Paul F. Tompkins - The Worst Reaction You Can Have At A Funeral

#PaulFTompkins recaps all the absurd moments he found funny during his mother's funeral.
#PaulFTompkinsStandUp from the #JustForLaughs Festival in 2011.
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[@user-og6hl6lv7p]

"Oh how I wish you were a hundred more people" Saved his dignity right there, brilliant!

[@Tallbartender]

This crowd sucks Paul F Tompkins is a genius

[@hamsnnako1926]

I literally laughed out loud watching this alone in my room, this audience is COMPLETELY DEAD

[@OldMcEyeballs]

Just like Paul's mom

[@SortOfEggish]

Laughed out loud multiple times. Not sure what was up with this crowd.

[@nukeninmgt1504]

@Nelson Robert Willis I've lost both my parents at 18 and I thought it was funny. A little sad you're taking the death of a comedian's mother as seriously as if it were your own.

[@LSSTmusic]

@@nukeninmgt1504 it's baffling to me that you can live through losing both parents at that age and come out the other side with a complete lack of basic empathy

[@nukeninmgt1504]

@@LSSTmusic During quarantine I've been volunteering at my local Rescue Mission weekly and donating my blood as often as possible. I'm studying to become a therapist. You know nothing about me, and your attempts at reading so deeply into a single opinion say much more about how judgemental you are then it does about how empathetic I am. You're a self righteous douchebag, and if you don't understand that some people deal with grief with comedy then maybe you're lacking some *empathy.*

[@chubbyjubjub3593]

This was a hilarious set, this crowd I think is the type that laughs at dick/vagina jokes

[@whollypotatoes]

This venue notoriously doesnt mic the crowd, so recordings sound lame. In person is totally different.

[@hjelsethak]

I think i remember him talking about this taping. People were really awkward, yeah, but a lot of people came up to him afterward and told him how grateful they were that he talked about a really tough moment in his life. He shared that with the audience and I think the silence we hear is people processing his experience.

[@metascrape]

PFT is the man. Not sure why Just For Laughs uploaded this very tough set?! He even acknowledges how poorly the crowd is responding in the video! 5:52 (One woman laughs loudly) "Right? Oh, how I wish you were 100 more people!". Bizarre. The material is very raw and personal and the crowd just isn't primed for it, which is a shame, because Paul is one of the best comics out there.

[@JJKoester]

This, ladies and gentlemen, is what balls of steel look like. You think he was unaware that a 10-minute set on his mother's funeral wasn't going to have them rolling in the aisles?

[@jacktheripper7825]

Honestly, I was expecting that crowd to start throwing ice cubes

[@stephenmarseille5425]

I think PFT talks about this set on Spontaneanation... how it went so badly he literally walked off the stage and straight out of the venue without stopping. But then later had all kinds of people coming up and telling him how great it was. He seemed to conclude it was a Canadian Politeness thing.

[@melissabethrosebean]

Holy shit, I think you're right! I wish I knew which episode it was. But yeah, I definitely remember him talking about this.

[@Poonshine637]

Jesus this seems like he’s performing at a funeral

[@TheZigzagman]

More like at a mortuary. One warm body and a room full of stiffs.

[@sirris4330]

I’ll explain a bit .. they don’t mic the audience at jfl… it’s bad set up for sure though

[@ThePumpkinToad]

Haha wtf at 3:45 you can just see the haughty derision all over the faces of most the people in the crowd. This is a great bit and those people are too uptight. This is such a brilliantly unique, yet relatable, perspective on funerals that's so spot on

[@apexkilla]

5:55 I love how, with class, he called out that terribly lame audience

[@pastorpearson]

"Oh how I wish you were a hundred more people". Well done.

[@robbieclark7828]

What a champ, dealing with this awful crowd.

[@ChrisPearson1337]

HOLY SHIT! I know everyone's commented on it, but wow...! Those were living people in the audience right? Paul is demonstrably funny EVERYWHERE ELSE!

[@scorpio1644]

What a professional sticking with his set and not faltering so well as if this crowd wasn't goddamn asleep!

[@JCResDoc94]

It is people like you that make funerals like this so great.

[@MacSmithVideo]

haha that audience is awful.

[@DmNetworks]

He was awful about his stupid joke. The beginning that he cried when his mother died is was obviously a lie considering that all he cared about was his brother being late and how can he get the hell out of there. He is just a piece of human trash and not hiding it very well.

