The outpouring of shock and grief continues to flood comedian Greg Giraldo’s Facebook page. The beloved stand-up performer and sharp-tongued roaster died Wednesday in a New Jersey hospital, following an accidental overdose of prescription medication.
The 44-year-old Giraldo who was to appear at The Stress Factory comedy club in New Brunswick was found last Saturday night unresponsive in his hotel room.
The comedian best known for his appearances on Comedy Central‘s annual celebrity roasts and Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn, was rushed to Robert Wood Johnson University hospital where in spite of rumors he remained in critical condition.
However, on Wednesday, friend and fellow comedian Jim Norton tweeted a photo of the two with the message, “RIP Buddy.”
That was followed by a message from The Improv comedy club: “R.I.P. Greg Giraldo … – One of the funniest MFers ever to grace a comedy stage! Will be missed by all. So sad.”
In a statement issued to the Hollywood Reporter, Comedy Central said, “The tragic news of Greg’s passing hits us very, very hard. Greg has been a close member of the Comedy Central family for years, injecting his energy and wicked sense of humor into countless projects. The comedy community lost a brother today. Our thoughts are with his family.”
Many of Greg’s friends and fellow comedians turned to Facebook and Twitter to express their grief over the loss of one of comedy’s most talented performers.
Comedian Kurt Metzger said, “Whenever I ran into Greg anywhere he would greet me with this stupid effete voice that sounded like someone’s middle aged mom: “Hi Kurt! How did your skits go? I certainly hope everyone enjoys MY presentation!” It always cracked me up. Also he was the only reason I would enter Last Comic Standing. I know I’m not the only one who felt that way. He had a lot of respect from other comics and he deserved it. It’s a real loss.”
“Greg Giraldo was a good guy,” tweeted Louie star Louie C.K. “The kind of guy you’re always glad to see. Also a funny comic and person. He died today. Goodbye friend.”
Sal Governale from the Howard Stern Radio Show wrote on his Facebook page, “I’m numb! Greg was such an amazing comedian and a phenomenal roaster. He was the last of a unique breed with razor sharp wit, brutally honest and original. TODAY SUCKS. RIP Greg.”
Meanwhile, Patton Oswalt expressed his disbelief at the death of his friend.
“Really, Universe? Greg Giraldo?,” he wrote on Twitter. “Fuck off.” He added, “Just went way out of my way not to drive past Laugh Factory. If I see Giraldo’s name on that marquee, gonna lose it.”
“There are no words to express what a shame it is to lose Greg Giraldo. His smart humor was unparalleled and he will be missed for years to come,” tweeted Lisa Lampanelli.
In true roast fashion comedian Gilbert Gottfried wrote, “If Greg Giraldo is cremated, will that be the ‘Greg Giraldo Roast’?” he joked.
Giraldo, who was born in the Bronx and graduated from both Columbia and Harvard Law School, quit his one time job as a lawyer when he found his true calling was comedy.
He is survived by his four children and the legion of family, friends and fans, who love to laugh uncontrollably.
Matt Roberts is a freelance writer from New Orleans, LA, and has written for other well known publications. When not dodging hurricanes and oil spills, he enjoys spending time with his beautiful wife of 14 years and their large family of dogs.
