Tributes flow for beloved Australian comedian dead at 58 after successful US career

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Beloved Australian comedian Jim Short died earlier this week aged 58.

The seasoned comedian continued to entertain until his death, which occurred in early January as a result of an ailment affecting his stomach.

It was announced on social media by Margaret Cho, who used to work with him, that the comedy performer had sadly passed away.

Margaret mentioned that we don’t have many pictures of us, yet you held a significant role in my life for quite some time,” she shared, presenting a photo of the two of them.

‘Our issue remained unresolved, but I hope you understand my affection towards you. Here’s a memory from one of our shared experiences – a show we watched together. Farewell for now, Jim. #RestInPeace’

Born in Australia in 1967, Short later relocated with his family to the United States during the late 70s. It was there that he commenced his illustrious career.

He showcased his side-splitting stand-up comedy acts across popular late-night chat shows such as those hosted by David Letterman, Conan O’Brien, and Craig Ferguson.

For more than three decades, this individual brought laughter to audiences at comedy clubs, television screens, and in their popular podcast they co-hosted with Margaret Cho, titled “Monsters of Talk.

From 2013 to 2015, this duo ran their humor-filled podcast, where they candidly discussed various modern topics with a comical perspective.

Many of Short’s heartbroken celebrity friends quickly took to social media to pay tribute to him.

‘Farewell, Jim. In the late ’90s when I began my stand-up career in San Francisco, you were uncontested as the top comic on the local scene,’ wrote Al Madrigal from Night School.

‘I had many great nights hanging out with Jim. Really made me laugh,’ added Bobcat Goldthwait.

‘I always loved seeing him,’ comedian Taylor Williamson chipped in.

In the course of his illustrious career, Short garnered numerous honors, one of which was winning the San Francisco International Stand-Up Comedy Contest in 2004.

He toured across America with his hilarious routines.

Instead of maintaining an Australian accent throughout, the comedian interspersed his act with numerous witty, Australia-related comments. For instance, he pondered about why he had given up his Aussie accent so early in life.

Short always held on to his Australian heritage, often sharing anecdotes about life in Australia during his performances.

‘We’re not all crocodile hunters, barbecue shrimp and live on the beaches,’ he once quipped.   

‘That wouldn’t be such a bad existence, though, don’t get me wrong.’ 

In my personal exploration of the lives of influential figures, I’ve come across an enigmatic case: this individual maintained a private persona away from the public eye. Regrettably, information about whether he had a significant other or offspring remains elusive.

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2025-01-09 02:35