Mitch Hedberg

Mitch Hedberg
Born
Mitchell Lee Hedberg

(1968-02-24)February 24, 1968
Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States
DiedMarch 30, 2005(2005-03-30) (aged 37)
Livingston, New Jersey, United States[1]
Cause of deathDrug overdose
NationalityAmerican
SpouseLynn Shawcroft (1999–2005; his death)
Comedy career
Medium
Years active1989–2005
Genres
Subject(s)
Influences
Notable works and rolesStrategic Grill Locations
Mitch All Together
Do You Believe in Gosh?
Websitemitchhedberg.net

Mitchell Lee "Mitch" Hedberg (February 24, 1968 – March 30, 2005) was an American stand-up comedian, actor, and comedian. He was born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota.[2] Hedberg's trademark was his hippie look and his relaxed unconventional comedic delivery.[2]

Career

Hedberg began his stand-up career in Florida.[3] He later moved to Seattle and began to tour.[3] He soon appeared on MTV's Comikaze.[3] This was followed by a 1996 appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman that brought him his big break.[3] He won the 1997 grand prize at the Seattle Comedy Competition.[3] The next year he appeared in an episode of Fox's series That '70s Show.

In 1999, he completed his own independent feature movie, Los Enchiladas!.[3] He was the star, writer, director and producer. He recorded three comedy CDs: Strategic Grill Locations, Mitch All Together, and Do You Believe in Gosh?.[4] The last was released posthumously.[4] He also appeared at the Montreal Just for Laughs comedy festival in 1996,[5] and again in 1998 and 2001.

At the same time as his rising fame in the entertainment industry, Hedberg appeared on Letterman nine more times. He signed a half-million dollar deal with Fox for a television sitcom.[5] Hedberg was supposed to be the next Jerry Seinfeld.[5] George Carlin, Dave Chappelle, Mike Birbiglia and Lewis Black were reportedly among his comedian fans.[6]

Discography

Filmography

Year Title Role
1999 Los Enchiladas! Lee
2000 Almost Famous Eagles Road Manager
2005 Lords of Dogtown Frank Nasworthy (Urethane Wheels Guy)

TV appearances

Year Title Role/Info
1998 That '70s Show Episode 11, as Frank (Chef at the Hub)
Premium Blend Episode dated May 23, 1998 as Himself
Late Show with David Letterman Himself (2 episodes)
1999 Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist Episode 67 "Past Lives" and Episode 73 "Garden", both as Himself
Comedy Central Presents Himself
Late Show with David Letterman Himself (2 episodes)
Home Movies Episodes 104 and 105 as The Pet Eulogist and Mitch, respectively
2000 Late Show with David Letterman Himself
2001 Ed Episode 110 as Dave
Just for Laughs in Montreal Himself
Late Friday Himself
Home Movies Episodes 112 and 113 as Cop and Dr. Fizzel (Anger Management Counselor), respectively
Late Show with David Letterman Himself (2 episodes)
2002 Saddle Rash Various voices
Late Show with David Letterman Himself
2003 Late Show with David Letterman Himself
Late Night with Conan O'Brien Himself
Crank Yankers Himself
2004 Shorties Watchin' Shorties Episodes 4 and 9 as Himself
Late Night with Conan O'Brien Himself

References

  1. ↑ The Associated Press (December 27, 2005). "Report: Mitch Hedberg died of drug overdose". Archived from the original on October 12, 2018. Retrieved November 10, 2007.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Comedian Mitch Hedberg Found Dead in New Jersey Hotel Room". MTV News. Archived from the original on 10 November 2016. Retrieved 7 November 2016.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 "Biography: Mitch Hedberg". Billboard. Archived from the original on 5 October 2016. Retrieved 7 November 2016.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Jeff Baenen (September 12, 2008). "New CD gives comedian Mitch Hedberg life after death". RecordOnLine.com. GateHouse Media, LLC. Retrieved 7 November 2016.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "Last Laugh, Mitch Hedberg was supposed to be the next Seinfeld". Retrieved 7 November 2016.
  6. ↑ Daniel Fireman. "Comic Tragedy". Entertainment Weekly Inc. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 7 November 2016.

Other websites