FIRST TIME REACTING TO | MITCH HEDBERG "AN ESCALATOR CAN NEVER BREAK" REACTION

[@joeyboogenz]

He was one of the best of all time. Best .

[@marc_leblanc]

Mitch Hedberg was my favorite comedian. He had an original delivery. RIP.

[@brittreacts]

he is great!

[@eeds8860]

He still is too tho right?

[@xzonia1]

@@eeds8860 He passed away in 2005. RIP Mitch.

[@eeds8860]

@@xzonia1 I hope one day you get to understand the reference. But yes, RIP

[@krook06]

​@xylene actually, I think they were referencing another Mitch joke kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKKrcmh5frFjnMk

[@krw73]

One of the saddest parts of his documentary was that he suffered from extreme self-doubt. And because his jokes are so smart, it takes people a second to laugh and that short time lapse often made him feel that the joke failed...... He was literally a victim of his own brilliance.

[@alegendarywolf3278]

Yeah there is the original version of this special which is over an hour and a half long and he was bombing in the beginning until it finally picked up and people started laughing which are the jokes he telling at the special.

[@iReiGNxx]

This is my first time seeing his comedy but man, I really enjoy his clever jokes. It does make you think and then it hits you. Shame to hear he passed away.

[@FluxNomad678]

@@alegendarywolf3278 If it's the one I'm thinking of, the special wasn't even supposed to be that long, but he finally got the audience on board so wanted to keep it going.

[@EdmundKempersDartboard]

​@@FluxNomad678yeah, this is the one. The part where he's sitting down looking really bummed out... he really was bummed out because they weren't laugning.

[@kyletaylor2854]

And drugs. If we're being literal. Love Mitch RIP

[@jerridcook8811]

"I used to do drugs....... I still do, but I used to too!" - Mitch Hedberg He was definitely one of the best! R.I.P. Mitch!

[@satoristeve]

This joke really came back to bite him.

[@Ilikeryche]

That was good, and I like the "king size bed" routine too.

[@mztweety1374]

Sad but true

[@benpowersguitar]

Mitch was one of a kind. An absolute one liner genius.

[@alanela6761]

One of two..... Steven Wright is my other favorite dry comedian with a lot of one liners

[@justaguy6129]

You guys may also like Demetri Martin too.

[@alanela6761]

@Just a guy and Henny Youngman. King of the one liners....

[@brittreacts]

he is great!

[@alanela6761]

@BrittReacts you'll definitely want to check out more. I'd also highly recommend Steven Wright. Dry, monitone, never laughs, pretty much doesn't even smile, and genius with ridiculous funny things that make you wonder, "How did he ever think of that?"....

[@shaitanlavey]

Frank : I did not lose a leg in Vietnam so I could serve hotdogs to teenagers. Kelso : You got both your legs, Frank. Frank : Like I said, I did not lose a leg in Vietnam! IYKYK.

[@eloerch7]

70's Baby🤙

[@everyonelovesmajima]

Hello, welcome to the Hub. *May I help you?*

[@blazinjedi2008]

Was literally gonna comment That 70s Show was my introduction to him.

[@jerryactrik1901]

Mitch had debilitating stage fright, that's why his eyes are closed. I've also seen him do shows where he had his back to the audience for a lot of it.... I've also seen him lay down on the stage and try to do his show on his back ... his career and death were really sad, even though he was brilliant. I had tickets to see him at the Richmond Funny Bone and he never showed up... when we walked out I told my friend, "he better be dead somewhere"... a day or two later they announced he had been found dead in a hotel room In New Jersey. The whole thing honestly fucked me up, It's like 20 years later and every time I hear about or see Mitch Hedberg I still regret saying it.

[@ItApproaches]

Damn, that's rough, but not a fraction of how rough Mitch had it.

[@eolsunder]

yea the stage fright but he still liked doing it so much he pushed through it every time and entertained us. "I ran into this guy who was handing out flyers. He basically was telling me ... here.. YOU throw this out."

