Mitzi Shore, a one-time powerhouse in the comedy business whose influence has continued to permeate comedy stages around the world long after she took a step back running the world famous comedy store, has passed away. Her son Pauly had been tweeting out that she had been on hospice, and asking friends to send messages to Mitzi while she could hear them. Mitzi died after suffering from Parkinsons Disease according to news reports. She passed away on World Parkinson’s Day.

Mitzi is survived by four children, Pauly, Peter, Scott and Sandy. Mitzi’s reign as the godmother of comedy began when she took over running The Comedy Store (owned initially by her husband Sammy Shore), which remains one of the most iconic clubs worldwide and continues to be a home where young comedians can hone their craft and develop into the greatest comedians in the country.

 

Comedians took to Twitter and Instagram to express love, gratitude and condolences this week.

Countless comedians owe their careers at least in part to The Comedy Store and Mitzi’s legacy- comedy giants like Robin Williams, Jay Leno, David Letterman, Roseanne Barr, Garry Shandling, Richard Pryor, Jim Carrey, Jimmie Walker, Andy Kaufman, Bob Saget, Richard Lewis, and Elayne Boosler.

Mitzi is survived by three other children: Peter, Scott, and Sandy and at least three generations of comics.