[@sealabtucker9278]

@@DmNetworks considering this story killed on "You Should Have Told Me," it's fine to believe that Montreal doesn't do humor as well as the States.

[@JamesRone]

@John Smith Wow! Real tone shift between your two comments above!

[@babarhead6956]

@@sealabtucker9278 Montreal is actually a terrific comedy city

[@DmNetworks]

@@pashadyne well I don't do standup

[@TheDude4077]

When you've played a dozen or so gigs you learn that some audiences just suck, and no matter what you do, that audience is just going to suck, not get involved, and generally just kill the mood. This is a perfect example of such an audience. This stuff is on point and this crowd is just too uptight

[@dresdenvisage]

I get that you kind of have to know Paul before you can find this bit funny. I've heard him do this one for an audience of his fans and it kills. These days he still pulls out a dead parents joke now and then, and it cracks me up every time. He is such a real person. So many layers, so smart, yet imperfect. If you cruised in here and this is your first taste of his comedy, I urge you to check out something else of his. Try Cake vs. Pie, why don't ya? Or how about Penut Brittle or Smashed Pennies?

[@meghanmaddock4803]

Liz Bradley I laughed like crazy at this - must be a PFT-lover thing.

[@SeventhEve]

+Liz Bradley Is there a secret foam signal we can give when we see each other outside of the corner?

[@solodolotrevino]

It’s funnier when you know what a nice guy he is. When I first heard of him on those VH1 “I Love the..” shows I thought he was a bit of a prick (which was so wrong and I was younger)

[@Mama_Pills]

I’ve found most audiences just don’t get him for some reason. I love me some PFT

[@tannerstiverson]

If he went to a funeral and described a comedy show he'd get a better crowd response.

[@zub7]

tough crowd...

[@Roenazarrek]

zub7 Seems that way but did you really find yourself laughing? I came close a few times, he didn't bomb or anything but it was slightly uncomfortable.

[@conedx]

i think it's more that it's an entire set about his mom dying. that's a hard thing to do if you aren't in front of a crowd that knows and GETS you. i thought it was hilarious all the way through, but i understand the reaction. most of those people probably have no idea who he is or what he does.

[@doctordistracto8390]

There's zero chance this was anyone in the audience's first exposure to awkward situation humor. They are just not intelligent people.

[@conedx]

"they don't like the same humor i do, so they are dumb." how reasonable of you.

[@jjmanzano9]

Tough material

[@benjablessed964]

" I won't go back for the father's I can tell you that much" ... lmfao

[@MrKhaosKid]

I applaud him purely on the premise of using death in his material. That's a hard thing to turn into humor.

[@sleepylionking1103]

For my family, it’s basically natural to use death as a joke. Death is never a taboo in my family which I’m glad about.

[@MainDrainStudios]

is Just For Laughs the youtube account that uploads the worst sets from great comedians over the years?

[@JeremyWinter]

Funny and true and true and funny are not the same. Well done.

[@KEVVYOFFICAL]

well, at least now I know one of the greatest living comics can have a crowd like that.

[@magicpowers]

Canada audience 👎

[@blahhhh581]

He, Little Janet Varney, Marc Maron, and Jackie Kashian. My idols :) Such sweet, loving people. Fighting the good fight, they all bring tears to my eyes. In a good way...God Bless!!

[@da8675]

In my opinion Paul F Tompkins is the best Standup comedian ever, and yet I find the premise of these jokes to be about the toughest choice for any comedian.

[@KevinLanigan]

I really loved this set. Touching and funny.

[@lippskiid]

I am impressed, entertained, and also taking mental notes. Thank you Paul.

[@samuelrautbord6221]

I laughed so hard I started crying

[@livelovelattesxoxo4488]

This was really good. It's so real

[@Penguinssss]

Comedians are usually depressed. If this is his way of dealing with it in the most positive manner, I think he killed it. Fuck the crowd. I laughed a ton.

[@Mike9201984]

"it's people like you who make funerals like this so great"

[@jocelyndejung510]

This guy is great.

[@briankiernan7501]

Bad crowd. Paul is so charismatic I'd laugh at any set he'd do. Really liked this

[@annangel4828]

You are a brave man PFT. I enjoyed you being so real. LOVE YOU.

