Mitch Hedberg

American stand-up comedian

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]

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
  • Stand-up
  • Film
Years active1989–2005
Genres
  • Observational comedy
  • Surreal humor
  • Word play
  • Non sequitur
  • One-liner
  • Deadpan
Subject(s)
  • Recreational drug use
  • Everyday life
  • American culture
  • Self-deprecation
  • Drinking culture
  • Food
Influences
Notable works and rolesStrategic Grill Locations
Mitch All Together
Do You Believe in Gosh?
Websitemitchhedberg.net

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

  • Strategic Grill Locations (1999) (Originally self-published, later re-released on the Comedy Central label, edited)
  • Mitch All Together (November 18, 2003)
  • Do You Believe in Gosh? (September 9, 2008)

Filmography

YearTitleRole
1999Los Enchiladas!Lee
2000Almost FamousEagles Road Manager
2005Lords of DogtownFrank Nasworthy (Urethane Wheels Guy)

TV appearances

YearTitleRole/Info
1998That '70s ShowEpisode 11, as Frank (Chef at the Hub)
Premium BlendEpisode dated May 23, 1998 as Himself
Late Show with David LettermanHimself (2 episodes)
1999Dr. Katz, Professional TherapistEpisode 67 "Past Lives" and Episode 73 "Garden", both as Himself
Comedy Central PresentsHimself
Late Show with David LettermanHimself (2 episodes)
Home MoviesEpisodes 104 and 105 as The Pet Eulogist and Mitch, respectively
2000Late Show with David LettermanHimself
2001EdEpisode 110 as Dave
Just for Laughs in MontrealHimself
Late FridayHimself
Home MoviesEpisodes 112 and 113 as Cop and Dr. Fizzel (Anger Management Counselor), respectively
Late Show with David LettermanHimself (2 episodes)
2002Saddle RashVarious voices
Late Show with David LettermanHimself
2003Late Show with David LettermanHimself
Late Night with Conan O'BrienHimself
Crank YankersHimself
2004Shorties Watchin' ShortiesEpisodes 4 and 9 as Himself
Late Night with Conan O'BrienHimself

References

Other websites