R.I.P. Poppi Kramer

To most Americans, Poppi Kramer was the first person to win big by losing weight big-time on NBC’s The Biggest Loser.

To New York City comedians, Kramer was a godsend. Particularly for everyone from open mic’ers to the LGBTQ community, and everyone in between.

Kramer died Friday. She was 46.

When Kramer participated in season three of The Biggest Loser, she became the first to win a cash prize as part of the show’s at-home competition, earning $50,000 for losing half of her body weight, dropping from 232 pounds to 115.

In the meantime, she was entertaining, bartending and fairy godmothering the NYC comedy scene at The Duplex, The Stonewall Inn, and The West End.

From Ophira Eisenberg: “I’m still not accepting that my dear friend Poppi Kramer has passed away. I saw her just a couple of weeks ago. When I saw her at the show, I believe my words were, “Oh thank god you’re here” and “I know everything’s going to be okay now”. I wasn’t just referring to the fact I loved working any comedy show with Poppi, but she was a joy to be around and the encouragement and generosity she gave to others is something to aspire to. I just wish this news wasn’t true. I love you Poppi and to say you will be missed is the understatement of this century.”

From Rebecca Donohue: “This girl meant a lot to me. I probably did not tell her that enough. I felt like every set I did at the Duplex, especially when she was tending bar AND hosting, was a transcendent, NYC experience unlike any other because of the tone that she set and the light that she was. Today I am sad to my very core at the news of her passing. You will be missed, Poppi Kramer. You were loved.”

From Erin Foley: “She was loved by all and I’m sure there will be a traffic jam en route to Jersey on Sunday. The Mets should take a moment of silence bc she willed them to the playoffs a couple of years ago. I love you Poppi.”

Funeral services for Poppi Kramer will be held this morning at 11 a.m. in Paramus, NJ, at Robert Schoem’s Menorah Chapel. Burial to follow at Beth David Cemetery in Elmont, NY.

Sean L. McCarthy

Editor and publisher since 2007, when he was named New York's Funniest Reporter. Former newspaper reporter at the New York Daily News, Boston Herald and smaller dailies and community papers across America. Loves comedy so much he founded this site.

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