On December 24, 2023, Matt Rife posted on his Twitter/ X account:
“RIP Neel Nanda, you were one of the nicest, hardest working comedians I’ve ever called a friend and i hope you can be at peace brother.”
But who is Neel Nanda?
Comedian Neel Nanda, recognized for his performances on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and Comedy Central, sadly passed away at 32. Although the accurate circumstances of his death remain undisclosed for now, there are speculations of suicide.
Explained: What Happened to Comedian Neel Nanda? Who Is He?
Neel Nanda, a talented stand-up comedian known for his appearances on popular platforms like “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and Comedy Central, tragically passed away at the young age of 32.Ā
His manager, Greg Weiss, confirmed his untimely death to USA Today, leaving the comedy world mourning the loss of a remarkable talent and an even better human being.
While the exact cause and date of Nanda’s passing have not been disclosed, rumors are suggesting that he may have succumbed to suicide, highlighting the necessity of addressing mental health issues within the entertainment industry and beyond.
Despite not being a household name, Nanda made a significant impact in the comedy world.
He had a robust schedule of club bookings and an impressive social media following, with over 100k followers on Instagram.
Neel Nanda’s journey in the world of comedy began to gain momentum when he made his debut on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” in 2017, delivering a memorable five-minute set that showcased his comedic prowess.
He continued to make appearances on Comedy Central, including “Adam Devine’s House Party” and, most recently, “Comedy Central Stand-Up Presents” in January.
Beyond stand-up comedy, Nanda ventured into other creative endeavors.
He played a significant role as a producer in the internet comedy horror series “Garland: Anthology” and appeared in the Snapchat original series “Apocalypse Goals” in 2020.
Nanda’s talent extended to the silver screen, where he starred in the 2019 comedy horror film “Deep Murder.”
Neel Nanda’s comedy journey began in Atlanta, where he started performing stand-up comedy. In 2013, he made the pivotal decision to move to Los Angeles, seeking opportunities to further his career.Ā
His dedication and talent paid off, as he secured appearances on various networks, including MTV, Comedy Central, IFC, Viceland, Amazon Prime, and Hulu.
His Los Angeles show, “Unnecessary Evil,” garnered recognition and was listed among LA Weekly’s top 10 stand-up shows.
Recently, Nanda had two shows in Toronto around his birthday, where he reflected on his commitment to bringing laughter to audiences worldwide.
His performances were characterized by humor rooted in his Indian heritage and his experiences growing up in Atlanta with immigrant parents, offering a unique perspective that resonated with many.
Dave Curran, the owner of Jokers Theatre & Comedy Club, expressed his shock and sadness over Nanda’s passing (via LA Times).
Curran, who had recently met Nanda, described the comedian as someone with an “it factor” and an innate ability to connect with people, turning strangers into friends quickly.
On Saturday, Baltimore comedy club The Port shared a tribute to Neel Nanda in an Instagram post:
“It is with a very heavy heart we say good bye to comedy great. Absolutely shocked by the news. Such a positive force for comedy and a huge loss to our community. Rest in Peace Neel. Thank you for gracing our stage and piano, a great headliner, gone too soon.”
Which of Neel Nanda’s comedy bits is your favorite? Did you attend any of his live shows?
Let us know in the comments below.