[@xzonia1]

Forgive yourself. Mitch wouldn't want you to carry that regret for his sake. He wanted to make people happy. :)

[@JCourts2k23]

He had terrible stage fright, he was a funny guy, passed to soon, in 2005, had a major drug problem

[@ANunes06]

Not that it's any consolation or anything you probably haven't heard before, but 1. You didn't do anything to him. 2. He'd probably laugh at the irony and tell you he loved you.

[@enslavedbyvegetables3407]

I loved him on That 70’s Show. His line: “hey! I didn’t go to Vietnam to get treated like this.” Them: “you weren’t in Vietnam.” Mitch: “like I said. I DIDN’T go to Vietnam.”

[@danielangelvega9067]

People who Believe in Ghost Don’t Believe in themselves~ Mitch Hedberg

[@MrToband]

"I used to do drugs, I still do but I used to too", that's one of my favorite Mitch Hedberg jokes, pretty sad though that drugs is what killed him.

[@jondoe9491]

He has thousands of jokes. He randomly mixes them up.😊

[@OctoberRiot]

Rip Mitch, he was my favorite comedian, was going to see him live but he passed in my city just before his show

[@jasongorkisch]

I had this dvd and it had the unedited version of the special. Comedy Central legitimately gave tickets to people who were unfamiliar with Mitch and his style, so there was a LOT of awkward silences. They punched it up in the edit, but you can definitely tell at times he's reacting to the silence

[@petermackenzie4788]

this man was a master of delivery, so many jokes that should not work totally do because of how he delivers it

[@jaceyad1]

YES! Love this guy. RIP Mitch. Please react to more of Mitch...he's phenomenal. Btw, he did appear on a few episodes of that 70's Show.

[@brittreacts]

that is so cool! I will keep it in mind, thanks!

[@karlajaeger2082]

He also was in "lords of dogtown".

[@CitizenScorn]

One of the greats. I was lucky enough to see him the year before he died when I was 16/17. He opened for Dave Attell and Lewis Black, and we didn't even know he was going to be there. He was listed as "special guest". When he came on stage first, everyone lost their damn minds. I still remember how much we cried from laughter and how much our faces hurt that night. RIP Mitch, and thank you forever ❤

[@nickparsons337]

Me too same tour man. The Pageant in St. Louis.

[@j.kevvideoproductions.6463]

I think Mitch was the most existential comedian ever. His jokes almost always make you think & get into his head. He voices things we've all thought of, but takes it just a little bit further.

[@JonH611]

The second punchline he later added to the "If you're flammable and have legs, you are never blocking a fire exit" joke is "Unless you're a table!" 😆

[@chrisdixon5193]

What a great way to end a show. "I love you guys. Thanks for coming to my show." Rally felt like it was from his heart,

[@LongGone77]

One of the most surprising things when you first watch Mitch Hedberg is how innocent all of his jokes are. He had serious substance issues (and ultimately died from that), hence, it's easy to expect his jokes will be all dark or twisted, but they're all just Dad jokes delivered from a stoner's mindset, as if he'd just get high all day, think of something that makes him laugh and jots it down on paper. lol. I always loved his joke about the family photo on top of the VCR. lol Loved him. Great reaction!

[@lawrenceshdow]

Ill always miss hedberg.. from my home town; some nice murals of him around. Guy was a legend. ANd one of the funniest guys ever.

[@gsxrman6319]

Steven Wright and Rodney Dangerfield have unique short joke styles, funny as hell . Mitch was awesome

[@brittreacts]

he was great!

[@marketsquareus]

@@brittreacts if you have not seen steven wright add him to the list. He is brilliant

[@ShitTot]

@@marketsquareus YES! Definitely Steven Wright. If someone likes Mitch they're 9 times out of 10 gonna like Steven Wright.

