Remembering Greg Giraldo

Me and Greg Giraldo at the Tough Crown with Colin Quinn wrap party after its final episode was filmed

You might know Greg Giraldo as one of the funniest comedians on Comedy Central’s Roasts. You might have known him as one of the regulars at the Comedy Cellar in New York City. Some of you may even remember him from being on Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn. I certainly remember him for those appearances but also as one of the biggest influences in my life.

After a show I booked him for at my university, with Sherrod Small and Steve Byrne

I first saw Greg on TV in his 1st Comedy Central Presents special. As a young comedy geek, I lived for Saturday Night live, In Living Color and standup specials on Comedy Central and HBO (way before I should have been allowed to watch them!). He stood out with his wit and ability to talk about the mundane and political/social climate seamlessly in a single set. I never forgot it. I then became a HUGE fan of Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn and my admiration for standup comedy and Greg grew exponentially.

Photo I took of Greg and comedian Mark Anthony Ramirez

While my high school classmates were using fake IDs to sneak into dance clubs, I was sneaking into the Comedy Cellar and other stand-up comedy venues in Manhattan. Greg was one of the first comedians I met and it ultimately led me to eventually become a comedy producer for several years.

After a Tough Crowd taping

Everyone knows Greg was funny and had the intellect to out perform and out-argue just about anyone (raise your hand if you remember the infamous argument where he crushed the great Denis Leary!). He was also one of the nicest, best guys you could ever meet. When I started producing shows, it was a huge help to my reputation as a *very* young booker that I could get a name like Greg Giraldo to perform at my shows.

Unfortunately, Greg also battled demons which ultimately caused his overdose and death 5 years ago at the age of 44. What I remember most about those days were the calls. I will never forget the call I received from Liam McEneaney (I was co-prodcing his show, TELL YOUR FRIENDS!, at the time) letting me know about his hospitalization. I vividly remember calling the hospital he was in constantly to get updates on his condition. And then that final call from Liam letting me know that he had passed away.

I was in shock. I couldn’t believe we had lost one of the greatest minds and voices in the comedy world. I could’t believe I lost a friend and someone so important in my development as a person and in my career in entertainment. Part of me still remains angry that such a brilliant man could go in such a way. I have since learned to forgive and to let go.

I still remember him all the time. I still hear his voice clearly in my head as if we last spoke just yesterday. I think of him often and will miss him forever. The comedy world will never forget him. And as long as I’m around, I’ll do my part to make sure the world never forgets him.

Here’s how you can help me ensure no one forgets Greg’s legacy:

1. His Comedy albums and specials are still available for purchase and sharing online. Click on the images below to purchase his special comedy special and comedy album on Amazon.