RIP Jerry Rocha

Sadly, This Time It's Actually Real...

I hate that I’m having to write this. These are never the types of posts anybody wants to write, ever.

Jerry Rocha was an incredible comic and an even more incredible human being. He was among the kindest and most talented people I’ve met in LA, or anywhere else for that matter.

Jerry was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer in 2019. Even through the difficult journey he kept his spirits high, and made some incredible art from it all. Most notably, his special on the topic, “Cancer Culture.”

Jerry’s episode of 1000 is among my favorites. He goes through his battle in such a compelling way and it was a roller coaster of emotions. I laughed, I cried, I cheered, I was joyous, sad, angry (in particular at the American healthcare system), all in one interview. Honestly, it was more just Jerry crushing it as a storyteller than an actual interview on my part.

Jerry was active on Substack, (Jerry Rocha). He has a particularly hilarious piece about a comedy club publishing an obituary on him prematurely.

The last time I saw Jerry was last year when we were on a show together at Flappers in Burbank. He was the life of the green room. For anyone not in the know, the green room at a comedy club is where the comics hang out before a show. In a showcase situation, especially in a town like LA, there’s a pretty good chance most of the comics don’t know each other. So, sometimes it’s a bit awkward. Jerry made literally everybody in the room feel welcome, asking their name, how long they’ve been doing comedy, and enthusiastically greeting those he already knew. That’s the kind of guy he was. He was a killer on stage, a mentor and friend off, and a bright light in an industry that could use a lot more of such a thing.

He mentioned to me he was thinking about taking Cancer Culture to Edinburgh. I told him that was an amazing idea and would be happy to talk shop on that anytime he wanted.

Somewhere in an alternate universe, reading about Jerry’s passing was just a shitty dream. Then, upon waking I had a text from Jerry saying he was going to the Fringe this year and asking me what my plans are and that we should plan to hang out some in Scotland. Sadly, I’m not in that timeline. I’m the Ron in this one.

Maybe there’s another timeline where cancer doesn’t exist because they’ve cured it, instead of sabotaging progress on it like they’re doing now.

I know it’s a cliche but it can’t be said enough: Fuck Cancer.

RIP Jerry. I hope the arcade in the sky has all of your favorites.

I encourage everybody to check out some of the wonderful comedy and writing and videos that Jerry made during his time here.