Admired stand-up dies of pulmonary embolism

The American comedy world has paid tribute to stand-up Vic Henley, who died suddenly yesterday.

Based in New York, the Alabama-born comic suffered a pulmonary embolism over the weekend. The news shocked comedians around the country.

His niece Tatum brake the news on Facebook, saying: 'An amazing son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, boyfriend, and best friend to many... he loved us all so much and we hope he knows how much we love him.

'The world loved Vic for the smile and laughter he brought to us all. The amount of venues he performed in around the country and being nominated right times for Comedian of the Year tells you a small amount of the respect he had in his industry of work. And he loved his work because it brought him so many of his friends. His friends were also a part of his and our family.

'Last week, he was just telling me how much he loved his life. He showed us all how much he loved us by how he showed up for each one of us every single day.'

Henley was primarily a live performer, but did make stand-up appearances not the likes of Late Show with David Letterman and Gotham Comedy Live.

He also appeared on three episodes of Never Mind The Buzzcocks and twice on They Think It's All Over and once The Stand-Up Show in the UK in the late 1990s and early 2000s

Comics who paid their respects online last night painted the picture of a stand-up respected and liked by his peers.

Dave Attell posted: 'It's hard to come up with words when there is so much loss going on right now...But @VicHenley was a comic and a friend and his family should know that he will be sorely missed by many in the NY comedy scene.

Mike Birbiglia added: 'It would be hard to find a comic in New York who would say a bad word about Vic Henley. One of the nicest, funniest guys you could encounter. He played every club in this country and even ones that don’t exist. He had a story for every one.'

Jim Gaffigan wrote: 'So sad to hear about @vichenley. It hurts. Vic was such a warm special funny man. I was always excited when Vic was on a show because he greeted everyone with a smile and kindness. RIP peace buddy. You were always a light in a dark world. Thanks for being my friend.

Jessica Kirson posted: 'So horrible to hear about the passing of @VicHenley . What a sweet guy. He was hysterical, kind, and endearing. This is not an easy time for a lot of us. I’m giving every comic that had a relationship to Vic, a big hug. Love you all. Well let’s be honest, most of you.'

Here's one of his Buzzcocks appearances:

Published: 7 Apr 2020