Latest news with #Izzard
Boston Globe
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
15 great comedy specials to stream right now
Ready to lighten your spirits? Read on. The Legends 1. Richard Pryor – 'Live & Smokin' '(1971; Peacock, Tubi, PlutoTV): There are longer, perhaps more celebrated Pryor specials, but this is the comedian before his fame blew up, at a small club, The Improvisation in New York, rather than a giant theatre. It feels intimate. The laughter isn't sweetened, and you can read the menu behind him on the wall. The material is raw and challenging. And it would be a few years before the idea of the stand-up special would be defined and codified by HBO. 2. George Carlin – 'Carlin at Carnegie' (1983; Prime Video, Tubi, PlutoTV, Fandango at Home, Roku Channel, Freevee, Hoopla): Carlin was the king of comedy specials in his time, filming 14 of them from 1977 to 2008, and went through several onstage personas. So it's hard to choose which one to highlight among them. His delivery was still gentle and silly here, but he showcases every tool in his kit, from physical comedy to social satire, plus an update on the '7 Dirty Words.' Advertisement 3. Joan Rivers – 'Don't Start With Me' (2012; PlutoTV): 'Ladies and gentleman, the best act in her price range, Joan Rivers!' That's how Rivers introduces herself from offstage in this special, the only full special of her stand-up currently streaming. She gave energetic performances right until the end of her life, and doubled and tripled down on attacking everything and everyone, including herself, in the act. This special shows why she's been such an inspiration to Jim Norton and Sarah Silverman, who like to make their audiences cringe as well as laugh. 4. Eddie Izzard – 'Dress To Kill' (1999; Peacock, Prime Video, Tubi): This was the special that launched Izzard in America. It's an entertaining ramble through world history and pop culture that included several instant classics, like the Church of England intoning 'Cake or death!,' Englebert Humperdinck brainstorming his stage name (a couple of runners up: Zanglebert Bingledack and Cringlebert Fishtybuns), and Izzard's definition of the 'executive transvestite.' 5. Tom Lehrer – 'Live In Copenhagen' (1967; PBS Living): This one could be filed under 'Locals' as well, since Lehrer developed his sark and satirical song parodies as a student at Harvard, and recorded his first three albums in Boston. A lot of these songs retain their power to tweak the listener's sense of good taste – note the absolute glee with which he sings 'Poisoning Pigeons In the Park.' Advertisement The Locals 1. Josh Gondelman – 'Positive Reinforcement' (2025; YouTube): 'I'm very friendly,' says Gondelman in this new special, released in June. 'It rarely helps.' A 'nice guy' reputation doesn't always come in handy, especially when you're the type of guy who, when drunk, tells his friends he cherishes them. Which can ruin everyone's memory of last night's poker game. It's also tough to have hometown pride when all the gear is overly aggressive. Like 'shamo-flage,' camo clothing made of shamrocks. 'You're really only supposed to wear it when a Dropkick Murphy is born or dies,' Gondelman says. 2 . Joe List – 'Small Ball' (2025; YouTube): List premiered this in theaters for one-night only in May and then released it on YouTube a couple of weeks later. The Boston comic can't seem to help but make things awkward in his life, whether he's inadvertently terrifying a child in an elevator or pretending he understood the movie he just watched with his friends. Or thinking he found a hilarious typo at on a museum plaque listing Picasso's country of origin as Spain and not Italy. 'I reported it,' he says. I went to the front desk, I was like, just a heads up, 'I don't want to get you guys in trouble, but you have the wrong country for Picasso. He's Italian, I think everybody knows that.' The lady said, 'Pablo?' I was like, 'you know what? That does sound Spanish.'' 3. Sam Jay – '3 In the Morning' (2020; Netflix): The rest of the country got to see what Boston audiences saw in Jay's early days in local clubs. She's both tough and vulnerable, talking about her favorite uncle from Boston who always asks her if she's still gay, meeting the guy she lost her virginity to and discovering they now have the same clothes and haircut, and navigating a long-term relationship. Advertisement Bill Burr in "Bill Burr: Live at Red Rocks." KOURY ANGELO 4. – 'Live at Red Rocks:' (2022; Netflix): Burr has enough personality to fill any venue – the same year he released the 'Red Rocks' special, he played Fenway Park. And he comes out with both barrels blazing, tearing into the hypocrisy around the COVID lockdown by proposing a 'Hunger Games' style competition to settle the partisan bickering. If you think you agree with him, don't get comfortable. He'll get to you shortly. 