Passing of Beloved Comedian Births a New Comedy Festival

Kenny DeForest was a great vibe. He was appreciated by nearly everyone who crossed his path. His comedy was insightful, silly and provocative. He was life-affirming, kind and giving to his friends. I know this because I was one of those friends (yes, I am biased).

So when he tragically passed away last December in an e-bike accident, there was no world in which he would just “fade away.” Instead, his legacy will continue not only through his friends and family, but through a new comedy festival in his honor: “DeforeFest.”

Who Was Kenny DeForest? 

DeForest grew up an only child in Springfield, Missouri. Basketball was his first love, but as he mentioned in his latest comedy special, one time he got dunked on so hard by a future NBA player that he saw the light and chose to tell jokes instead.

When he moved to Chicago in 2009, he got serious about stand-up comedy. He quickly became a beloved member of the comedy scene there before eventually moving to New York City to pursue it full-time. DeForest would go on to perform on two late night programs: “Late Night with Seth Meyers” and “The Late Late Show with James Corden.” He was also seen in several shows such as HBO’s “Crashing” and various Comedy Central productions.

But many comedians can list off their accolades. What made DeForest different was how people felt about him.

Credit: Karen Knuth Photography

Comedian and actor Kyle Kinane gave the Springfield News-Leader a description that many people echo:

“He was a rare and refreshing, genuine human. Maybe it’s not rare in some other lines of work, but in standup or ‘showbiz’ finding someone like Kenny was a privilege. He spoke with sincere interest to whoever he was conversing with. He cared about his friends, and anyone he met became his friend. His talent was only outsized by his compassion.”

What is DeforeFest? 

DeforeFest is a four-day comedy festival that will take place in DeForest’s hometown of Springfield, Missouri. It includes shows that features DeForest’s talented friends, including national headliners such as Hannibal Burress and Liza Treyger.

It will also include services such as a memorial and celebration of life for DeForest. For more details, visit www.deforefest.com.

In the end, DeForest was a giver. He gave himself to his loved ones, he gave his organs to five families in need, and even after he’s gone, he gives us a reason to keep laughing.