Tuesday’s Fun Filled Facts ‘bout The Punchline

The Punchline

It was almost lost to the wrecking ball, but is a Legacy Business today.

Opened in 1978 at the height of the comedy boom.

It is the oldest comedy club still operating.

Operated by music impresario Bill Grahm until his death in 1991.

Evil landlord Morgan Stanley attempted to close the Punchline when their lease was up in 2019. Comic legends Dave Chappelle and W. Kamau Bell rallied the local comedy enthusiasts, as well as the greater comedy community, to save the Punchline. And they did.

Today it is considered a "Legacy business" (local businesses which have been open or more than 30 years and contribute to the local community.

Here is a list of comedians who never set foot on a comedy club stage until their first open mic-night at the Punchline:

Robin Williams,

Ellen DeGeneres,

Rosie O'Donnell,

Drew Carey,

Chris Rock,

Patton Oswalt,

and Dana Carvey.