‘Thank You Del’ Stars Reflect on Their Demanding Comedy Mentor (Video)

SXSW 2016: In an interview with TheWrap’s Matt Donnelly, documentary’s stars discuss Del Close, the relatively unknown mentor of many of today’s biggest comedians

Most people may not recognize the name Del Close, but if you’ve ever enjoyed Bill Murray, Amy Poehler, or Stephen Colbert, you have him to thank for mentoring many of today’s top comedians until he died in 1999.

The documentary “Thank You Del: The Story of the Del Close Marathon” aims to pay homage to the legendary performer by following many of his acolytes as they reunite for the Del Close Marathon, an annual improv festival hosted by the Upright Citizens Brigade.

Matt Walsh, one of the stars of the doc, said that he remembered Close as a demanding teacher who would always ask more from his pupils who were doing improv.

“He would cut you down if you left a scene confident,” said Walsh. “He would just remind you that he’s seen that scene a million times.”

See more of the cast’s interview with TheWrap’s Matt Donnelly above.

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