Although I was not a close personal friend of Pat’s, I knew him and was lucky enough to see him perform live on stage. I remember thinking the first time I saw him perform, “Wow, Dustin, maybe you’re not as funny as you thought you were.” I could tell right away that I had a long way to go to becoming a truly great comedian like Pat.

Pat Brice grew up on Chicago’s south side, and in the past few years he had become a standout talent on the Chicago comedy scene. He was co-host of The Visitors’ Locker Room, a comedy/sports radio program on Fearless Radio, and was also a contributor for the highly popular video/blog website Blerds. You could see Pat effortlessly capturing his audiences almost nightly at some of the best comedy clubs and showcases around the city. The audiences loved Pat’s onstage persona, and he was a great guy offstage as well according to his friends and colleagues. Those friends and colleagues, as well as Pat’s loyal fans, mourn the loss of a respected man and a talented comedian.

In the past I have used this column aptly titled “The Struggling Comic” to talk of the challenges we face as comedians and how unglamorous our lives can be in the midst of those struggles. I have discussed how comedians and entertainers can be immature, resentful, or fickle at times due to the competitive nature of our business. In the last few days the tragic loss of one of our own has caused me to reflect on my career and colleagues from a different perspective. While comedians can be self-motivated and fiercely competitive with each other, we can also be supportive and protective of one another within our tight-knit comedy community. We have our own form of sibling rivalry, but don’t forget that we are brothers and sisters bonded by our art and our dream. The response to this tragedy within our comedy brotherhood has been heartfelt and inspirational. Comedians and fans have posted memorials on the Internet, and comics have come together to honor Pat and to help each other cope with this loss. I am prouder than ever to be a Chicago comedian, and I am more than ever aware of how lucky we are to be here doing what we love with a group of talented people who inspire and challenge each other to be the best they can be.

Pat Brice left us much too early. He never got to reach the potential that his performances promised; however, Pat left a lasting mark that won’t be forgotten. Every comedian or audience member who ever saw him perform will remember what a talented individual he was, and they will remember the times that Pat lifted their hearts through laughter. We will miss Pat, but we will honor him by carrying on his passion for his art and by celebrating his life.

• "The Struggling Comic" appears exclusively in Lumino Magazine. Dustin White is a comedian/writer/actor living in Chicago. You can reach him through his Web site at www.dustinwhitecomedian.com.

Write Comment
Name:	Guest
Title:
Comment:
Code:*

Powered by AkoComment 2.0!