Friends and fans are mourning the passing of an internationally successful Vancouver comedian. Darryl Lenox died at the age of 57 in Vancouver General Hospital on April 16.
The charismatic and visually impaired Lenox released two hit comedy albums, Blind Ambition and Super Bloom, with Stand Up! Records. He recorded his Blind Ambition stand-up show, which aired on Starz, at the Vogue Theatre in Vancouver.
In addition, the podcast This American Life featured Lenox. There, he spoke about how his trust in strangers had changed after he lost his sight. He also appeared on the Conan show and headlined clubs across North America.
“Darryl was not only an incredibly talented comedian, but he was also a deeply caring and compassionate person,” Lenox’s Facebook page stated after his death. “He was a beloved brother, son, uncle, and friend, and his loss has left a hole in our hearts that can never be filled. His humor and kindness touched the lives of so many, and we are grateful for the time we had with him.”
Watch Darry Lenox’s on Conan in 2012.
Caseen Gaines was working on a book about Lenox before the comedian died. According to Gaines, Lenox was “one of a kind” and “one of the most open and honest people I’ve met”.
Darryl Lenox was one of a kind. For the past several months, I've had the honor of collaborating with him on his book. When you work with someone on a project like this, you get to know them in a special way, and @darryllenox was one of the most open and honest people I've met. pic.twitter.com/SHqPXjQdkn
— Caseen Gaines (@caseengaines) April 21, 2023
In another tweet, Gaines stated that Lenox never dwelled in the past, noting that he “had an inspiring way of seeing the best in people”.
“He was so excited about working on this book and telling his story,” Gaines declared. “I loved working with him, and even more importantly, getting to know him. Rest in peace, my friend.”
He was so excited about working on this book and telling his story. I loved working with him, and more importantly, getting to know him. Rest in peace, my friend. pic.twitter.com/euHPRUxo9b
— Caseen Gaines (@caseengaines) April 21, 2023
Lenox renowned for his memory
In 2010, Vancouver comedy writer Guy MacPherson declared in the Georgia Straight that Lenox had become “one of the best comics this city—and country—ever produced”.
In a long tribute on Straight.com, fellow Vancouver-based comedian Chris Griffin described Lenox’s smile as “equal parts charming and mischievous”. According to Griffin, his memory was impeccable—and he could share parts of people’s lives many years after meeting them once and hearing their story.
“If there is one lesson over them all I’ll take from Lenox, perhaps his best quality would be to listen,” Griffin wrote. “Everyone is going through something, and if you give them the space to say it, they’ll usually tell you.”
The public is welcome to attend a memorial and celebration of Lenox’s life at 7 p.m. on April 29 at the Butcher & Bullock Public House (911 West Pender Street) in Vancouver.
Listen to a segment of Darryl Lenox’s Blind Ambition show at the Vogue Theatre.
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