[@RQuinton79]

I can’t remember which 30 minute special he did, but the crowd was just not into it. He was a vet in comedy at this point, but the crowd was just weird. A few minutes before his special was about to end, he pretty much said “fuck it, we’re starting over” and then another 40 minute set and had the audience howling. No idea how much the staff liked it, but I’ve never seen a come back like that before. Unfortunately, as others have pointed out, he died early. Still, even in the short time he had, one of his more endearing qualities was how out of the way he went for other upcoming comedians. Mitch was a headliner, but even during that time he would travel to open for upcoming comedians who he felt just needed a chance. He and Steven Wright just dominated the one liner standup style. I’m sure all good comedians can pull off some great one liners, but to make it their entire show and still be funny, that is special. One thing to look out for, which is also entertaining, is how much he laughs and makes fun of his own jokes. Not like “haha, my jokes are so funny I laugh too,” but, “I tried to make another joke out of the joke I just told and now they both suck. I should not do that again.”

[@gsxrman6319]

@RQuinton79 Absolutely right on. I was going to recommend Wright and Dangerfield but creators ignore and trolls bash . I am sick of confrontation great 👍 on you rock on.

[@ronireynolds2580]

He would wear sunglasses and close his eyes due to stage fright. It helped him overcome it, then became his signature look.

[@johno1765]

That's funny you had a Pringles can at the ready. Fun Fact: The inventor of the Pringles can had his ashes placed in one of them after he died - original flavor.

[@brittreacts]

lol that is wild

[@philliplambson9482]

I just saw that on a crossword fact question.

[@todderickson2435]

Yes!! You discovered my favorite stand-up comedian! I love everything about Mitch: his quirky humor, his delivery, his insights on everyday things, his laugh, everything. He's actually buried in the same cemetery as my mom, less than a mile from where I live. RIP Mitch Hedberg.

[@whitegoldakarawstahh]

russet potato - poke holes on the whole surface, wet a paper towel, wring it out. lay out paper towel, Sprinkle salt over the whole surface. place potato in center and wrap it. put in microwave *if new- 4:30 min, if older model, 5-5:15 min.

[@Mazlem]

Many people haven't heard of Mitch, but I bet a lot of them have seen him at the store!

[@randdouglas5354]

And I say, hell yes I have. He likes kiwifruit.

[@mdxmikey]

Mitch was the best! My favorite! RIP young man 😢

[@jonroux9291]

"GO AROUND!" 😂

[@xanadu6784]

One of my favorite things about Mitch Hedburgs jokes is that for many performances, he gave the whole, "If you have legs and are flammable, you are never blocking a fire exit" joke here like normal. Then, all of a sudden, he added another line: "Unless you are a table". Brilliant. Like it was always there, and he just discovered it.

[@SMC5.0]

Thanks!

[@brittreacts]

Thank you!!

[@sd9150]

So happy I had the privilege to see him live

[@HereIsWisdom1318]

8:31--His donut joke is my ALL TIME FAVORITE JOKE!

[@jc5144]

Mitch Hedberg is my all time favorite comedian!! Gone way too soon! Thank you for doing this!! Also he had stage fright and he would wear sunglasses and put his hair over his eyes because a lot of times he'd have his eyes closed.

[@ericwilliams1031]

There is a longer unedited version of this special where the audience starts out indifferent and Mitch wins them over. I loved his stuff. R.I.P Mitch.

[@AJ-ut8cz]

They might have made him take a physical for insurance as part of his contract. They're gonna spend a bunch of money on him for the special. So they get him insured, and the insurance company makes him take a physical as part of their risk assessment. So they know how much to charge the production company for insurance.

[@xzonia1]

Yeah, that's standard. :)

[@satoristeve]

Was reading to see if anyone pointed this out yet. Thanks.

[@andrewhale4727]

Mitch’s genius becomes more apparent about an hour after you listen to him.

[@DJMoore82]

Oh I’m so happy you found Mitch!! One of my favorite comics. RIP, Mitch! Remember when HMack alluded to him in one of his freestyles and you were like, “Who?” 😆

[@Justin-nq6kf]

His best performance in my opinion is his Mitch All Together performance which is audio only. The delivery and vibes are on point

[@lawrenceshdow]

The joke after joke perfect timing king; carrot top. He is insanely well orchestrated. Amazes me every time.

