It’s a sad, sad day in the world of comedy.
Mitzi Shore, the owner of L.A.’s iconic Comedy Store, died at the age of 87 early Wednesday morning.
Since founding the club in 1972, Mitzi helped launch the careers of countless young comics, including Robin Williams, David Letterman, Richard Pryor, Jim Carrey, and Garry Shandling. She also broke showbiz ground by booking female and non-white comics long before it became widely practiced in the industry.
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Needless to say, waves of comedians took to Twitter to honor their beloved mentor for helping them hone their craft and launch them into orbit.
Mitzi’s son Pauly Shore, Patton Oswalt, Whitney Cummings, Bob Saget, and Kathy Griffin were among the many established stand-ups who paid tribute to the late legend. Read their heartbreaking reactions to Mitzi’s death (below).
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
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
The great Mitzi Shore, owner of the famous Comedy Store, has passed away. No words can express the gratitude I have for her. We met in 1979. She opened the door to my dreams! If she loved you, you did well. If she didn’t, you did something else. I will love her forever. ;^) pic.twitter.com/lBNXnW0mEr
— Jim Carrey (@JimCarrey) April 11, 2018
Mitzi Shore started my career when I was 21 by believing in me. I will forever be indebted to her and love her and always knew that she loved me. My heart goes out to her children and all those she touched. You will be greatly missed Mitzi. pic.twitter.com/IJPKnqx382
— bob saget (@bobsaget) April 11, 2018
Mitzi Shore made an indelible mark on comedy and my brain. ‘You’re a poet. You should wear a scarf on stage.’ RIP
— marc maron (@marcmaron) April 11, 2018
I love you Mitzi Shore. Rest In Peace. Thank you for giving me a family and a home. ❤️@TheComedyStore
— Whitney Cummings (@WhitneyCummings) 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
RIP Mitzi Shore. I should’ve taken the doorman job when you offered it to me.
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) April 11, 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 (@DougBenson) 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
No “In Living Color,” no career without Mitzi Shore. Thanks for believing in me. ├░┼╕Γäó┬Å #RIPMitzi pic.twitter.com/rHCyKxvYdz
— Tommy Davidson (@tommycat) 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
— Iliza Shlesinger (@iliza) April 11, 2018
I cannot thank #MitziShore enough for all of the stage time and encouragement she gave me. You will always be in my heart. Rest In Peace. @TheComedyStore
— Judy Gold (@JewdyGold) 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
So sorry. 😢 Godspeed, Mitzi.
— Nancy Sinatra (@NancySinatra) April 11, 2018
The Comedy Store announced it would be closed on Wednesday in honor of Mitzi’s death. Read their full statement paying tribute to her (below):
“It is with great sadness and very heavy hearts that we report the passing of Mitzi Shore, the legendary Godmother of the world famous Comedy Store. Mitzi was an extraordinary businesswoman and decades ahead of her time who cultivated and celebrated the artistry of stand-up comedy. She was also a loving mother, not only to her own four children, but to the myriad of comedians who adored her. She leaves behind an indelible mark and legacy and has helped change the face of comedy. We will all miss her dearly.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Motion Picture and Television Fund, where The Comedy Store has created a Comedian’s Assistance Fund ├óΓé¼ΓÇ£ https://www.mptf.com/donate.
The Comedy Store will be closed today.”
R.I.P., Mitzi.
[Image via Facebook.]
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