twitter.com/kabGgWMVuR
— Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) April 11, 2018
RIP Mitzi Shore, a woman who helped make a lot of careers and built one of the best places to perform
— Mike Lawrence (@TheMikeLawrence) April 11, 2018
Dear Mitzi. Growing up here my friends dreamt of performing at the Comedy Store. I’ll never forget the first time I saw you in person, a true living legend. You’ve changed the world and people will always know your name. @PaulyShore shares your charisma and strength.
— Jessie Maltin (@jessiemaltin) April 10, 2018
Mitzi,
I would not be the artist I am today without you. I’d always been able to write a joke but that place taught me how to be a human being onstage and handle the unpredictable. It is a weight room I never take for granted and am honored to be part of it’s storied legacy.
— Fahim Anwar (@fahimanwar) April 10, 2018
A legend is gone this is a Sad Sad day. RIP the Queen of Comedy #mitzishore such a bummer. Mitzi… https://t.co/v3kuT9Fl5F
— Dean Delray (@deandelray) April 11, 2018
Thank you Mitzi, Pauly, and everyone who has helped make @TheComedyStore so magical. It's my favorite place in the world. You're all beautiful humans. https://t.co/gSDNFmbJoF
— Alex Hooper (@HooperHairPuff) April 10, 2018
RIP Mitzi. Thanks for giving us comics a place where “we didn’t need to be funny, just needed to be us”. We’ll miss you. @TheComedyStore @ComedyStoreLJ
— Francisco Ramos (@FranciscoRamos) April 11, 2018
Mitzi was the Cleopatra of comedy clubs. My memories of my days at the Store in the 1980s are indelibly etched in my brain. Her legacy will stand forever. RIP. https://t.co/IjMlbu0M5s
— Dan Pasternack (@DanPasternack) April 11, 2018
Really sad to hear about Mitzi. My condolences to her family and everyone @TheComedyStore. Her impact and comedy & entertainment was tremendous and won’t be forgotten
— Johnny Skourtis (@JohnnySkourtis) April 11, 2018
I am very sad to hear about the passing of Mitzi Shore. One of my proudest achievements in Los Angeles was being one of the last comics passed by the woman who discovered & cultivated some of the biggest names in stand up comedy. She is responsible for so much joy in our lives.
— Brian Scolaro (@BRIAN_SCOLARO) April 11, 2018
#MitziShore created something very special for comics and a very special space for women. She was ahead of her time, a true outlier. Her legacy has had a direct impact on the comic I have become and, for that, I am forever grateful. ❤️? I’m sorry @PaulyShore @TheComedyStore
— Iliza Shlesinger (@iliza) April 11, 2018
Mitzi Shore truly changed my life. She not only encouraged my career but she saw my genuine spirit. I love her and I am forever grateful. ❤️ https://t.co/yZ5vdAZLfZ
— Giulia Rozzi (@GiuliaRozzi) April 11, 2018
I love you Mitzi! I would be an unknown lost bum without your kindness! Your love will never be forgotten. There will never ever be another Mitzi Shore. RIP Mitzi. pic.twitter.com/Emy7VrcW70
— Sam Tripoli (@samtripoli) April 11, 2018
RIP Mitzi Shore. In 1999 when we arrived in LA we auditioned for Mitzi in the Original Room… https://t.co/SQqzS8y1Fv
— The Sklar Brothers (@SklarBrothers) April 11, 2018
We lost a pioneer, visionary, mom, and all-around bad ass person today.
Thank you for everything you did for comedy, your legacy will continue on forever.
Rest In Peace Mitzi Shore.
