Tampa Bay comics remember G. David Howard, who called himself 'the funniest man alive'

Comedian G. David Howard, recognized by the Guinness Book of World Record for his 16-hour joke marathon, passed away in February. His 50-year career covered comedy in Tampa Bay so thoroughly, the current local comedy elders all looked up to him when they first started, and found a kind, helpful voice to guide them.

Most of them found work when Howard had his own comedy rooms in the area. In his latter years he would hold residencies in local venues, performing every week or two at the same place to sold-out crowds. Howard could draw the same people to see him perform over and over again since he had enough material to completely change his set frequently.

Even when he halted his regular schedule, the Largo resident never really stopped performing. He took gigs when the mood struck him, filling rooms with audiences that included longtime fans and new converts. After shows many people would come up to him to chat with an old friend, and he always made time to visit, have a couple extra laughs, and reflect on his comedy career.

Creative Loafing Tampa Bay asked some long standing local comedians about his effect on their own career and comedy in general. Here's what they said:

Bill “Bull” Ohse: G. David Howard was an absolute pillar of the comedy community, and a North Star for many comics who followed him. Offstage, G. was a kind and gentle soul. He took pride in lifting up younger comics, helping them to achieve their dreams. Onstage he was a comedic powder keg, with skills unmatched. The world is a darker place, and far less funny without him in it.

Ward Smith One constant response you’ll get is how generous he was with his time for us coming up. Later, when I was producing shows, he was always available and sold out his shows. One time when I booked him for a benefit, the fee was far less than he was accustomed to getting, but he believed in the cause and charged me only 50 bucks for gas and a bottle of scotch.

Lou Angelwolf G. David Howard was a Tampa Bay comedy icon before there were such things. He was a linear one-man show, performing two shows a night with a bullet-proof repertoire of fabulous stories which included what seemed like a spontaneous inclusion of current audience members. It was the funniest destination on the Pinellas beaches for many, many years.

He was a true professional and was very kind and gracious to me. I personally will miss him here on Earth, but I’m sure I’ll see him again on the other side. His intro line was “The Funniest Man Alive.” I don’t deal in hyperbole, but he was close.

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