Comedian Pauly Shore has said his “heart lays heavy” following the death of his mother, Comedy Store owner Mitzi Shore.
Mitzi – known as the godmother of comedy in Los Angeles – died aged 87 on Wednesday, just days after the venue celebrated its 46th anniversary.
Dozens of comedians including Patton Oswalt, Whitney Cummings and Marc Maron paid tribute to Shore, with Kathy Griffin labelling her a pioneer who “pulled no punches”.
Pauly wrote on Twitter: “Mom/Mitzi passed Early in the morning at 4.42 am she was 87 years old my heart lays heavy.”
The news was confirmed by the Store who said in a statement: “It is with great sadness and very heavy hearts that we report the passing of Mitzi Shore, the legendary Godmother of the world famous Comedy Store.
“Mitzi was an extraordinary businesswoman and decades ahead of her time who cultivated and celebrated the artistry of stand-up comedy.
“She was also a loving mother not only to her own four children but to the myriad of comedians who adored her.
“She leaves behind an indelible mark and legacy and has helped change the face of comedy. We will all miss her dearly.”
Griffin wrote on Twitter: “Mitzi Shore was a pioneer who gave more comics their start than I can count… I did my first legit comedy gig at the Store.
“She was a woman in a male dominated business who pulled no punches, something I always admired. My heart goes out to @paulyshore and the entire Shore family.”
Cummings tweeted: “I love you Mitzi Shore. Rest In Peace. Thank you for giving me a family and a home.”
Maron wrote: “Mitzi Shore made an indelible mark on comedy and my brain. ‘You’re a poet. You should wear a scarf on stage.’ RIP.”
Oswalt posted: “RIP Mitzi Shore. I should’ve taken the doorman job when you offered it to me.”