[@Canadagraphs]

I think Mitch Hedberg is one of the most quotable comedians of all time, because of the fact he didnt have the 3+ minute story set pieces to get to the punchline. He was easily one of my top 10 favorite comedians of all time.

[@melissaisloud7404]

I adore Mitch. He never fails at making me smile. It’s too bad he couldn’t find the joy he brings to others for himself.

[@joshuamoyer8342]

Mitch was all the things everyone has said below but there was also something just so damn loveable about him. Like I just always wanted to give him a hug

[@Flameblade69]

It always amazes me how some comedians can make the most random mundane things sound funny. They don't even have to be in joke form they just somehow make it funny.

[@nickrizzi4927]

You are in tune with wit and wisdom beyond 30 odd years! Stay Gold! This Cat was unique and missed. Only a few like him and all great! Comedy forever!

[@darkmaer]

In Japan pringles has a tray inside the tube that you can pull out.

[@JesseJames7-8-9]

“I hate arrows. I’d hate to be killed by an arrow. When someone found you they’d say ‘dang, that dude’s dead. let’s go that way’” -Mitch

[@tingler1313]

Pringles was designed to use tennis balls cans, before they are to fragile for traditional vacuum packaging chips, check out the foods that made use.

[@IgoZoom1]

Mitch Hedberg was a comedic genius! He could say anything and make it hilarious! I was lucky that I got to see him live in late 2004, shortly before his death. And Britt, microwave baked potatoes are pretty good...oven baked are better, but I don't have the patience or the time! 😉

[@lordgenerias]

Mitch Hedberg was great. The delivery and timing of the jokes, the way he spoke, it all came together for some unique comedy that anyone could enjoy and appreciate. The best and brightest are taken far too soon.

[@trajectoryunown]

THIS be that boi. Mitch Hedberg is one of my top 3. Mitch was the rock star of comedy. Dude had such a unique way of thinking and a style that can't be replicated.

[@therombaro]

Mitch Hedberg was my favorite comedian. I mean, he still is, but he used to, too. Rest in Mitch, peace.

[@ethanpretre1113]

The physical likely has to do with it being a television production. Happens in movies too. Kevin Smith has mentioned doing physicals in preparation for directing his movies. It likely has everything to do with studios and production companies getting insurance on directors and actors in case of the unfortunate event something happens to them during filming - they might recoup some of the costs of reshooting or the project not coming out at all.

[@5after4am]

His first joke about the neighbor knocking on his wall was a true story about apts that a lot of comics lived in back in the early days and that neighbor was Tom Segura ,but they didn't know each other. Segura has talked about it.

[@justken1900]

It was Nick Dipaolo, not Segura. In the Mitch memorial show Nick talks about it. Mitch's set list said Dipaolo in the spot where that bit goes.

[@5after4am]

@@justken1900 You are absolutely right. I've even seen Nick tell the story on Cumia's show. Brit mentioned Segura during the reaction and my idiot brain inserted his name. Thx!

[@tresianyfb5865]

RIP. ❤

[@McGarrett0421]

I love your input to "Mitch Hedburg" . I suggest ANY of "Bill Hicks" Jams. He 's from way-back and tells stories.

[@krashd]

I used to love Mitch Hedberg. I still do, but I used to too.

[@Trix897]

I can only think of one reason why he would need a physical is for insurance purposes, since he was a known drug addict (mostly heroin). They would have wanted insurance in case he had to cancel due to an overdose or being unable to perform due to his drug use, so they could recoup their losses. This man was a goddamn genius as a performer, and it breaks my heart that he died so young when he had a long career in comedy ahead of him. Definitely one of my favorites.

[@joeyboogenz]

For 99.999% of us , doing 3 minutes of stand up would seem like an eternity .

[@chadferguson9075]

This guy was freaking great. He never had the jokes in any particular order. I've heard him do these same jokes in a different order. Just different shows and all. Glad you enjoyed Mitch RIP

[@nikopawlowic6557]

He was a legend, witty, and great at delivering a new perspective on everyday life. His comedy was brilliant. R.I.P. Mitch.