I’m sorry for your loss @PaulyShore
— bert kreischer (@bertkreischer) April 11, 2018
Mitzi, thanks for letting me work as a door guy and then become a paid regular @TheComedyStore where I learn what it takes to be a store comic. It’s an honor to perform at your house every time I get on stage. https://t.co/RQ3O08pFVM
— Francisco Ramos (@FranciscoRamos) April 8, 2018
My first introduction to @thecomedystore was the E True Hollywood Story. If you have an hour and a half you should watch this incredible story. #RIPMitziShore https://t.co/W7v1KSIHkg
— Luis J. Gomez (@luisjgomez) April 11, 2018
Mitzi………Thank you for showing me the journey, Thank you for turning me into a comic, and thank you for letting me into your family…..The Green Berets of Comedy…..Rest in Peace…..Fat Baby!
— Joey CoCo Diaz (@madflavor) April 11, 2018
https://twitter.com/fortunefunny/status/984103234078892032
Rest in peace, Mitzi. Thanks for all you've done for all of us. https://t.co/53GuxG6biv
— Matt Braunger (@Braunger) April 11, 2018
Anyone who has ever said there’s no women in comedy, should be acquainted with one of the most important names, man or woman, in comedy: Mitzi Shore #RIP
— Steve Byrne (@stevebyrnelive) April 11, 2018
Mitzi although I never got to personally meet you I thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me a place to grow not just as a comic but more importantly as a human. I love you and thank you again.
— Earl Skakel (@EarlSkakel) April 8, 2018
The night @OwenSmith4Real and I got passed as paid regulars by Mitzi at @TheComedyStore was one of the greatest nights of my life. When I was 13 and my parents got divorced my mom bought me 3 stand up albums to make me feel better. @denisleary @PaulyShore and Carlin. Fan for life
— StephenGlickman (@StephenGlickman) April 8, 2018
Dear Mitzi, I first read about you in a used book called Women in Comedy that I found at a bookstore in Davis Square in Sommerville. It became my Bible and it’s been amazing being able to perform @TheComedyStore years after learning about it. Thank you. ??? https://t.co/evjnTmAfwZ
— Ku (@EstherKuKu) April 8, 2018
This amazing lady helped shape the American comedy landscape for decades. Mitzi Shore was, and will remain, an absolute legend. My condolences to @PaulyShore on the loss of his Mom and to the @TheComedyStore for the loss of a friend. https://t.co/slVgKMPgck
— KevinSmith (@ThatKevinSmith) April 11, 2018
I was on the last showcase for Mitzi Shore (taped), back in 2010. Me, Jamar, and Jerrod. Still my best buddies till this day. https://t.co/DSNyVy4ZF3
— Willie Hunter (@WillHunterShow) April 8, 2018
Mitzi the Comedy Store saved my life. I can’t thank you enough for giving us a place to be our selves. We all love you. Happy 46th Anniversary #loveyoumitzi https://t.co/SuIFzqv8w6
— Dean Delray (@deandelray) April 8, 2018
https://twitter.com/WhitneyCummings/status/984092775409795073
The Comedy Store was the first club I ever performed at. Studied it too at UCLA Extension 🙂 Grew up in Los Angeles. I left home for 6 years knowing I had to make it back to LA & the Comedy Store. Thank you to the Mitzi Shore family for teaching me the fundamentals. #RestInPeace
— Steven BRODY Stevens (@BrodyismeFriend) April 11, 2018
Thanks to Mitzi for creating the incredible place that is @TheComedyStore – nowhere else like it on earth. Big hug to @PaulyShore and the whole Shore clan. #RIPMitziShore
— Tom Segura (@tomsegura) April 11, 2018
Sending my love and appreciation to the great and powerful Mitzi Shore! Her creating the @TheComedyStore was one of the most important things in the history of stand up comedy, and I will forever be in her debt. Thank you, Mitzi!
— Joe Rogan (@joerogan) April 9, 2018
The first comedy club show I ever saw (the night I turned 21) was at the La Jolla Comedy Store and the first time I ever did stand-up was on Pot Luck night at the Comedy Store in LA. Might never have tried stand-up if it wasn’t for those rooms. Thanks and RIP, Mitzi Shore.
— Doug Benson, co-host of Dining w/D and K (@DougBenson) April 11, 2018
