Los Angeles, California
1942 - 2017
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...
Read MoreI 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.
Rita Pelish
July 26, 2025 | Friend
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!
shelly Young
May 16, 2025
Thanks Ken - The Greatest Song From Any Movie - Move On Up - Curtis Mayfield - Total Classic Today Thanks To The Groove Tube
Jim Castro
June 05, 2023 | Friend
A laudable feature on the landscape of 20th century American entertainment.
Eureka Steve
January 29, 2023 | Other
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.
Mike Rawlins
October 23, 2020 | Friend
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
Michael Bray
February 23, 2018 | Schenectady, NY
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
February 19, 2018
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...
Sylvya Palma-Scoggin
November 28, 2017 | Las Cruces, NM | Friend
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.
Deek
November 28, 2017 | CA