Stand-up comedian Jim Short dies aged 58 after ‘stomach illness’

Comedian Jim Short, who appeared on TV shows including Late Night with Conan O’Brien, has died aged 58.

Short also featured on other US chat shows such as Late Show with David Letterman and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.

His death was confirmed by his friend and podcast co-host Margaret Cho in a tribute posted on Instagram.

Short’s friend and former business partner, photographer Dan Dion, said he died after a ‘stomach illness’ on Facebook.

Margaret wrote: ‘There’s not a lot of photos of us but you were probably the most important person in my life for a long time.

‘We never got to resolve the thing, but I know you know I love you. This is us from one of the many @wilco shows we saw. Goodbye for now Jim. #RIP.’

Short was born in Australia but moved to Texas, US as a child and lived in San Francisco before his death.

Dan wrote: ‘Just gutted to hear the news from Australia that Jim Short has passed due to a stomach illness. I have no further details.

‘There was a time in SF when Jim ruled the clubs, closing the showcases because he was too good to follow.

‘The two of us were partners in resurrecting comedy at the legendary Purple Onion; every show was titled “Jim Short & Friends”, and we always dressed up in respect to the retro club.

Dan continued: ‘As a guy with a huge heart, but skin too thin for Hollywood, he’s already holding a grudge against the devil for denying him a spot in hell.’

Short’s fans also remembered the ‘very funny’ comedian on social media.

On Instagram, @thatmikecapozzola shared: ‘Such a loss. He was one of the first comics I met when I moved to San Francisco in 1996 and I was blown away by his comedy chops. And he only got better. So long, Jim.’

@chucklefunn wrote: ‘Jim was a funny guy. He always made me laugh.’

@turner17223 said: ‘Jim Short was very funny. I remember his appearances on David Letterman.’

@debidurst added: ‘This is so wrong on so many levels. Funny. Sweet. Engaging. So frakkin’ clever. It’s just not right. Dammit. Another one gone way too soon. RIP Jim and keep ‘em laughing on the other side.’

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