5. – 'The Great Depresh' (2019; HBO Max): Gulman had been building an audience steadily for years based on a winning personality and tight, clever writing. 'Depresh' was a career-defining special, with Gulman opening up about his struggles with depression and anxiety with comic dexterity and humility, interspersed with documentary-style interstitials at his childhood home in Peabody with his mom and onstage at The Comedy Studio. Pair this with his memoir, 'Misfit,' for the full effect. Hannah Gadsby in "Nanette." BEN KING The Landmarks 1. – 'Nanette' (2018; Netflix): The Australian comic caused an immediate stir when 'Nanette' was released because of a section where they interrogated the idea of comedy itself for defusing tension around serious subjects – in this case, a hate crime. Depending on who you ask, the moment they repudiate comedy is either startling and brave or manipulative and not comedy. But that moment is preceded by a chunk of good stand-up, and provoked a legitimate discussion about how comedy functions in relation to everyday life. Advertisement Jerrod Carmichael in "Rothaniel." Courtesy of HBO 2. Jerrod Carmichael – 'Rothaniel' (2022; HBO Max): Carmichael says at the top of 'Rothaniel' that the special will be about secrets, then admits 'Jerrod' isn't his real first name. He presents a family history with plenty of deceptions, then gets to his biggest secret – he is gay. Directed by Hamilton native Bo Burnham, 'Rothaniel' is set up like a meeting between friends who have a few things to talk about. 3. Daniel Sloss – 'X' (2019; HBO Max): Not all masculinity is toxic. That's one of the threads running through 'X.' But sometimes it is, and the story at the heart of 'X' is an absolutely devastating indictment of dangerous male behavior. And Sloss skillfully builds his audience up to that point with dark, reflective material. 4. Natalie Palamides – 'Nate: A One-Man Show' (2020; Netflix): It's hard to recognize Palamides from the Progressive commercials you might know her from in this special, because she's not herself. She's Nate, a hairy-chested dude in sunglasses and camo pants trying to process his feelings and actions in the wake of a heartbreak. Palamides teases her audience to transgress boundaries around gender, power, and consent in ways both playful and pointed. There's even some nudity, both real and simulated. 5. Nate Bargatze – 'The Tennessee Kid' (2019; Netflix): Bargatze had recorded albums and specials before and had been around a while – he won the Boston Comedy Festival stand-up competition in 2010 – but this was the special that kickstarted his popularity. A clean, relatable, family-centered comic whose material still has a bite. Now he's doing multiple-show stands at TD Garden. Advertisement
Daily Mirror
10-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Escape To The Country star's final hours as routine procedure turned sinister
An Escape To The Country star tragically died while undergoing a routine medical procedure just hours after being admitted to hospital due to vomiting blood An Escape To The Country star's cause of death has been confirmed after an agonising 24 hours. Emma Izzard, who appeared on the programme in 2021, died just one day after she was admitted to the hospital. She was rushed to Norfolk and Norwich Hospital in November last year after falling ill and vomiting blood. Norfolk Coroner's Court heard that Ms Izzard had been battling alcoholism in the lead up to her death due to a personal situation she had been quietly battling. She was admitted to the hospital on November 19, last year, due to vomiting blood. While there, she went into cardiac arrest but medics were able to resuscitate Ms Izzard, giving her a second chance. However, just one day later, she underwent a gastroscopy –which involves a tube with a camera attached being inserted into the body via the mouth in order to examine the stomach, oesophagus, and duodenum, typically used to investigate symptoms such as pain, bleeding or swallowing difficulties. It was during the routine procedure that Ms Izzard suffered another cardiac arrest. However, doctors were unable to resuscitate her again. At the inquest, it was concluded that Ms. Izzard's death resulted from an oesophageal and variceal haemorrhage, with underlying alcohol-related liver disease. Kym, Emma's ex-partner, shared poignant details: "Emma had a very strong bond with her mother." "Emma lived with her for many years and continued to look after her even when she did move out. [Emma's] alcohol levels increased when her mother was taken to hospital in July 2022, and she thought she was going to lose her. After six months of secret drinking, she wanted to stop but couldn't get the help required quickly enough and began drinking again." The inquest was told that Emma had been in rehab numerous times, but with every relapse, her drinking became more severe. Tragically, her late father also battled alcoholism, dying when Emma was only a