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1942 - 2017

BORN

1942

DIED

2017

Ken Shapiro Obituary

June 5, 1942 - November 18, 2017 Seminal film writer and director Ken Shapiro passed away quietly at home on Nov. 18, after a valiant struggle with cancer. Various industry observers credit Shapiro and his 1974 independent raw sketch comedy, "The Groove Tube", with being the template for modern comedy's media-wise, frank sensibilities. Film director Gus Van Sant said of Ken, "I learned much more from him than anything in school," and further credits Shapiro with being the pioneering source of Saturday Night Live. Jim Knipfel, of OZY.com, wrote: "In terms of contemporary American comedy, I'm hard-pressed to think of another single film that was more widely influential." The television spoof was an outgrowth of Shapiro's earlier New York innovation, "Channel One". Shapiro's news anchorman satire, with his signature sign off line, "Good night, and have a pleasant tomorrow", was later adopted for Weekend Update on Saturday Night Live. Shapiro also co-wrote and directed 20th Century Fox's 1981 Christmas release, "Modern Problems". Born in Newark, New Jersey, to parents Frank and Leona, Kenneth Roy Shapiro was already appearing in commercials when he was two months old. Known as little Kenny Sharpe, he became a child star in the days of live television in New York, and appeared often on Milton Berle's Texaco Star Theater as "the kid". In one memorable performance, he literally danced rings around Berle. Uncomfortable in the corporate structure of studio and TV networks, Shapiro left Hollywood after "Modern Problems", eventually settling in Los Cruces, NM. He is survived by his loving wife Kelly, and devoted step-daughter Danielle-Lampkins; his sister Cookie and brother Stanley. He also leaves behind two dauntless daughters, Rosy Rosenkrantz, fka Jennifer, and her son Cerulean, and his daughter Emily Shapiro, mother of Willa, Milo and Romy. Though the transformative impact of his comedic point of view continues to ripple in current culture, life and Ken Shapiro were not friends¿more like worthy adversaries, drawing strength and purpose in combat. It was pretty much a draw, and life misses him already.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Los Angeles Times from Nov. 25 to Nov. 27, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Ken Shapiro

14 Entries

Rita Pelish

July 26, 2025

I knew Kenny when he and I were Star Time Kids. I was one of the Rosebuds and he was a fun kid. Cute and smart. I became much later a happy housewife, a now retired dental hygienist, a mother of 3 daughters and now a great grandma. So sorry we didn't keep in touch.

shelly Young

May 16, 2025

I knew Ken in LA just when he was diagnosed approximately in 1982. He meditated at the Community Meditation Center with myself and Shinzen Young who was his teacher. Wow, what a survivor!

Jim Castro

June 5, 2023

Thanks Ken - The Greatest Song From Any Movie - Move On Up - Curtis Mayfield - Total Classic Today Thanks To The Groove Tube

Eureka Steve

January 29, 2023

A laudable feature on the landscape of 20th century American entertainment.

Mike Rawlins

October 23, 2020

I just thought about Ken today. The Groove Tube and Ken’s performances were classic. I was not aware till today he passed three years ago. All my best to the family. Such a comic genius.

Michael Bray

February 23, 2018

One of my all time favorite movies, ever.
Your father was hysterical.
I wished I could have met him, and told him so.
My condolences to you and your family.
Mike Bray

February 19, 2018

Though I never met Ken, I've saw The Groove Tube back when I was too young to understand it. It's too bad he was not more lauded, but I'll fondly remember his work and influence.

- Tim
San Francisco, CA

Sylvya Palma-Scoggin

November 28, 2017

One of the most wonderful persons I had the pleasure to work for, learn from, and love like a father figure. I know heaven got a new angel, but I will miss you in my life dearly. You taught me so much thank you for being one of the most influential people in my life and i will continue to be a "laugher" without pay. May you finally rest in peace and be singing, dancing, and making people laugh freely. Know that everyone of us whos life you got to personally touch will continue to carry what you taught us and pay it forward.

Deek

November 28, 2017

Ken Shapiro started a movement in comedy that still exists today. Others hogged the credit but purists know it was Ken's brilliance that created the classic. Sympathies to his loved ones.

Eric

November 27, 2017

I'll tie a love'n knot, around wonderful you.

Nesh D

November 27, 2017

So sad. .Love you Auntie Kelly Shapiro and Family Nesh

Maxine Williams

November 26, 2017

May your light continue to radiate in those whose lives you've touched. You fought with dignity and courage. May you rest in peace.

Adam Rodgers

November 25, 2017

As a teenager, wore out Errol's Video Rental's vhs copy of Groove Tube... Had no idea of the creative force behind it, thank you for sharing.

Mark Sanderson

November 25, 2017

Hard to believe he is gone.
Im lucky he decided to move to the sticks across the street from my home in Trinidad Ca.
GrooveTube was our favorite stoner flick (too long ago ;-) as young adults in Eureka with a VHS player the size of a suitcase .I never could have imagined he would become such a good friend.
funny , brilliant,often annoying,and always good hearted.My life will always have a empty hole that he used to fill.

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