Del Close American actor, improviser, writer and teacher Date of Birth: 09.03.1934 Country: USA

1. Biography of Del Close
2. Early Life and Career
3. Chicago and The Committee
4. Influence and Teaching
5. Later Years and Legacy

Biography of Del Close

Del Close was an American actor, improviser, writer, and teacher who is considered one of the key figures who had a significant impact on modern improv theater. Throughout his prolific career, Close appeared in numerous films and television projects. He co-authored the book "Truth in Comedy" with his partner Charna Halpern, in which they outlined the structure of improvisational scenes known as the "Harold" technique.

Early Life and Career

Del Close was born on March 9, 1934, in Manhattan, Kansas. He grew up in a troubled household with an alcoholic father. At the age of 17, he ran away from home to explore the world but eventually returned and enrolled in the Kansas State College. By the age of 23, Close became a member of the cabaret show "Compass Players" in St. Louis. When most of the group, including Mike Nichols and Elaine May, moved to New York, Del shifted his focus to stand-up comedy, performing in the Broadway musical revue "The Nervous Set" and briefly joining the improvisational company "Village." Around the same time, Close collaborated with John Brent on the album "Speak Hip," a classic collection of Beatnik satire that became highly regarded by DJs worldwide and was one of musician Brian Wilson's favorite comedy albums.

Chicago and The Committee

In 1960, Close relocated to Chicago, which was meant to become his main creative hub. However, due to drug problems, he had to move to San Francisco. In the mid-1960s, Close became a member of the improvisational group "The Committee," touring with the "Merry Pranksters" team and even being involved in performances with the rock band "The Grateful Dead." Returning to Chicago in the early 1970s, he tried his hand in the comedy troupe "Second City" and directed "Second City" shows in Toronto in 1977, actively contributing to the development and success of many leading comedians.

Influence and Teaching

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Close collaborated with Charna Halpern in teaching improvisational techniques at the Improv Olympic theater. Despite experiencing the detrimental effects of emphysema, Close continued to consume tobacco while passing on his knowledge of improv. He appeared in several films, including playing a corrupt alderman in Brian De Palma's thriller "The Untouchables" (1987) and an English teacher in the comedy-drama "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" alongside Matthew Broderick. Close also co-authored the graphic horror anthology "Wasteland" with John Ostrander, published by DC Comics.

Later Years and Legacy

Eventually, Halpern invited Close to join his theater, "Improv Olympic," where Del worked with "Compass Players" producer David Shepherd for a while. When Shepherd and Halpern parted ways, Halpern made Close his partner. According to legend, Del's last words were, "I'm tired of being the funniest person in the room." Before his death, Close requested that his skull be donated to the Goodman Theatre in Chicago and be used as a prop in the production of "Hamlet," provided that the owner of the skull be credited as playing the role of Yorick. Del passed away on March 5, 1999, in Chicago, Illinois, at the age of 64. Actor and writer John Belushi once said, "Del Close had the most significant influence on me in comedy."