teen. Kym, reflecting on Emma's life, said: "Emma was a larger-than-life character who was very popular both in and outside of her work, and she had many friends. "She was very caring but had had personal struggles earlier in her life that she was unable to deal with." Ms Izzard also sought the help from Change Grow Live (CGL), a charity for those who are dealing with alcoholism, as well as Alcoholics Anonymous. "Emma did not want to drink but it had taken a strong hold of her," Kym stated, continuing: "And she didn't and couldn't deal with her problems. Her drinking became heavier, and she became desperate." The area coroner Johanna Thompson told the court: "Emma had a history of excess alcohol consumption and had been diagnosed with alcohol-related liver disease. At the hospital, Emma was clearly presenting as very poorly. She was white, dehydrated, and was considered to have symptoms of acute alcohol withdrawal. "Sadly, after being given surgery, treatment could not save her at the end of the day." It emerged during the hearing that Ms Izzard, who worked for a charity as a general assistant, handled her daily responsibilities competently whenever she wasn't drinking. The former BBC One participant, who appeared on the programme in 2021 from Luton, Bedfordshire, had dreams of a fresh start with her partner in Norfolk, lured by the promise of "clean air" and a "slower pace of life." Yet, following their move to North Walsham, the two ultimately went their separate ways but have maintained a close friendship.
Daily Record
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
BBC Escape To The Country star died after vomiting blood, inquest told
Emma Izzard was rushed to hospital before her death due to vomiting blood and going into cardiac arrest twice. An Escape To The Country star died after vomiting blood, an inquest has heard. Emma Izzard, 53, died at Norfolk and Norwick Hospital in November last year, reports the Mirror. She appeared on the BBC programme with her then partner, Kym Lofthouse. Norfolk Coroner's Court heard Ms Izzard had been battling alcoholism before her sad death. Her alcohol consumption increased in July 2022 after her mother became ill. Ms Izzard was raced to hospital on November 19 after she began vomiting blood and suffered a cardiac arrest, but was resuscitated. However, just one day after her hospital admission, Ms Izzard died after she went into cardiac arrest while undergoing a gastroscopy in an operating theatre. A gastroscopy is a procedure in which a thin tube with a camera attached is inserted into the digestive tract to examine the stomach, oesophagus and duodenum to look at symptoms including pain, bleeding or difficulty swallowing. At the inquest, her death was ruled as an oesophageal and variceal bleed, with alcohol -related liver disease. Emma's former partner, Kym said: "Emma had a very strong bond with her mother. Emma lived with her for many years and continued to look after her even when she did move out. "[Emma's] alcohol levels increased when her mother was taken to hospital in July 2022, and she thought she was going to lose her. After six months of secret drinking, she wanted to stop but couldn't get the help required quickly enough and began drinking again." Emma attended rehab on several occasions, but each relapse caused her drinking to "become heavier", a court heard. Emma's father, who died when she was just a teenager, also suffered with alcoholism. Speaking about Emma, Kym added: "Emma was a larger-than-life character who was very popular both in and outside of her work, and she had many friends. "She was very caring but had had personal struggles earlier in her life that she was unable to deal with." Emma also attended Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and received some help from Change Grow Live (CGL), an alcohol misuse charity. "Emma did not want to drink but it had taken a strong hold of her," Kym said, adding: "And she didn't and couldn't deal with her problems. Her drinking became heavier, and she became desperate." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Addressing the court, area coroner Johanna Thompson said: "Emma had a history of excess alcohol consumption and had been diagnosed with alcohol -related liver disease. At the hospital, Emma was clearly presenting as very poorly. "She was white, dehydrated, and was considered to have symptoms of acute alcohol withdrawal. Sadly, after being given surgery, treatment could not save her at the end of the day." The court heard Ms Izzard worked as a general assistant for a charity and dealt with her everyday life "competently when not drinking." She appeared on the BBC One programme in 2021 while living in Luton, Bedfordshire, when she and her partner were hoping to start a new life in Norfolk due to its "clean air" and "slower pace of life". However, after moving to North Walsham, she and Kym later parted ways but remained close friends.
