Del Close was never a household name, but any comedy enthusiast is aware of his impact. From Bill Murray to Chris Farley to Amy Poehler, many of the most famous comedians consider him their mentor. Fifteen years after Del Close’s death, thousands of Improv students, comedy fans, actors, and successful comedians gather to celebrate the most important person in modern comedy that no one knows.
Acting
Genuine emotion from comedy legends who owe him everything
Direction
Balances archival chaos with tender memorial energy
Writing
Smart structure that builds Del's mythology without hagiography
Director
Todd Bieber
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Del co-created the longform improv structure 'The Harold,' still used at every UCB show.
The marathon became annual; Del's skull (per his wishes) now serves as a ceremonial prop at improv shows.
Del's famous 'wear your pain like a badge' advice directly shaped the confessional, trauma-mining style of 2010s comedy.
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