Del Close

Del Close was an influential American actor, improviser, writer, and teacher who became a central figure in the development of modern improvisational theatre. He is best known for his long association with The Second City in Chicago and for mentoring generations of comedic performers. Close co-authored the seminal book Truth in Comedy and helped develop the iconic Harold long-form improv structure, leaving a profound legacy on American comedy.

Early life and career

Del Close was born in Manhattan, Kansas, and developed an early interest in magic and performing. He began his professional career in the mid-1950s, joining the touring company of The Compass Players, an early improv troupe that was a direct precursor to The Second City. During this period, he also performed at the Improvisational Olympic in its early incarnations and began to formulate his rigorous, principle-driven approach to comedy. His early work brought him into contact with foundational figures like Elaine May and established him within the burgeoning Off-Off-Broadway and avant-garde theatre scenes of the time.

Improvisational theatre work

Close's most impactful work began with his tenure at The Second City, where he served as a director and teacher for many years, shaping the style and philosophy of the famed troupe. He was instrumental in the development of long-form improvisation, particularly through his work at the ImprovOlympic (now i.O.), where he, along with Charna Halpern, refined the Harold structure. Close emphasized principles of "group mind," "yes, and," and truthful, scene-based work, which he codified in the essential text Truth in Comedy, co-written with Halpern. His teachings directly influenced the creative processes at The Second City and Saturday Night Live, where he later worked as a writer and performer.

Influence and legacy

Del Close's influence on American comedy is immeasurable, as he mentored a who's who of performers who would define comedy for decades. His students include iconic figures from Saturday Night Live like John Belushi, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Gilda Radner, and Chris Farley. Beyond SNL, his teachings impacted the work of actors and writers at The Groundlings, the Upright Citizens Brigade, and countless other institutions. The annual Del Close Marathon in New York City honors his legacy, and his philosophies continue to be the bedrock of improvisational comedy training worldwide. His methods empowered performers to create groundbreaking work on shows like SCTV Network 90 and in films from the National Lampoon franchise.

Personal life and death

Close's personal life was marked by intense creativity alongside well-documented struggles. He lived a bohemian lifestyle, with interests spanning Beat literature, psychedelia, and the occult, and he was known for his charismatic, sometimes mercurial, personality. His health declined in the 1990s due to years of heavy smoking and emphysema. Del Close died of respiratory failure in Chicago on March 4, 1999. In accordance with his wishes, his skull was bequeathed to The Goodman Theatre for use in productions of Hamlet, though the institution ultimately declined; it was later reportedly used in a production by the Broom Street Theater in Madison, Wisconsin.

Filmography and bibliography

Close appeared in several films and television shows, often in memorable character roles. His film credits include Ferris Bueller's Day Off, The Blob, and Beverly Hills Cop II. On television, he made appearances on Star Trek: The Next Generation and had a recurring role on The Dick Van Dyke Show. His literary output is anchored by Truth in Comedy (with Charna Halpern), the definitive guide to his improv methodology. Other works include The Comic Toolbox: How to Be Funny Even If You're Not and various writings for publications like The National Lampoon, where he also served as an editor.

Category:American improvisational theatre actors Category:American male comedians Category:American theatre directors Category:1999 deaths