Comedian Kip Addotta, who made several appearances on “The Tonight Show,” has died. He was 75.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Kip Addotta earlier this week,” his family wrote on his Facebook page on Aug. 17.
“Thank you to all of his friends and fans who have supported him throughout his life and career.”
“His wit will be missed but his writings will live forever,” his family added.
No cause of death was given.
Born on June 16, 1944, in Rockford, Illinois, Addotta was also an actor, appearing in such films as “For da Love of Money” (2002) and “Bound for Glory” (1976), according to IMDb.
Aside from appearances on “The Tonight Show,” Addotta also appeared on “The Larry Sanders Show” (1997) as well as “The Dr. Demento Show” (1991) among others.
In 2018, Addotta wrote an autobiography, “Confessions of a Comedian” where he detailed his life growing up, from his rough upbringing, family ties to the mob, and how he became one of the most famous stand-up comedians in his time.
Following his death, several comedians and fans paid tribute to Addotta on social media.
“Saddened to learn of the passing of Paid Regular Kip Addotta,” the Comedy Store wrote on Twitter. “Our thoughts are with his family and his legacy will live forever with the club.”
Saddened to learn of the passing of Paid Regular Kip Addotta. Our thoughts are with his family and his legacy will live forever with the club. Say hi to Mitzi for us. #thecomedystore #kipaddotta #paidregular pic.twitter.com/EeSEpMpEiq
— The Comedy Store (@TheComedyStore) August 18, 2019
Actor and comedian Drew Carey also paid tribute to Addotta on Twitter: “Rip Kip Addotta. A major influence on my stand-up. He gave me so much advice about the mechanics and art of comedy. And also from just watching him onstage. Bless you, brother. And thanks.”
RIP @KipAddotta
A major influence on my stand-up. He gave me so much advice about the mechanics and art of comedy. And also from just watching him onstage.
Bless you, brother. And thanks. ????
“Go through the joke. Commit to the joke. And never ask permission to tell the joke”— ???????????????? ???????????????????? (@DrewFromTV) August 17, 2019
He added Addotta’s signature line: “Go through the joke. Commit to the joke. And never ask permission to tell the joke.”
Several people took to the comments on the family’s statement of Addotta’s passing.
“OMG!!!! I’m crushed!! My heartfelt condolences and praying you all find comfort in his memory,” one person commented, adding “I was JUST thinking that it’s been a while since he’d posted anything…He wasn’t just a FB friend. We spoke often on the phone and I will forever cherish his pearls of wisdom!…and of course, the laughs.”
Others expressed sorrow at Addotta’s passing, and shared their favorites.
I remember that song from my early college days. @wtue would play it often…and there was a video https://t.co/8nJrPDAOKV
— Ken Harlan (@krharlan14) August 17, 2019