[@EbolaSandwich]

Mitch was a One-liner comic,similar to Rodney Dangerfield - one of the GOATS

[@unkierich]

Mitch was my favorite one-line comedian ever! I am pretty sure every clock that man had was stuck at 4:20. "I used to do drugs. I still do, but I used to, too"

[@curtismclay3754]

I hope younger generations appreciate Mitch's brilliance, in spite of his debilitating stage fright and insecurities; which most likely led to his death. RIP Mitch.

[@wvu05]

23:39 I didn't see _The Shawshank Redemption_ until after I saw this bit. I couldn't hear them mention the lead character's name without hearing Mitch Hedberg's voice.

[@dennispugh7368]

Still one of the greatest and one of my all time favorites!!! I can only imagine if he was still around how much hilarious content we would have

[@TSIRKLAND]

You've watched a lot of contemporary stand up comedians. I'd be curious to see how you react to the work of Victor Borge. Borge was a Danish classical pianist, as well as a comedian. His stage shows featured him telling jokes, and playing piano with hilarious twists and spoofs and jokes thrown in. He passed away in 2000 at the age of 91. He had a long, wonderful career in Denmark and America, appearing in films, television, and on stage. I had the privilege of seeing him live twice, in the 90s. He was as sharp and quick-witted as ever, right up to the end. I think you would get a kick out of his stuff. "Phonetic Punctuation" is a classic. His take on opera is hilarious, with him performing all the roles of a fictional opera, while seated at his piano. He had a routine where he was supposed to be the accompanist to an opera singer: she takes it very seriously, but he gets silly about it. He has a wonderful bit about Mozart. You should check him out.

[@UpYourArsenal]

"How do you remember all those jokes, in order?" --> In Mitch's case, he literally wrote them down on a piece of paper and referenced it on stage. Between his stage fright, and drug/alcohol use, he used the list to keep him moving forward. He explicitly references it in many recorded performances - one an official CD release.

[@jackasswhiskyandpintobeans9344]

10:02 When I bake potato's I deeply slice them lengthwise in several areas. It lets the water out and crisps the skin. They also cook faster.

[@bufordteejustice1119]

I got to see him twice in Baltimore. Great comic and a really nice guy. He signed our stuff and hung out for a bit. Thanks for sharing.

[@brittreacts]

that is awesome!

[@Sizzlemitimbers]

Mitch was a legend his cadence his delivery was one of a kind RIP Mitch a lot of other comedians have nothing but respect for him and consider him one of the greatest

[@Sueiza]

He had such a unique perspective on ordinary things. So sad I didn't know about him until he was gone. RIP, Mitch.

[@krisspanton7927]

Mitch hedberg was a great comedian. He struggled with addiction and was taken much to soon.. R.I.P.

[@josephmarrone7938]

Love your channel, please more Mitch Hedberg

[@brittreacts]

thank you so much!! I will keep it in mind, thanks!

[@alfreddaniel1994]

There are too many comedians that passed way too soon, and Mitch Hedberg is one of them. RIP.

[@robertlenzo3303]

I remember watching this as a kid and it was life changing lol just his laid back delivery, no real belly laughs but I found myself with a constant smile on my face the entire show and unable to turn away. Couldn't believe when he passed. One of my favorite comedians of all time.

[@crabbytrucker653]

So cool love mitch. Rip

[@MegazoneMusic23]

Because Mitch had stage fright, he would wear sun glasses and let his hair cover his eyes (which most of the time was closed) He gets so much credit for conquering his fears like that RIP Mitchell Lee Hedberg (February 24, 1968 - March 30, 2005) Well Miss you :(

[@iand654456]

I worked for his cousin at Amazon. She said he has always been like that. His family loved his jokes at family gatherings

[@clownzzz4837]

From everything I've seen of Mitch, he was like this on stage and off. I think Steven Wright has a similar style. Thanks for the reaction.

