Comedian Robert Schimmel Passes Away
It’s a sad time in the comedy world. E! reports standup comic Robert Schimmel passed away on Friday evening at a Phoenix, AZ hospital at the age of 60. He succumbed to injuries he sustained from his August 26 car accident.
The funnyman had been in the hospital for a week following the crash. Schimmel and two of his children were in a car when it flipped over on Arizona’s Interstate Highway 10. He and his 11-year-old son were passengers in the car driven by his 19-year-old daughter. The car rolled over after she swerved to avoid and accident in her lane. His daughter is still in the hospital, but is said to be in stable condition. His 11-year-old son did not receive any injuries.
At the time of his death, Schimmel was suffering from cirrhosis and awaiting a liver transplant.
Schimmel has recorded five comedy albums that feature his x-rated comedy. He made many appearance on The Howard Stern Show and Late Night with Conan O’Brien. His battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was the inspiration for his book Cancer on $5 a Day (chemo not included): How Humor Got Me Through the Toughest Journey of My Life.
The comedy community has been expressing their deepest sympathies for the loss of one of their own via Twitter:
Jimmy Kimmel: “Robert Schimmel was one of the funniest and nicest guys in comedy.”
Dane Cook: “Robert Schimmel was one the first people in comedy to call when my folks were fighting cancer. No ego no bs no small talk just inspiration.”
Penn Jillette: “I’m so sad about Robert Schimmel dying. I’ve been checking the news for 3 hours hoping it wasn’t true. He was very funny and wonderful.”
Marlon Wayans: “Robert Schimmel thank u 4 the laffs!!!”
Jim Gaffigan: “RIP Robert Schimmel. Really funny. Really nice. Really will be missed.”
Marc Maron: “RIP Robert Schimmel. Truly one of the greats. Very sad day for comedy. He was a real fighter.”
Joe Rogan: “If this has been confirmed, it's terrible news. He was one of the nicest guys in comedy. F--------k. I loved that dude. He was SUCH a nice guy, and f--king hilarious.”
Sarah Silverman: “I'm happy to say I licked the big C. And I beat cancer." -Robert Schimmel RIP”