Punch Line Comedy Club In San Francisco Holds First Show Since Death Of Robin Williams
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – It is often said in show business that the "show must go on." And with a heavy heart, that was the case Tuesday night at the Punch Line Comedy Club in San Francisco, which hosted its first show since the passing of Robin Williams on Monday.
The actor and comedian frequently performed at the club early in his career. He would even make surprise cameos while hanging out at the Punch Line.
Sam Glass of Walnut Creek, who attended Tuesday night's show, said had it not been for Robin Williams background, there may not be a comedy scene in San Francisco.
"At all the clubs, there is going to be a little bit of Robin. In every performance, his spirit will be hanging around and people have to acknowledge that," Glass said.
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Aspiring comedian Seven Chan said Williams was a role model, but he understands his high energy on stage could have been an anecdote for the pain.
"It's actually kind of sad, but it's something you see with a lot of comedians," he said. "It's not just him, you see it with Phil Hartman, Chris Farley."
Another showgoer, Woody Goulart, said he felt for the performers taking the stage after the loss of such an influential comedian.
"There's no way that anybody in the comedy business could not feel really sad after all that has happened," he said.
Since the Punch Line opened more than 30 years ago, it has served as the launching pad for several comedians, including Williams, Ellen DeGeneres, Drew Carey, and Dana Carvey.