Every year, the comedy community gets together to pay tribute to one of their own. Brody Stevens - a comedy force of nature - was a favorite among comedians and comedy fans before he sadly took his own life in February 2019.
While Stevens played comedy clubs all over the country, his home was at The Comedy Store. And that’s just where fans and comedians gathered Friday night to pay tribute to the late comic on Brody Stevens Day. (Brody Stevens Day always falls on 08/18, a reference to one of his many catchphrases “818 til I die.”).
The event was organized by Comedy Gives Back, which helps comedians with mental health and financial relief. It featured a great night of comedy from some of the top comedians, including Jeff Garlin, Dane Cook, Marc Maron, Dean Delray, Sam Tripoli, Byron Bowers, Craig Gass, Teina Manu, Jessica Michelle Singleton, Darren Carter, Luke Schwartz, Don Barris, and Jeremiah Watkins.
What Jeff Garlin & Marc Maron said about Brody Stevens legacy.
“Outside of Brody, comedians generally don’t like each other,” said Garlin. Maron praised Brody Stevens' work ethic, saying that “Rarely has a comedian gone all the fucking way like Brody.”
Both sentiments are true. One of the main feelings you got from the event is just how much everyone loved Brody. There was no greater demonstration of that than Friday night. While there were of course lots of laughs to be had, it all came back to Brody, whose photo graced the side of the stage. Most comics walked over and touched it as they started or finished their set.
The night started out with a 10-minute montage of the man himself, and he still managed to generate big laughs even from the great beyond. To see it on the stage that he would close out at 1 AM every night - the toughest spot on the lineup, without question - made it even more special.
In addition to the event at The Comedy Store, there’s always a walk/softball game in Brody Stevens’ honor. Sadly, both were postponed due to Hurricane Hilary this weekend. But if you’re interested in donating to Comedy Gives Back, you can do so here.
