Entrepreneur started the LA Comedy Store

Mitzi Shore,  the founder of the Los Angeles Comedy Store who had a huge influence on a generation of comedians, has died at the age of 87.

She founded the venue in 1972 with her husband, the comedian Sammy Shore, and became owner two years later following their divorce.

Comedians who learned their craft on her stage include Robin Williams, Jerry Seinfeld, Garry Shandling, Jay Leno, David Letterman, Chevy Chase, Sam Kinison  and Jim Carrey. 

The venue issued a statement today saying: ‘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. 

‘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.’

Her children include the actor and comedian Pauly Shore.

Carrey created the US TV series I’m Dying Up Here,  based on his early stand-up days, with  Melissa Leo’s character Goldie Herschlag is said to be modelled on Shore.

However, her career was not without controversy. She  refused to pay comics who performed in her club, insisting it was like a college where comedians learned their craft.

In 1979 the comics stage a bitter six-week strike, and eventually she relented and agreed to pay comics $15 a set, which has reportedly never gone up since then.

But she supported comedians in other ways: loaning them money, providing digs in Los Angeles and making calls o try to get work for comedians she thought deserved it.

Yet she also had a sign in her office saying: 'It's a sin to encourage mediocre talent.'

Among those paying tribute today were Marc Maron, who tweeted: 'Mitzi Shore made an indelible mark on comedy and my brain. "You’re a poet. You should wear a scarf on stage."'

Fellow comic Al Madrigal added: 'RIP Mitzi Shore - She was and will forever be the most innovative and influential person in stand up comedy. The Comedy Store is not just a club, but a community where I've met friends that I will have for the rest of my life. Mitzi - Love you, you're impossible to follow.'

Published: 11 Apr 2018