Improv hosts a weekend of comedy from a survivor

Robert Schimmel is well aware that the best comedy usually comes from a person’s own life…. Robert Schimmel is well aware that the best comedy usually comes from a person’s own life.

The Bronx native will be at the Improv this weekend, spouting off his keen and hilarious view of relationships and sex. But he will also take one of the most serious illnesses a person can have — cancer — and offer a humorous take on it.

In 2000, Schimmel was diagnosed with lymphoma cancer and told that he had only six months to live. Now, after being in remission for three years, he has made cancer an integral part of his comedy routine. His goal is to offer hope to people currently undergoing treatment by giving them the best medicine of all — laughter.

Schimmel has been performing his comedic routine since 1986, when he appeared on Rodney Dangerfield’s “Young Comedians Special” on HBO. After that, he worked as a staff writer for “In Living Color” until he polished his act and went on the road again. He has appeared on numerous television shows, including “The Simpsons,” “Hollywood Squares” and “Late Night with Conan O’Brien.” Schimmel has also brought his talent to films such as “Scary Movie 2” and “A Low Down Dirty Shame.”

He has dedicated himself to easing the pain of cancer patients in ways other than comedy, however. He started a national campaign to build CD and audio book libraries in infusion therapy centers across the country, with great success. He also has collected many CDs and bought personal CD players for patients to use during chemotherapy treatments.

If you’re in the mood for a light take on a serious subject, you’ll certainly want to head to the Improv at the Waterfront this weekend.

Robert Schimmel will be performing at the Improv at the Homestead Waterfront from Feb. 12-15. For more information, call (412) 462-5233.