Comedian Kenny Ortega has passed away from COVID-19
December 1, 2020 Andrew Buss Features, In Memoriam
Sad news in the comedy community today as we learned that New York comedian Kenny Ortega passed away this morning dur to COVID-19.
After first starting stand-up in 1998, Ortega had managed to make a name for himself appearing in the New York scene throughout the 2000s. Most notably, Ortega had appeared on Chappelle’s Show and was a finalist in last year’s HBO’s Latino Comedy Contest. He could often be seen throughout the city at New York Comedy Club, Comic Strip Live, Broadway Comedy Club, Greenwich Village Comedy Club, and New York Comedy Club.
Ortega had been hospitalized with COVID in early November and friends a GoFundMe to help with the medical bills. Now all the funds raised will be dedicated to various funeral costs.
Tributes to Ortega have poured in on social media all day from many in the comedy community.
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Comedian Kenny Ortega died from COVID, chip in if you can to help with the funeral: https://t.co/5rSCUSTvE3
— Laurie Kilmartin (@anylaurie16) December 1, 2020
A great comedian and all around good guy Kenny Ortega passed away this morning from COVID-19. He always killed on stage, and off stage he was generous with his support. He will be missed. pic.twitter.com/M0xGJ3kPfM
— Dan Harumi (@dan_harumi) December 1, 2020
I just found out my man Kenny Ortega passed away this morning from covid. He was a great dude and brought only joy into the lives of countless people from his sets in Times Square and beyond. Money is being raised for his funeral & they could use help: https://t.co/vRhOtEqPZz
— Turner Sparks (@TurnerBSparks) December 1, 2020
#RIP #BrotherInComedy #KennyOrtega
If there’s anything you can donate to his family, please do so using the link below:https://t.co/9tQOHX6cz2 pic.twitter.com/5zvjxZ1a6L
— Cory F*ckn Fernandez (@Cory_Fernandez) December 1, 2020
Kenny Ortega, thank you for giving laughter to so many of us. Thank you for taking me in, and thank you for helping me become a better comedian.
You were an amazing talent & those that haven’t gotten to see you live are missing out @comedyken God bless you my friend. Adios 🙏🏻💔 pic.twitter.com/XVM4hdnzt6
— Michael Oldroyd (@TheDroyd) December 1, 2020
Kenny Ortega lost his battle with COVID-19… I am at a loss.
No words right now. pic.twitter.com/w3nak7hErM
— George Torres (@urbanjibaro) December 1, 2020
Funeral memorial fund for Kenny Ortega https://t.co/CgoY6FCPg5
He was an incredible coworker and friend. It was annoying how even when you wanted to be in a grumpy mood- around Kenny you just couldn’t ! Kenny- you will be greatly missed 💔@Bar9NY
— lisa cappiello (@lisacappiello1) December 1, 2020
COVID is Real. It took another great light in this world Kenny Ortega, @Comedyken . Since I was a 20 yr old kid you showed me Love in this comedy game. When you got years in with people and just like that their gone it hurts deeply. My Condolences to your Fam
Rest In Power #RIP pic.twitter.com/3oafnhV1Zu— Nick Alexander (@NickOfComedy) December 1, 2020
