Ron Shock

Here is a detailed biography, analysis, and selection of quotations for Ron Shock (Howard Ronald “Ron” Shock), the American comedian and storyteller:

Ron Shock – Life, Career, and Memorable Quotes

Discover the life of Ron Shock, the American storyteller-comedian known for transforming real-life newspaper stories into comedic performances. Explore his biography, career highlights, style, famous quotes, and legacy.

Introduction

Ron Shock (born Howard Ronald Shock, October 19, 1942 – May 17, 2012) was an American stand-up comedian and storyteller.
He was especially noted for his long-form storytelling style, often re-creating—and exaggerating—interesting or bizarre episodes from newspapers or real life.
Shock became something of a “comedian’s comedian” — widely respected among peers but less of a mainstream household name.

Early Life & Background

• Howard Ronald “Ron” Shock was born October 19, 1942, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

• His biography notes that during his early life, he held many roles—some true, some part of the mythos he cultivated—including being a student of the priesthood, a chain gang member, a jeweler or thief, a prison inmate, a vice president at Macmillan Publishers, and an inventor with patents in electronics.

• However, much of this narrative blends fact and legend; Shock himself used to claim that “diversified background” as part of his comedic persona.

Though these more colorful claims may have been exaggerated, they served to build the mystique around the storyteller-comedian persona he embraced.

Entry into Comedy & Career

Late Start & Breakthrough

• Shock started his stand-up comedy career relatively late—at about age 40—which is unusual in the comedy world.

• Early gigs included performing at The Improv in Los Angeles, where his work eventually led to a guest spot on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.

• It is claimed that he was the last new comic Johnny Carson introduced before retiring—a kind of symbolic passing of the torch in stand-up history.

Storytelling Style & Signature Approach

• What made Shock stand out was his storytelling approach rather than punch-line driven stand-up. He often took an anecdote or newspaper story and dramatized it, adding tension, character, and humor.

• He called his style “comedy from a life fully lived.”

• He toured extensively—working 40 weeks a year for long periods.

• Shock also formed part of the Texas Outlaw Comics, along with other comics such as Bill Hicks, Riley Barber, Andy Huggins, Steve Epstein, and others.

• He occasionally performed in a one-man show format (for example The Storyteller) with musical accompaniment.

Throughout his career, he remained a respected figure among comedians, often appreciated for his craft rather than his commercial fame.

Personal Challenges & Later Years

• In 1998, Shock’s longtime girlfriend Ellen Herrington was severely injured in a car accident. Shock took time off from performing to care for her.

• After Ellen’s death (circa 2002), Shock relocated to Las Vegas, where he resumed touring and comedy.

• In late 2011, he was diagnosed with urethral cancer, a rare and aggressive disease.

• He publicly documented his treatment and struggles via video blogs titled Cancer Chronicles and kept his fans apprised of his condition.

• Ron Shock passed away on May 17, 2012, at age 69, in Las Vegas.

Legacy & Influence

• Among comedians, Shock is often cited as a “comedian’s comedian”—someone whose skill and voice were widely admired, even if he never became a mega-star.

• His control over pacing, narrative tension, and character development in storytelling influenced other comics who seek to blend theatrics with stand-up.

• He remained humble about his place in the comedy world, referring to the ups and downs of life with humor and grace.

Famous Quotes by Ron Shock

Here are several memorable quotes attributed to Ron Shock:

• “I prefer to have one gigantic laugh preceded by several smaller laughs rather than a bunch of medium laughs all along.”

• “It has been a wonderful life for me. It’s just been a blessing. I can’t say I would have done it any other way. I have no regrets. I like what I do.”

• “Each piece I tell stands on its own, and then it all ties together. It segues from story to story, and then I wrap it up — like three-piece movements in a symphony.”

• “I came to Vegas because I wanted to, not because I thought it could help my career. I didn’t even know they had comedy clubs here.”

• “I’m a storyteller. I’m not like any other comic. I tell detailed stories — not made-up stuff, but true stories.”

• “I only have eight jokes, but I can do ’em over a two-hour period of time.”

• “Most people are used to the TV comedy method of one joke every 18 seconds. And that’s why it’s not funny… There’s no time for anything to develop.”

• “I look at things logically. The humor I do is to go from A to B to C to D, and F is the funny.”

• “I’m an orator, a raconteur.”

• “I didn’t get rich and famous, but I do what I love.”

These quotes reflect his identity as a storyteller, his emphasis on structure and pacing, and his often philosophical view of life and comedy.

Lessons from Ron Shock’s Life & Work

From his unusual path and approach, several lessons emerge:

1. It’s never too late to start
   Shock began serious stand-up in his 40s, showing that passion and persistence can overcome late beginnings.

2. Narrative and pacing matter
   His success was built not on punchlines, but on storytelling arcs, character, and timing.

3. Authenticity over flash
   He leaned into his lived experience—his odd jobs, life stories, setbacks—as the raw material for comedy.

4. Humor in adversity
   Even during illness and decline, Shock remained open and funny, integrating struggles into his narrative.

5. Peer respect counts
   Fame is one thing; being admired by fellow artists for craft is another—and Shock succeeded in the latter.