[@giareneeble]

“Hold your applause.” LIKE???? THAT SHIT WAS HYSTERICAL I hate this crowd so much omg

[@callen8908]

True comedy presses on sensitive topics and makes things more sensible and honest. Great comedian

[@Mike9201984]

Dude, that shit was real. I got quiet, myself, when I started thinking about my mom who is still alive.

[@maxolotl3]

"Nature finds a way." lol

[@bobbeban342]

The crowd is not on board at all, and it’s their loss. It almost makes this funnier. Kudos to him for just sticking with it all the way

[@MegaFunky007]

This was awesome! Very dark therapeutic humor, screw you haters!

[@leandromoreno6467]

I laughed and felt sad at the same time.

[@Equus21]

LOVE Paul! I'd love to see him live..such a great guy! Mr. Peanutbutter! :3

[@odomi121]

Genius! Very deep humor. The joke is on the audience cringing as he tell the jokes.

[@MATTMAN92ish]

Love PFT this was perfect

[@HonkIfYouLoveHonking]

One of the best.

[@JazzyJonas]

I don't think this is Paul's best material, but I truly admire his bravery. I wonder if he was trying to improve his comedy chops by attempting to make light of a dark, uncomfortable topic at a comedy variety show, just to see if he could pull it off. I think Carlin would approve.

[@ThawedTroglodyteJury]

+Jonas Butler The grave site part was hilarious and beautifully measured. Seems like an immature, sheepish crowd.

[@richym3899]

+ThawedTroglodyteJury True. Fuck that crowd

[@jjmanzano9]

The set just isn’t very funny; it seems more like therapy for Paul

[@godevils2001]

"I won't go back for the father's, i tell you that!!" Lamest crowd ever to not fall on the floor laughing at that line

[@IGYAH]

Loved it

[@shawnphillips1612]

I can relate with this on multiple levels

[@TazTalksYouListen]

Wow, that was a brilliant piece of comedy wasted on a Canadian crowd fast asleep.

[@cameodamaneo]

Nice casual racism.

[@williambertels8257]

Cameron Pearce Canadian isn't a race. You can barely even consider "casual nationalism" as offensive at all.

[@blahhhh581]

I love PFuckingT so much :)

[@ohheydarciemae1121]

I lost my dad in July, and it's good to see that this darkness shit ends. Whew.

[@doctordistracto8390]

Sorry for your loss, and for everyone telling you they're sorry for your loss.

[@EGOS42]

It certainly isn't easy but life does eventually move on. People who say "Everything is OK" mean well but they aren't right. Trust the wisdom of those who say "Everything *will* be OK" for they understand it takes time to get through it.

[@GoodJuju.8D]

It's probably dumb replying to your comment from 5 years ago, but it touched me. I do hope you're doing well and the dark clouds have parted leaving warm memories of your dad. this is the first time I've heard this bit. And while amusing, it did remind me that my parents will die someday and that thought always scares the shit out of me.

[@br41nb0x7]

"Nature finds a way."

[@bjones8470]

Man if I were there I’d have been cracking up!!! These people are weird. Just them being so quiet would have made it even funnier.

[@gio289]

Wow what a bomb Paul lol

[@brianthomas2434]

What struck me was Paul and I lost our mothers the same year, but I'm fourteen years older than he. It must have hit him harder, yet two years later he could make humor from it. I don't forget she's gone. Not awake. Often I dream of her. My first thought when waking is, "Oh, yeah. She's dead." Hope I didn't bring anyone down.

[@btnhl]

With the possible exception of Otis Nixon, Paul F. Tompkins is the most handsome man alive.

[@TheWorldAccordingToArf]

Holy Crap! That's intense terrain! I totally agree with the consensus, the audience stunk. I have an explanation. People tend to ingore their humanity by not incorporating the uncomfortable facts of being, Their self was not able to bridge its way to meeting Paul. Ben Wharlock, in the comments here, said it more consisely (not that he would necessarily agree with me). Well done, Ben! Funny as f*ck.

[@Lawsonomy1]

2:12 "I wish someone would tell you what you are supposed to do when you go to a grave." That's the thing about graves, there is nothing you are *supposed* to do. Graves aren't for the dead, the dead are gone. The Graves are for the living to help you morn. You do whatever you want at a grave (within the law). Pray, weep uncontrollably, tell stories of the departed with loved ones, stand in silence, get drunk, have a picnic, leave immediately ... it doesn't really matter.

