Mitzi Shore — founder and owner of iconic Los Angeles comedy club the Comedy Store — has died. Shore's passing was confirmed in a post from the venue on social media, though no cause of death was provided. She was 87.
"It is with great sadness and very heavy hearts that we report the passing of Mitzi Shore," the statement read, adding that the venue would be closed today. "Mitzi was an extraordinary woman and leader who identified, cultivated and celebrated comedy's best performers. She helped change the face of comedy and leaves behind an indelible mark and legacy in the entertainment industry and stand-up community. We will all miss her dearly."
Born Mitzi Saidel in 1930, she co-founded the Comedy Store in 1972 with husband Sammy Shore and comedian-writer Rudy De Luca. Mitzi went on to acquire complete ownership of the club as part of a divorce settlement with Sammy in 1974.
The Comedy Store served as a proving ground for young comedians in Los Angeles in the 1970s, boasting a roster of alumni that includes Richard Pryor, Bob Saget, Roseanne Barr, Billy Crystal, Mark Maron, Carlos Mencia, Jim Carrey, Chris Rock, Chelsea Handler and Robin Williams, among a star-studded list of others.
Shore's son, Pauly, had tweeted earlier in April that his mother had been in hospice, tweeting today that "my heart lays heavy." Find reaction to Mitzi's passing from the comedy world below.
"It is with great sadness and very heavy hearts that we report the passing of Mitzi Shore," the statement read, adding that the venue would be closed today. "Mitzi was an extraordinary woman and leader who identified, cultivated and celebrated comedy's best performers. She helped change the face of comedy and leaves behind an indelible mark and legacy in the entertainment industry and stand-up community. We will all miss her dearly."
Born Mitzi Saidel in 1930, she co-founded the Comedy Store in 1972 with husband Sammy Shore and comedian-writer Rudy De Luca. Mitzi went on to acquire complete ownership of the club as part of a divorce settlement with Sammy in 1974.
The Comedy Store served as a proving ground for young comedians in Los Angeles in the 1970s, boasting a roster of alumni that includes Richard Pryor, Bob Saget, Roseanne Barr, Billy Crystal, Mark Maron, Carlos Mencia, Jim Carrey, Chris Rock, Chelsea Handler and Robin Williams, among a star-studded list of others.
Shore's son, Pauly, had tweeted earlier in April that his mother had been in hospice, tweeting today that "my heart lays heavy." Find reaction to Mitzi's passing from the comedy world below.
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
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
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
