Remembering Mitch Hedberg 1968-2005

In memory of Mitch Hedberg

A Tribute to Mitch Hedberg
by Jessica Di Palma


“You might have seen this next comedian on the David Letterman Show” but I believe more people have seen me AT THE STORE” and that would be a better introduction!”

That was the first excerpt I randomly watched of Mitch Hedberg; Mitchell Lee Hedberg to be precise! I sat and watched in awe as this absolute comedic genius spewed brilliant one-liners in the most subdued, quirky and down-right coolest of ways. I instantly became obsessed! Which rock had I been living under?! Well, apparently a huge boulder! I delved deeply into my elated state of Mitch-Mania.

At the same time, I was also forced to immediately accept the sad truth that he had passed on from a drug overdose a couple of years prior.


“I used to do drugs. I still do, but I used to too!”


He clearly made fun of his drug use on stage and yet, listening to him; you never deemed him to be a crazy man but rather an extraordinary comedic genius.

He was a kid at heart, making you feel like you shouldn’t forget to laugh and get lost in the simplicity and humour found in the mundane.


“My fake plants died because I did not pretend to water them.”


You’re left curled over from laughing so hard because his jokes were witty, clever and also left you thinking. You eventually “get it” and hope that everyone else “gets it” too. He was brilliant! A mastermind when it came to creating humour.

A fellow comedian once said that “Mitch didn’t have to worry about whether or not his stuff was funny because anything he said became funny!”


“Dogs are forever in the push up position!”


Hiding behind his long hair, sunglasses and shy smile; Mitch’s spirit radiated across the room. You watch a video performance of him and can’t resist smiling. You begin to feel an empathy towards him as you eventually realize the reality of his crippling stage fright and anxiety.

There was an air about him that we connected to!

What would have been of Mitch had he still been with us?! A question I choose to let go of.

As a fan, I miss him dearly and take joy in exposing my son to this legendary and revolutionary comedic appeal. There was only one of him! The mold crumbled and that dust settled into the hearts of those who loved him. To the master one-liner…thanks for the laughs xo


-Jessica Di Palma is a forever Mitch Hedberg fan

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