Mitzi Shore, Comedy Store Founder and Owner, Dies at 87

Comedy Store founder and owner Mitzi Shore has died. She was 87.

“It is with great sadness and very heavy hearts that we report the passing of Mitzi Shore,” the influential store said in a statement posted to Instagram Wednesday, accompanied by a picture of a the owner. “Mitzi was an extraordinary woman and leader who identified, cultivated and celebrated comedy’s best performers. She helped change the face of comedy and leaves behind an indelible mark and legacy in the entertainment industry and stand-up community. We will all miss her dearly. The Comedy Store will be closed today.”

Shore, mother of comedian Pauly Shore, died Wednesday morning in Los Angeles of an undetermined neurological disorder, a representative for Shore told TheWrap in a statement.Shore founded the influential club on the Sunset Strip in 1972, helping to launch the careers of legends like Robin Williams, Jay Leno, Chris Rock, Jim Carrey, Richard Pryor, and Roseanne Barr. It has since become a landmark for both tourists and Angelenos.

Pauly Shore noted recently that his mother’s health was declining, tweeting on Saturday, “The reason why I have been Canceling shows and have been laying low on Social is that mom Mitzi. Shore has been on hospice let’s all prey she when she goes to heaven she go peaceful I know she was loved by many of you.”