TMZ reports today that comedian Brody Stevens, a beloved favorite in the stand-up world, has died. Stevens’ death is currently being reported as a suicide.
Known for his frequent, whiplash-inducing swerves in topic, an energy best described as “delightfully audience hostile,” and a staccato, fast-paced delivery that often mimicked the energy of the world’s most deranged motivational speaker, Stevens was a unique talent in the working comic’s world, frequently described as a “force of nature” by friends and fans. Looking through his film and television credits—projects with Zack Galifianakis, appearances on pretty much all of the big late-night shows, guest spots on Comedy Bang! Bang!, Children’s Hospital, and in the Hangover films—it’s easy to tease out his role in the comedy ecosystem: the guy who made other comedians crack the hell up.