Born and raised in the St. Paul area, Mitch Hedberg was a comedian whose unique style and observational wit earned him a devoted following and a lasting legacy. Hedberg began his comedy career in South Florida, not drawn there by a vibrant comedy scene but rather by the sun and warmth. During this time, his landlord would often drive him up and down the coast from club to club in a pick-up truck, while Hedberg would lie in the back to avoid engaging in uncomfortable conversations. It was in Florida where Hedberg cultivated his distinct comedic voice, characterized by dry humor and clever one-liners that would leave audiences laughing and thinking. Seeking new challenges and a broader audience for his act, he moved to Seattle, performing throughout the Pacific Northwest and honing his craft in front of diverse audiences. Hedberg's big break came while he was in Los Angeles. By personally pitching himself to the talent coordinator at MTV's offices, he landed his first television appearance on "Comikaze." This was just the beginning, as many other appearances soon followed on shows such as A&E's "Comedy on the Road," Comedy Central's "Comedy Product," and NBC's "Comedy Showcase" hosted by Louie Anderson. The turning point in his career was in 1996 when he was invited to perform at the prestigious Just for Laughs Montreal International Comedy Festival. His standout performances there led to a deal with a studio and an appearance on "The Late Show with David Letterman," where his humor was so well-received that David Letterman himself quoted Hedberg’s jokes during the show. Over time, Hedberg would make ten appearances on Letterman's show, each time securing his place as a remarkable comedic talent. Hedberg’s success led to a development deal with FOX for his own sitcom and earned him accolades from publications like TIME magazine, which predicted him to be "the next Seinfeld," and The Hollywood Reporter, which highlighted his appeal at the festival with the headline "Laughs are Loudest for Hedberg." He released two acclaimed comedy albums, "Strategic Grill Locations" and "Mitch All Together," and wrote and directed a film titled "Las Enchiladas!" which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. His comedic style, often compared to Stephen Wright, was refreshingly original. Some of his memorable jokes include: "I got my hair highlighted, because I felt some strands were more important than others." and "A severed foot is the ultimate stocking stuffer." Unlike many comedians who maintain a distance from their fans, Hedberg embraced their support. His website encouraged fans to share photos from his shows, and stories abound of his generosity, such as the time he gifted a group of college students a new air conditioner after hearing about their overheated dorm room. Hedberg was beloved among his peers, with close friend and comedian Doug Stanhope of The Man Show once describing him as "the greatest comedian ever." Tragically, Mitch Hedberg passed away in March 2005 at the age of 37. In September 2008, Comedy Central Records released a posthumous album, "Do You Believe in Gosh?" which featured 40 minutes of new material recorded two months before his death. His influence lives on, as shown by the "Mitch Across America" series, where friends and fellow comedians celebrated his life and work with performances and stories. Mitch Hedberg left behind a legacy of laughter and a reminder of the indelible impact a singular comedic voice can have on the world.