Thanks to @RockinPins for letting us all know there’s a memorial park bench in honor of the late Brody Stevens outside a baseball diamond in Reseda, Calif.
The Hollywood Reporter also just published a piece talking to comedians and friends of Stevens about the days surrounding his suicide in February. Stevens was 48.
Mental health is a serious issue, and not just for comedians.
But if you’re at Comedy Central Presents Clusterfestthis weekend in San Francisco, you can join the “Festival of Friendship” at a special panel this Saturday.C
Comedy helps people cope with the tough times in life…but what helps comedians cope with a life in comedy? Michelle Buteau will lead Neal Brennan, Tig Notaro and Jeff Ross in a hilarious and honest conversation in which they will ponder this riddle and more as they discuss the intrinsic relationship between comedy and mental health. Included will be a special, pre-recorded message from Rainn Wilson who will introduce a sneak preview of the forthcoming SoulPancake documentary, It’s Not That Funny, about the nexus of comedy and mental health.
In addition to the panel, Comedy Central and Mental Health First Aid will present a “Festival of Friendship” activation during Clusterfest in which festivalgoers will receive #BeTheDifference friendship bracelets along with more information on Mental Health First Aid and be invited to help in the creation of the “Enjoy It!” mural in honor of Stevens.Clusterfest is also proud to partner with and raise funds for MPTF’s Comedians Assistance Fund, which provides a safety net of services to comedians including emergency financial assistance, counseling and referrals, health care and insurance guidance, senior care, and more.