[@ngg4399]

One of my personal favs. To answer your question; Yes, he’s closing his eyes. Mitch suffered from serious stage fright and didn’t like standing in front of an audience. Wearing sunglasses and closing his eyes was his way of dealing with it. Great reaction. ✌️

[@KMI0588]

The physical is an insurance thing. When they have a big show lined up the management company that organized it gets insurance so they can cover the costs if the comedian can't perform for some reason.

[@evanmcd1986]

nice. R.I.P.

[@jackedattack8781]

Speaking of Mitch's cadence, he also did the voiceovers for Jimmy Johns sandwiches on tv and radio. This was maybe 20 years ago, shortly before he passed

[@W.O.P.R]

The fact that you get this gives me a smile ☺️

[@bravetitangrizzly]

There’s a handful of comedians that if you saw their set just written on paper, or heard anybody else do the exact same material, it wouldn’t be funny at all. I feel Mitch is one of those guys that only he can make his own jokes funny.

[@JB-nl7gh]

Mitch was one of a kind, thank you for your look

[@SMC5.0]

One of my all time favorite comics. Gone way too soon. RIP Mitch Hedberg 🥺 You should see his video on his stage fright. It gives his performances more context. Another cool video Brit. Thanks

[@xzonia1]

How I wish he'd been afraid of drugs instead of being on a stage. Miss him.

[@SMC5.0]

@@xzonia1 agreed! Although most his comedy stems from his drug use and experiences with drugs. But I totally agree and wish we could’ve had him without the drugs 🥺.

[@xzonia1]

@@SMC5.0 💙

[@SaltyPirate71]

Mitch was known to be a drug addict with heroin and cocaine problems. The producers wouldn't agree to finance the show until he got checked out by a doctor. They asked him about his drug use and especially about any drugs that could cause unanticipated, especially violent behavior like dissociatives and hallucinogens. PCP is well known for causing psychotic breaks and violent behavior. Mitch said that he occasionally used LSD, mushrooms, PCP and ketamine in addition to cocaine and heroin. He had to sign a legal document stating that he would remain free from the influence of drugs while performing for the special. If he didn't, he would have to reimburse the producers and would effectively be black listed. He died in a hotel room on March 30, 2005 after a heart attack induced by a "speedball" mix of heroin and cocaine.

[@cspaikido]

It's funny because it's called a "moving staircase" Escalator was the name of the company that made them.

[@johnnacourtway8305]

He takes simple little things and makes them funny and makes you think😂

[@APokeInTheEye]

I used to love Mitch Hedberg reactios! I still do. But I used to too!❤

[@GoddamnShark]

Eyes closed to avoid seeing a disappointed face.....those are his words!

[@timafterhours7062]

Aahh Mitch Mitch Mitch Hedberg...You Sir are very much missed! R.I.P.

[@mem1701movies]

10:00 I learned all about microwave cooking during the pandemic. Wash potatoes and leave wet. Then stab them. Then microwave for about 10 minutes. Use butter, sour cream and French fry seasoning. Also steak sauce for dip or BBQ.

[@pamagnolia]

Amazing how his mind works!! 😂 He was great! 😂

[@MrBlakeD82]

Mitch Hedberg was, is, and always will be absolutely amazing. He mixed some of the deadpan delivery of Steven Wright with the hilarity of a stoner comic. He also was in several radio advertisements for the Atlanta Thrashers.

[@thseed7]

For this Special, Comedy Central had packed the audience with people they gave free tickets to. The crowd was lifeless and Mitch was bombing for a good portion because of his unique style. By the end, he had won them over but the final Special edit pads the first 70% with laughs from the trail end. Mitch had some serious anxiety and struggled with the thought that people hated him. He frequently did his sets and kept his eyes closed to subdued those negative thoughts.

[@fredklein3829]

Discovered Mitch for his appearance on ''Dr. Katz Professional Therapist'' and have loved his material ever since. RIP Mitch! He wears sunglasses and appears to avoid eye contact with the audience bcz he suffered from terrible stage fright.

[@pompelmostique]

Love Mitch! So sad when he passed

[@TrianglesAndCircles]

Yes! More Mitch Hedberg please.