Fred Burns, comic with spina bifida

by Brian McKim & Traci Skene on May 14th, 2007

Lamont Ferguson sends along the following on the death of comedian Fred Burns:

Fred Burns was a 20+-year veteran comic. Fred suffered from the birth defect spina bifida. His very memorable multi-colored crutches will stood out, as did his unbelievable comedic talent.

His greatest impact on the comedy scene may have been as the manager of the La Jolla Comedy Store for more than a decade. He was the man who made the decision as to who got regular spots at the famed southern California club. Some of the people he “greenlighted” early on in their careers include were Eric Bishop (Jamie Foxx), Bobby Lee and Dat Phan.

He was highly respected among his peers and a prime example of living life to the fullest in spite of his disability.

He was a $10,000 winner of America’s Funniest People– “Which may seem like a lot of money, but a couple of DUI’s and it goes like that,” Burns said of his prize money. He also had a small role in the movie “Stuck on You.”

He’ll be greatly missed.

Also among those greenlighted at the La Jolla Store was this obit’s author, Lamont Ferguson.

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