Over 19 years after his passing, late stand-up comedian Mitch Hedberg is getting a documentary honoring his life produced by 222-2222 Films, a partnership formed by filmmakers Jeff Siegel and Michael Blieden. Deadline announced the completion of principal photography of the untitled documentary directed by Jeff Siegel (Billy Joel: New York State of Mind, This Is a Robbery).
Considered one of comedy’s most unique and enigmatic figures, Siegel gained a cult-following of fans that admired his approach to comedy with beloved punchlines and one-liners that mixes absurd elements and non sequiturs.
A quirky drawl and arsenal of out-there one-liners earned Hedberg 10 appearances on The Late Show with David Letterman, memorable guest spots on That ‘70s Show, Dr. Katz, and Almost Famous, and being named “the next Seinfeld” by Time magazine. Even after his death at age 37, Hedberg’s three stand-up albums – including 2003’s Mitch All Together, which was certified Gold by the RIAA in 2021 – continue to stream millions of times a year. Rolling Stone, Spin, George Carlin, Steve Martin, and Chris Rock have all heralded Hedberg among the greatest comedians in history.
For five years, the filmmakers have conducted more than 100 interviews across the country, unearthing a vast trove of unseen archival material and home movies that provide unprecedented access into Hedberg’s life.
The documentary takes viewers into comedy clubs scattered throughout America in the ‘90s. For Hedberg and his peers, “the road” was life and the grind was real. Especially in the days of carving out a career before the internet, and before society learned to better address mental-health needs.
Despite his tragic ending, the story celebrates Hedberg’s enduring legacy and timeless comedy. Hedberg’s sister Angie Anderson says, “Mitch would want us to be laughing. I miss him, but it would be unfair for all of us to be sad, because he wouldn’t want that. Not for one second.”
The project is repped by TFC Management.