Comedy matriarch Mitzki Shore died early Wednesday morning at age 87, according to her son Pauly.
Shore established the famous Los Angeles stand-up comedy club The Comedy Store in 1972. With her popular club, she groomed a generation of comedians who went on to become super celebrities. Robin Williams, Jerry Seinfeld, Garry Shandling, Freddie Prinze, Jay Leno, David Letterman, Chevy Chase, Sam Kinison, Byron Allen, Andrew Dice Clay, and Jim Carrey are just some of the comedians that performed on Shore's stage.
Shore’s death was confirmed in a statement released by The Comedy Store. “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,” the statement reads. “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.”
Shore not only helped comedians jumpstart their career but, according to Deadline, also gave them a place to crash and life advice on the industry. Many are mourning Shore’s passing online. Comedian Eddie Griffin tweeted, “She got me off the streets gave me a place to stay I worked 2 jobs; doorman & paid comic.”
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