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Mitch Hedberg
Mitch Hedberg.jpg
Birth name Mitchell Lee Hedberg
Born (1968-02-24)February 24, 1968
Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S.
Died March 30, 2005(2005-03-30) (aged 37)
Livingston, New Jersey, U.S.
Medium Stand-up
Years active 1989–2005
Genres
  • Observational comedy
  • surreal humor
  • word play
  • non sequitur
  • one-liner
  • deadpan
Subject(s)
Spouse
Lynn Shawcroft
(m. 1999)
Notable works and roles Strategic Grill Locations
Mitch All Together
Do You Believe in Gosh?

Mitchell Lee Hedberg (born February 24, 1968 – died March 30, 2005) was an American stand-up comedian. He was famous for his unique style of humor. This included "surreal humor," which means jokes that are strange or dream-like. He also used a "deadpan" delivery, which means he told jokes with a very serious face, making them even funnier.

Mitch Hedberg's comedy often had short jokes, sometimes just one line long. These jokes often included absurd ideas or "non sequiturs," which are statements that don't logically follow what was said before. His funny style and calm way of performing made him very popular. Many fans loved his jokes so much that they sometimes shouted out the punchlines before he could finish!

Early Life and School

Mitch Hedberg was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, on February 24, 1968. His parents were Arne and Mary Hedberg. He had a mixed background, with family from Finland, Sweden, the Czech Republic, and Germany.

He went to Harding High School in Saint Paul. Mitch wasn't very interested in school. He even said that he barely managed to graduate.

Mitch's Comedy Career

Mitch Hedberg started his comedy journey in Florida. After practicing and getting better at his jokes, he moved to Seattle. From there, he began to travel and perform in different places.

His big break came in 1996 when he appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman. This TV show helped him become much more well-known. The next year, he won a big prize at the Seattle Comedy Competition. In 1998, he even appeared on an episode of the TV show That '70s Show.

In 1999, Mitch made his own movie called Los Enchiladas!. He did many jobs for this film: he wrote it, directed it, produced it, and also starred in it! He also recorded three comedy albums. These were Strategic Grill Locations, Mitch All Together, and Do You Believe in Gosh?. The last album was released after he passed away. Mitch performed at the famous Just for Laughs comedy festival in Montreal three times.

As his fame grew, Mitch appeared on the Letterman show many more times. He even signed a big deal with Fox for his own TV show. Time magazine called him "the next Seinfeld," who is another very famous comedian. Many other well-known comedians, like George Carlin and Dave Chappelle, were also fans of Mitch's work.

His Unique Comedy Style

Mitch Hedberg's stand-up comedy was special because of how he spoke and acted on stage. He had a unique way of talking, and his jokes often came out quickly. His comedy was mostly based on "wordplay," which means using words in clever or funny ways.

His act usually had short jokes, sometimes just one or two lines. He also had longer routines where almost every line was a punchline. If a joke didn't get enough laughs, Mitch would sometimes add a funny comment. He might say something like, "that joke's dumb, I'm aware of that." He even joked about editing his recordings to make it sound like a failed joke was a big hit!

After Mitch's death, an album called Do You Believe in Gosh? was released in 2008. It had material he recorded in January 2005. His wife, Lynn, said that this performance was meant to be part of a new CD.

Personal Life

Mitch Hedberg was married to another comedian, Lynn Shawcroft. They got married in 1999.

Passing Away

Mitch Hedberg passed away on March 30, 2005. He was found in his hotel room in Livingston, New Jersey. His death was announced on April 1. Because of the date, some fans thought it might be an April Fools' Day joke at first.

His funeral was held in Woodbury, Minnesota.

Comedy Albums

Year Title
1999 Strategic Grill Locations
2003 Mitch All Together
2008 Do You Believe in Gosh?
2016 The Complete Vinyl Collection

Movies Mitch Was In

Year Title Role
1999 Los Enchiladas! Lee (He also wrote and directed this movie)
2000 Almost Famous Eagles Road Manager
2005 Lords of Dogtown Urethane Wheels Guy

TV Show Appearances

Year Title What He Did
1995 Comedy Product Himself
1998 That '70s Show Played Frank (a chef) in one episode
Premium Blend Appeared as Himself
Late Show with David Letterman Appeared as Himself (2 episodes)
1999 Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist Appeared as Himself in two episodes
Comedy Central Presents Appeared as Himself
Late Show with David Letterman Appeared as Himself (2 episodes)
The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn Appeared as Himself
Home Movies Did voices for two episodes
2000 Late Show with David Letterman Appeared as Himself
2001 Ed Played Dave in one episode
Just for Laughs in Montreal Appeared as Himself
Late Friday Appeared as Himself
Home Movies Did voices for two episodes
Late Show with David Letterman Appeared as Himself (2 episodes)
2002 Saddle Rash Did various voices
Late Show with David Letterman Appeared as Himself
2003 Late Show with David Letterman Appeared as Himself
Late Night with Conan O'Brien Appeared as Himself
Crank Yankers Appeared as Himself
2004 Shorties Watchin' Shorties Appeared as Himself in two episodes
Late Night with Conan O'Brien Appeared as Himself

See also

A friendly robot icon. In Spanish: Mitch Hedberg para niños

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