Twenty years ago, the comedy world was stunned by the death of beloved performer Mitch Hedberg, who was still on the rise not long after having released what would become his best-selling album.
Known for his absurdist, one-liner-style delivery, Hedberg was revered by fans and fellow comics alike. He made 10 appearances on The Late Show With David Letterman and has three stand-up albums, including Mitch All Together, released in December 2003 and certified gold in 2021. Hedberg, who had been dubbed “the next [Jerry] Seinfeld” by Time magazine, was found dead from a drug overdose at age 37 on March 30, 2005.
But his unique perspective has continued to bring joy to fans new and old, and Emmy-nominated filmmaker Jeff Siegel (Billy Joel: The 100th) is currently working to celebrate Hedberg’s legacy with a feature documentary. The movie, which does not yet have an announced title or release date, has wrapped principal photography and will include archival footage, home movies and interviews with loved ones, childhood friends and fellow comics.
“The world needs Mitch more than ever today,” Siegel tells The Hollywood Reporter about the anniversary of his death. “In these really complicated, divisive times, nobody can bring people together over hilarious yet ridiculous observations like he can. It’s nearly unheard of for a comic who hasn’t written a new joke in two decades to remain relevant in any way, and yet that’s exactly what Mitch has done.”
Mitch Hedberg
Leanna Bates
Hedberg was known for onscreen roles on such series as That ’70s Show and in films including Almost Famous and Lords of Dogtown. But as Siegel notes, it was his comedy appearances and albums that delivered countless jokes that continue to be quoted to this day, be it his observation that an escalator “can never break — it can only become stairs” or his confusion as to why anyone would need a receipt for a donut purchase.
“Mitch doesn’t look like anyone else,” Siegel explains. “He doesn’t sound like anyone else. He’s smart, cool, complex, enigmatic and devastatingly funny. Equal parts dreamer, artist and rock star, all combining in such a compelling, irresistible way that Mitch instantly seduces nearly any crowd.”
Siegel continues, “Audiences immediately sense his authenticity and vulnerability, so they root for him from the start. And then he unassumingly spouts off some of the funniest, most well-crafted jokes of all time. He hits you hard with one after another, seemingly out of nowhere. There’s a timeless universality to Mitch that transcends comedy trends and makes him infinitely sharable to audiences of all ages and backgrounds as new people continue to discover him every day.”
Mitch Hedberg
Jo Ann Colangelo
The filmmaker is uniquely qualified to helm a documentary about Hedberg, having met the comedian toward the end of his life. Siegel had hoped to follow Hedberg on a comedy tour, but sadly, the project never came to fruition.
“This is by far the most meaningful film I’ve ever made,” Siegel says. “My entry point was getting to meet Mitch on multiple occasions at a very formative time in my life. He was one of the sweetest, most genuine people I’ve ever met. I was hoping to follow him on the road for my thesis project while at NYU film school, but he passed away before that could happen. So for the last 20-plus years, this has been percolating.”
The forthcoming film has the support of Hedberg’s sister, Angie Anderson, and the team has interviewed more than 100 comedians, including Lewis Black, Jim Gaffigan, B.J. Novak, Margaret Cho and Dave Attell. Siegel, who produces the movie alongside Julie Seabaugh and Becca Kinskey, is proud that it will share aspects of Hedberg’s little-known origin story, from his Minnesota upbringing to his legendary status.
“What stands out to me after speaking with hundreds of people is the lasting effect Mitch continues to have on everyone he crossed paths with,” Siegel says. “So many people have finally opened up to speak candidly about Mitch after so long — as well as sharing all the materials they’ve saved to help bring his story to life.”
