This past week the world lost superstar and philanthropist Dolly Parton. Universally loved, she spent her entire life living what can only be called The Golden Rule.
ComedySportz Austin celebrated its 40th Anniversary this past weekend, August 28 and 29, 2026, putting on three fun shows celebrating laughter and sharing the stage with veteran alumni from 40 years ago and since. And with that we took a moment to remember a few of the bright lights who we've lost over the last few years: Dennis Whitehead-Darling, Jesse Pangelinan, and Steve Sanders. Beloved friends and decent human beings gone too soon.
It got me thinking about mortality and how our human connections are in continual peril. I'm terribly emotional during remembrances and memorials. But I insisted on producing an In Memoriam presentation that played at our Saturday show's halftime. I knew Dennis, actually from 26 years ago. Sensitive, artistic, and charming. I met Steve two years ago when he played in our ComedySportz Alumni Reunion in August 2024. What a funny guy: irreverent, silly, and full of laughter. I never had the chance to meet Jesse, to my great regret. But I got to hear stories from some of the old timers who couldn't resist sharing anecdotes about Jesse's incredible history and what a hilarious guy he was. So, yes, I cried.
Here we were, together, friends and family sharing love and laughter with the warmest, funniest people, vowing to continue getting together, creating comedy and memories. Dennis, Jesse, Steve...and yes Dolly...were surely watching us from somewhere.
And what do we do? We fight harder to stay in touch, to stay visible, available, and connected. It never seems like we did enough of that once they're gone.
I belong to an organization that continually strives to preserve that connection. It's inspiring to spend time with funny folks who need you to be there and always reciprocate when you need them to be there. It shows up in shows, practices, presentations, parties, karaoke outings, game nights, and dinners. Human connection, the most valuable natural resource.
-small.webp)
