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Denver comedian, author dead

DON BECKER FOUGHT MENTAL ILLNESS

By BRAD WEISMANN Colorado Daily News Editor

Monday, May 19, 2008

Word is slowly filtering across the Colorado entertainment scene about the recent discovery of the body of promising, tragically challenged Denver comedian, playwright and author Don Becker.

Reports from several of the troubled entertainer's friends indicate that his body was found Thursday in his home, and that he may have struck his head in a fall. He was 53.

He was best known for his standup comedy, which placed him at the forefront of his peers during the early 1980's. Later, he wrote plays such as "Lucifer Tonite" and "Kurt Cobain Was Right."

He was subject to bouts of mental illness, and during one episode in August of 1986, he placed his arms on a railroad track in front of an oncoming train. One arm was surgically reattached. A benefit for him at the Rainbow Music Hall later that year drew the talents of Sam Kinison, Louie Anderson and Dennis Miller.

A celebration of his life by his friends is planned for June.

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