Two-time Emmy Award-winning comedy writer Tom Johnson, 55, passed away peacefully and unexpectedly in his Los Angeles home on January 14th, 2024. He is survived by: his wife Rozie Bacchi; sisters Pamela Dawn Foels and Cindy Johnson Doerr; brothers-in-law Stephen Foels and Steve Doerr; nieces Jennifer Lynne Sims, Amanda Jean Strathman, Brooke Alexandra Beck and their spouses; great nieces Cameron Hazel Sims and Zoey Violet Strathman; and adored cats Billie, Sal, and Mama.
During his career, Johnson collaborated with a murderer’s row of comedic talent including Joan Rivers, Greg Giraldo, Jon Stewart, Marc Maron, Arsenio Hall, George Lopez, Snoop Dogg, Martha Stewart, Nikki Glaser, Anthony Jeselnik, and more.
In 1996, Johnson was hired on the original staff of Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show” with host Craig Kilborn, and remained on staff when Jon Stewart assumed the role three years later. Johnson wrote on more than 1200 episodes and was one of the authors of the New York Times bestseller “America: The Book.” Johnson won two Emmy Awards and two Peabody Awards for his work on “The Daily Show,” but is perhaps best known for appearing on camera as anonymous hacker “Lord Viper Scorpion,” who mercilessly destroyed Mr. Stewart’s online reputation while taunting the host to “feel his sting.” From 2007 to 2009, he served as head writer for “Talk Show with Spike Feresten,” FOX network’s longest-running late night show, believe it or not. He went on to work as a head writer on Lopez Tonight and would later co-create The Jeselnik Offensive with Anthony Jeselnik where he served as an executive producer and head writer. Even after his death, Johnson is still banned from New Zealand because of a sketch that appeared on the show. His other television writing credits include the Grammy Awards, the Comedy Central Celebrity Roasts, the MTV Movie Awards, Inside the NBA All-Star Roast, and more.
Tom began his comedy career after college and founded the Network Comedy Troupe, where he served as writer, director, and mentor. They performed weekly sketch comedy and improv shows at Catch a Rising Star in Union Station. Tom instilled a “no hacks” philosophy and inspired his crew to hold themselves to a higher level of comedy and commitment. As his own career flourished, he always remembered his troupe and created opportunities for them as well. He was a true friend to funny people. A champion of bits.
As a touring comedian, Johnson performed at venues across the country and on television shows including A&E’s “Caroline’s Comedy Hour” and several Comedy Central specials, often appearing alongside his horribly maimed ventriloquist dummy named Burnie, who survives him.
Johnson was born in Fairfax, Virginia on July 25th, 1968 to Thomas and Billie Johnson when his sisters were 19 and 14 years old. He essentially had three moms, which is why he became a comedian. His family lived around the country due to his father’s job as an FBI agent. They eventually settled in St. Louis, Missouri. Growing up, Johnson had an insatiable curiosity. He was talented in all of the arts: a gifted artist who could draw in vivid detail, played the guitar and trombone, and acted in plays throughout college at the University of Missouri. He loved the band Kiss and enjoyed dressing up like the lead singer for Halloween.
As a writer and collaborator, Johnson is remembered for his unflagging good spirits and his ability to make the writers in his orbit feel heard, respected, and most of all, funny. His warm exterior belied a mind that often veered towards the darkest, most surreal corners of comedy, but even when trying to shock, his provocations were always followed by his trademark giggle that let everyone know they were also in on the joke. Those who knew him will not soon forget his bottomless generosity, bottomless kindness, and bottomless chaps.
Tom had a huge heart and cared deeply about taking care of others. He launched the careers of countless successful comedians. His work ethic was impeccable. He was fair, kind, talented, inclusive, and funny as hell. He was a voracious reader, eater, and rescuer of cats. It brought him great joy to play pranks on those he loved. He will truly be missed by all.
Online Webcast Link of the Service of Thomas M. Johnson, Jr. :
https://streaming.forestlawn.com/69495386?pwd=Sm9obnNvbg%3D%3D
