One comedy legend is slated to play another in upcoming film Del, a narrative feature exploring an improviser’s bond with his mentor, the beloved and iconic Del Close.
Widely recognized as one of the most influential comic actors of the last century, Close was a longtime Second City performer who co-founded the ImprovOlympic Theater and was generally an unparalleled influence on comedy as we know it. Close served as a personal mentor to pretty much everyone; several generations of SNL stars, from Belushi to Poehler – and of course, including Myers – came up under his wing, and he was even appointed the show’s “house metaphysician” for a brief stint.
Offstage, Close was as eclectic as his performance style. He was notoriously unpredictable, with a fiery personality that endeared him to scores of celebrities who still remember him often and fondly.
Del will be directed by Betty Thomas (Private Parts, 28 Days) and was scripted by Nick Torokvei (son of PJ Torokvei, a Second City and SCTV alum known for his work on WKRP in Cincinnati).
For more historic background on Close, the 2016 doc Thank You Del: The Story of the Del Close Marathon – which explores the legend’s impact on modern comedy through the lens of his role in the growth of the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre – is required viewing.
