Modified On August 10, 2007
From a MySpace bulletin:
After a 20 year career on Wall St. from a messenger
to a member of The New York Stock Exchange, to creating The New York Underground Comedy Festival in 2003, and serving as executive producer over the past 5 years, George Sarris is stepping down and retiring from the entertainment business.
Jim Mendrinos will take over as the head of the NY Underground Festival.
We emailed Sarris, asking if everything was okay, and here’s part of his response:
Everything is totally fine. I just kind of had to make a decision if I ever wanted to actually live or just keep working…lol!
I was on Wall St. for 20 years before this, then jumped right back in the frying pan– this time, comedy.
I’ve basically been working since high school. My family and friends have been trying the past few years to get me to slow down and finally relax and stop and smell the roses. I, of course, chose work, and just kept going.
Then, this year I finally stopped and looked in the mirror, and realized I better choose life over work. I can’t work half way, so I’m gonna have to step away.
He will be missed. For someone who came to the standup comedy only recently, he had tremendous enthusiasm and appreciate for the art and the business.
Hey, is that Larry? (Inside message to George that only he will understand!)