Kim "Howard" Johnson (Author)

"Johnson's apotheosis of Close as the funny fireball and grand guru of American improvisational comedy is a delight to read." —Publishers Weekly

"Johnson’s book should be read by anyone who has an interest in comedy and show business. This is the real thing." —Library Journal

"The definitive biography of an improvisational comedy guru . . . this loving, honest portrait will help the rest of the world get hip to the guy who made comedy hip." —Kirkus Reviews

"To understand contemporary comedy, you need to know about Del Close. And to understand Del Close (if that's possible), you need to read Johnson's book." —Andy Richter, comedian
"Without Del Close I wouldn't be half the improviser, actor, comedian, or writer that I am. . . . Johnson's book is a gem!" —Jeff Garlin, executive producer and costar, Curb Your Enthusiasm

"A terrific book . . . incredibly funny, terribly sad, always fascinating." —Starlog Magazine

"Del Close, the skull that launched a thousand skits." —Peter Bonerz, actor and director

"Johnson's book proves that Del Close is the most unrecognized and yet most influential comedians in the last fifty years." —Matt Besser, founding member, Upright Citizens Brigade

"Johnson's book allows the reader a glimpse into the presence of Del even though he is no longer physically with us." —Rachel Dratch, Saturday Night Live

"Author Kim 'Howard' Johnson brilliantly explains how an offbeat genius from Kansas, with limited social skills, spawned a comedic revolution." —Tim Kazurinsky, Saturday Night Live

"Johnson achieves the impossible—putting a semblance of order into the chaotic life and work of one of America's most extraordinary artists." —George Wendt, actor, Cheers

"If there were a Dead Sea Scroll concerning comedy, Del Close would have been the prophet. Howard Johnson has captured the mystic for us." —Dave Koechner, actor, Anchorman

"Del Close is one of the most important men in modern comedy. Howard Johnson's book is an excellent introduction to this brilliant teacher and innovator." —Ian Roberts, founding member, Upright Citizens Brigade
"A fascinating portrait of the occasional madman . . . a must read for Second City fans and comedic historians." —Lake Magazine

"Preposterously well researched. Kim ‘Howard’ Johnson, old pal, you did well." —ComicMix.com

"Terrific." —Starlog

"Read it. Buy it first, then read it. It’s as close as you’ll come to meeting Del." —Bob Odenkirk and David Cross, bobanddavid.com

"A wonderful job of capturing lightning in a bottle . . . a fascinating portrait of a legend whose legacy lives on, and whose name deserves to be known." —Quick Stop Entertainment

"Delves deeper into the man's misunderstood, peyote-packed past." —Time Out Chicago

"It's entertaining, it's well-written, it comes from somebody who knows the subject and it's one helluva job of reporting." —Manhattan Mercury

"An excellent primer." —islandtheaterscene.honadvblogs.com