Physics major Matt Kafker studies several natural and hard science disciplines, such as linguistics, computer science, and math. In his free time, the university student is an avid reader and consumer of music and stand-up comedy. One of Matthew “Matt” Kafker’s favorite comedians is Mitch Hedberg.
An American stand-up comedian, Mitch Hedberg was born on February 24, 1968, to Swedish immigrants in Saint Paul, Minnesota. He began his comedy career in 1989 when he started appearing at open mic events in south Florida. Within two years, he decided to try his luck in Seattle. Though his popularity did increase in the city, Hedberg struggled with thinking of new material and overcoming his own stage fright. Eventually, he began incorporating his shyness into his jokes, along with other everyday situations and thoughts that helped set him apart.
In 1996, Hedberg gained national recognition after he appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman. The following year, he won the Seattle Comedy Competition, appeared on That 70s Show in 1998, and earned recognition at the 1999 Just for Laughs Montreal Comedy Festival. These appearances further propelled Hedberg to success and helped audiences become familiar with his unique stand-up delivery methods and focus on imaginative observations. Though he continued to stay shy throughout his career and would often perform with his eyes closed, Hedberg had an endearing presence on stage and would often joke with audiences during his routines.
A known drug user, Hedberg began having legal trouble in the early 2000s. He was found dead in a hotel room by his wife in 2005 after a drug overdose. Hedberg was 37 at the time of his passing.
