Mitchell Lee Hedberg (February 24, 1968 – March 30, 2005)[2] was an American stand-up comedian known for his surreal humor and deadpan delivery.

[3] His comedy typically featured short, sometimes one-line jokes[4] mixed with absurd elements and non sequiturs.

[5] Hedberg's comedy and onstage persona gained him a cult following,[6] with audience members sometimes shouting out the punchlines to his jokes before he could finish them.

In 1999, he completed his own independent feature film, Los Enchiladas!, which he wrote, directed, produced, and starred in.

[12][13] He recorded three comedy albums: Strategic Grill Locations, Mitch All Together, and Do You Believe in Gosh?, the last released posthumously.

[14] George Carlin, Dave Chappelle, Mike Birbiglia, Norm MacDonald and Lewis Black were among his comedian fans.

[7][15] Comedians Anthony Jeselnik, Bo Burnham and Ron Funches have listed Hedberg as an influence.

[16][17][18] Hedberg's stand-up comedy was distinguished by the unique manner of speech he adopted later in his career, his abrupt delivery, and his unusual stage presence.

On March 30, 2005, Hedberg was found dead in his room at The Westminster Hotel in Livingston, New Jersey.