Del Close

Certainly! Here's a detailed biography of Del Close, an influential American actor, writer, and teacher renowned for his contributions to modern improvisational theater.

???? Del Close: A Legacy in Improv and Comedy

Full Name: Del P. Close
Born: March 9, 1934, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
Died: March 4, 1999, Chicago, Illinois, USA
Occupation: Actor, Writer, Improv Teacher
Years Active: 1960–1999
Notable Contributions: Co-founder of ImprovOlympic (iO), co-author of Truth in Comedy, mentor to numerous prominent comedians
Resting Place: Goodman Theatre, Chicago, Illinois

???? Early Life and Career

Del Close was born in Manhattan, Kansas, and developed an early interest in performance. At 17, he ran away from home to work in a traveling sideshow before returning to attend Kansas State University. By age 23, he joined the Compass Players in St. Louis, a pioneering improv troupe that later evolved into The Second City. Close moved to New York City, where he performed stand-up comedy and appeared in the Broadway revue The Nervous Set. He also collaborated with John Brent to record the satirical album How to Speak Hip, which became a cult favorite among DJs.

???? Chicago and Improv Innovation

In 1960, Close relocated to Chicago to work with The Second City, though he was later dismissed due to substance abuse issues. He spent time in San Francisco as the house director for The Committee theater and toured with the Merry Pranksters. In the early 1970s, Close returned to Chicago and rejoined The Second City, directing and performing in various productions. He also directed for the troupe in Toronto in 1977. During this period, Close mentored many aspiring comedians, significantly influencing the comedy scene.

???? Teaching and Theoretical Contributions

Close was instrumental in developing longform improvisation techniques. In 1984, he co-founded ImprovOlympic (later known as iO) with Charna Halpern, a theater and training center that became a hub for improvisational comedy. Together, they co-authored Truth in Comedy, a seminal book that outlines the "Harold," a structure for longform improv that remains a standard in the field. Close's teachings emphasized emotional honesty, commitment, and the importance of "yes, and..." in improvisation.

???? Film and Television Appearances

In addition to his work in theater, Close appeared in several films and television shows:

  • American Graffiti (1973) as a man at the bar

  • Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986) as an English teacher

  • The Untouchables (1987) as Alderman

  • The Blob (1988) as Reverend Meeker

  • Next of Kin (1989) as Frank

  • Opportunity Knocks (1990) as Williamson

  • Upright Citizens Brigade (1998) as the opening narrator (voice)

He also co-wrote the graphic horror anthology Wasteland for DC Comics with John Ostrander. Close's diverse creative endeavors showcased his versatility and passion for storytelling.

?? Final Years and Legacy

Close passed away on March 4, 1999, from emphysema, five days before his 65th birthday. In a unique final request, he bequeathed his skull to the Goodman Theatre in Chicago to be used in productions of Hamlet, with the program crediting him as portraying Yorick. However, reports later revealed that the skull presented was not his, leading to discussions about the authenticity of the gesture.

To honor his contributions, the Upright Citizens Brigade established the annual Del Close Marathon, a three-day event in New York City featuring continuous improvisational performances. Close's influence endures through the countless comedians he mentored and the improvisational techniques he pioneered.

???? Notable Students

Del Close mentored numerous influential comedians and actors, including:

  • Bill Murray

  • Mike Myers

  • Tina Fey

  • Amy Poehler

  • Chris Farley

  • Rachel Dratch

  • Stephen Colbert

  • Bob Odenkirk

  • David Koechner

  • Vince Vaughn

  • Jason Sudeikis

  • George Wendt

  • Matt Walsh

  • Horatio Sanz

  • Jerry Minor

  • Ian Roberts

  • Miles Stroth

  • Susan Messing

  • Dave Thomas

  • Tim O'Malley

  • Tim Kazurinsky

  • Shelley Long

  • Adam McKay

  • Matt Besser

  • Joel Murray

  • Brian Stack

  • Eric Stonestreet

  • Amy Sedaris

  • Andy Richter

  • Mitch Rouse

  • Brian Doyle-Murray

  • Ali Farahnakian

  • Aaron Freeman

  • Pete Gardner

  • Jon Glaser

  • Tim Meadows

  • Stephnie Weir

  • George Wendt

These individuals have carried forward Close's legacy, shaping the landscape of modern comedy.

If you're interested in exploring Del Close's work further, you might consider reading Truth in Comedy or watching The Delmonic Interviews, a documentary that delves into his life and impact on the world of improvisational theater.

Let me know if you'd like more information on any of these topics!

Articles by the author

There is something irresistibly funny about a funeral. More basically, I think the point is that beyond the deepest tragedy, there is laughter. Even in the midst of tragedy, there is always the possibility for it.

Del Close

It's a grim business, this being funny. Every time you come up with a strong, satiric idea, the world tops it.

Del Close

The kind of improv that I'm particularly addicted to is the kind that... aims at creating a momentary, fragmentary experience that has a totality to it. It's kind of like fireworks. It's the more ephemeral of art forms - once it's gone, it's gone, baby.

Del Close

The world is a slightly better place for having improvisation in it than it was before. There's something about it that says something positive about the human spirit, that a bunch of people can get together and by following a few simple traffic rules can create art and can entertain an audience and can thrill and exalt each other.

Del Close