Daily Mirror
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Escape To The Country star dies after vomiting blood
An Escape To The Country star died after vomiting blood, an inquest has heard. The inquest heard that Emma Izzard, 53, died at Norfolk and Norwich Hospital in November last year, after appearing on the BBC programme with her then partner, Kym Lofthouse. Norfolk Coroners Court heard that Ms Izzard had been battling alcoholism prior to her death. Her alcohol consumption increased in July 2022 after her mother took ill. Ms Izzard was rushed to the hospital on November 19 after she started vomiting blood and suffered a cardiac arrest, but was resuscitated. Just one day after being admitted to hospital, Ms Izzard died after going into cardiac arrest while undergoing a gastroscopy in an operating theatre. A gastroscopy is a procedure in which a thin tube with a camera attached is inserted into the digestive tract to examine the stomach, oesophagus and duodenum to look at symptoms including pain, bleeding or difficulty swallowing. At the inquest, her death was ruled as an oesophageal and variceal bleed, with alcohol-related liver disease. Emma's former partner, Kym said: "Emma had a very strong bond with her mother. "Emma lived with her for many years and continued to look after her even when she did move out. [Emma's] alcohol levels increased when her mother was taken to hospital in July 2022, and she thought she was going to lose her. After six months of secret drinking, she wanted to stop but couldn't get the help required quickly enough and began drinking again." The court heard that Emma had attended rehab on several occasions but each relapse caused her drinking to "become heavier." Emma's father, who died when she was just a teenager also struggled with alcoholism. Speaking about Emma, Kym added: "Emma was a larger-than-life character who was very popular both in and outside of her work, and she had many friends. "She was very caring but had had personal struggles earlier in her life that she was unable to deal with." Emma also attended Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and received some help from Change Grow Live (CGL), an alcohol misuse charity. "Emma did not want to drink but it had taken a strong hold of her," Kym said, adding: "And she didn't and couldn't deal with her problems. Her drinking became heavier, and she became desperate." If you are struggling with alcohol abuse or addiction, advice and support can be found at This is a breaking showbiz news story. Join The Mirror 's WhatsApp Community or follow us on Google News , Flipboard , Apple News, TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads - or visit The Mirror homepage.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Yahoo
12-year-old boy in northern Wisconsin returns home after missing for 21 hours, multi-agency search
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – On Monday night, search efforts began in northern Wisconsin for a missing 12-year-old boy, and after a multi-agency search, officers say he returned home nearly 24 hours later. Around 9:30 p.m. on April 28, deputies with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office say they were called to a residence in the Patzau-Foxboro area for a report of a missing 12-year-old. Green Bay Police: Foul play not suspected after woman's body recovered from East River Deputies were then told that the child had gone missing around 9 p.m. after he didn't come back inside when he completed chores. Search efforts immediately began, including the usage of drones, K9s, and the Town of Summit Volunteer Fire Department. Ultimately, search efforts were suspended around 2 a.m. until authorities began again later that morning. Several agencies joined in the search efforts on April 29 throughout the day. Deputies say the boy eventually returned home around 6 p.m., noting that it 'is still unclear where he was,' but foul play is not suspected. The boy was missing for roughly 21 hours. Police department in Wisconsin listening for loud exhausts, could result in citations The release noted that assistance from other agencies was 'phenomenal.' Assisting agencies included the following: Carlton County Sheriff's Office Douglas County 911 Duluth Police Department FBI Hermantown Police Department Minnesota Emergency Management Minnesota State Patrol St. Louis County Rescue Squad St. Louis County Sheriff's Office St. Louis County Emergency Management Superior Police Department Town of Summit Volunteer Fire Department Town of Superior Volunteer Fire Department U.S. Border Patrol Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation Wisconsin Emergency Management Wisconsin State Patrol Sheriff Matt Izzard also thanked some local businesses for their help, including the Drifter's Bar, Four-Corners Store, Amnicon Bar, Walmart, and the countless community volunteers. 'While it was a trying day for everybody, this outpouring of support serves as a good reminder of why we choose to live here and call this home,' Sheriff Izzard stated. No additional information was provided. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