[@scaryfaced1]

Every damn Just For Laughs video features my favorite comedians bombing viciously, over and over again. It's unique, I'll give you that. I'm just sorry that the crowd was held hostage at gunpoint for so long.

[@Carlteezus]

+scaryfaced1 I feel like the audience wasn't miked, which also didn't help.

[@eatingfear3580]

Paul F Tompkins is the best

[@brandonlovell3848]

I almost forgot where I was (KZbin) and posted a heart felt comment. Whew! That was close. Sorry for your loss, but not as sorry as you.

[@momotheelder7124]

While I like comedy that deals with uncomfortable or taboo subjects, somehow in this one the sadness of the story registered with me more than the humour, I found it hard to laugh- the 'I forgot she was dead' part for example. His torment while going through it came through more than his jokes-for me at least.

[@EGOS42]

Comedy is pain. I left this one feeling sad too but I laughed along the way.

[@raymondm7559]

A+

[@pugapuff2127]

is the crowd doing the try not to laugh challenge or what lol

[@BixDugan-tf3lx]

I feel you Paul

[@vanessacruz3009]

I love how all the top comments are about how much the crowd sucks. I came here to say the exact same things.

[@nathanjodoin3213]

This crowd is way too dead for this material. This is great stuff.

[@Hmm...Whats-Their-Name]

This is amazing. Relate soooo much. Fuckin cracked up

[@philmartin3406]

Wow tough crowd... I guess talking about your recently deceased mother does kind of bring the crowd down. Who knew!! 😂 BUT... it was still way funnier than the they gave it credit for, PFT is the man!

[@patrickvalvardy6279]

Did he get a free churro?

[@BigMek667]

this kind of comment is exactly why I went to the comment section. I laughed. Hard. Thanks man

[@glenn2277]

Awesome jokes, awful crowd ... Except for that one person

[@Dfturcott]

There should be a warning saying “this video contains depictions of two people dying”

[@chimchimcharoo56]

the funniest part is when he had to say "if you get the reference" which nobody did

[@Gibsk]

Mr Peanut Butter!!!!!

[@beakyfree7023]

'i'm so sorry for your loss' - '... apology accepted'

[@moniquetrudeau5571]

The crowd must have acquired their personality at a car crash

[@cjmst3k]

Tough crowd!

[@d48731]

Does anyone know of another recording of this? I swear it was on one of his albums but I’m not finding it right now :/

[@funkyfreind2345]

Never knew Pablo Escobar was so funny

[@ingeborgschmidt-huser9299]

funny stuff

[@jgilmer]

Wow! What a grim crowd.

[@thesavage2459]

@Nelson Robert Willis 🙄

[@lesfaul4924]

Yeah, it's like he made a joke about the Bataclan in there.

[@peralesdavid]

I don’t think it was a bad set or bad crowd.. I think the opposite it was such a great story it pulled you in to really pay attention .. pft is the best !

[@dustyb58]

8:12 just the other day?

[@jerryleungwh]

What is this, a crossover episode?

[@haydenfredrickson386]

He looks like tucker Carlson in disguise in this

[@dannfox3619]

"I won't go back for the father's"

[@sealabtucker9278]

Canadian crowds are a different breed. Bill Hicks had the same issues.

[@ciudadrockguatemala]

Mr. Peanut Butter

[@doccomics1995]

"Huh. I can't believe Mom is ghosting me..."

[@patrickmarquez5636]

Thank you Paul , our human perceptual interpretations are so lame sometimes

[@lermankatisen7698]

Mr. Peanutbottle !!

[@Flammenhagel]

Mr penisbudder

[@megharoni]

This set is good for those of us monsters laughing at home but I think people were afraid to laugh in crowds...

[@b._.b00]

this is mr. peanutbutter’s free churro

[@hippojuice23]

Seattle?

[@carlosparra8976]

Is this thwe dog from bojack horseman?

[@IKNOKWORLDWIDE]

yes

[@jacoblapsley4744]

Yep it's Mr. Peanut Butter

[@NYCybertruck]

Mr. PeanutButter is one word don't write one word

[@lauriejean9306]

oh my gosh somehow this is heartbreaking :(

[@grouchingtiger]

Oof. Love me some PFT but he bombed.