Leonard Robinson Returns to The Comedy Store Stage After Father’s Passing

Leonard Robinson stepped back into the spotlight at The Comedy Store in West Hollywood, marking his first live stand-up set since his father’s passing eight months ago. The actor and comedian admitted his timing was off and his material scattered, but the night offered both laughs and healing.

A Bittersweet Comeback

“I’m back on the mic for the first time since my father passed away. I didn’t think I’d be 8 months,” Robinson wrote on Instagram. His candid admission set the tone for a raw, unfiltered evening. Despite admitting “my rhythm was off and my material was all over the place,” the audience responded with warmth and encouragement, giving Robinson the space to work through his grief onstage.

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Finding His Groove Again

Robinson has built a steady reputation in TV and film—most recently appearing on A Black Lady Sketch Show—but stand-up has always been his first love. Stepping back into the “gladiator arena,” as he jokingly called the stage, he tested out new bits about family, loss and resilience. Mid-set, he paused to collect himself, then dove back into jokes about everyday absurdities. By the end of his set, he’d landed a few unexpected punchlines that had both him and the crowd laughing.

A Supportive Comedy Home

Robinson gave special thanks to The Comedy Store, calling it “my home” and “the space to work it all out.” Owner Mitzi Shore’s legacy of nurturing comics has resonated with Robinson for years, and he credited the venue for giving him a forgiving audience on a night when emotions ran high. He also thanked photographer Van Corona for capturing the evening’s energy and friend Zafa Don Juanita for coaxing him back into performing.

Roots In Improv

Long before nights at The Comedy Store, Robinson honed his skills at The Groundlings, a Los Angeles improv troupe famous for launching numerous SNL alumni. An old post he shared showed him and fellow cast members goofing around in the troupe’s “Kissing Booth” sketch. That era, he says, taught him to trust his instincts—a lesson he leaned on during his comeback set.

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Looking Ahead

With one challenging performance behind him, Robinson is already plotting his next return to stand-up. He ended his Instagram note with, “I’m heating back up! 🎤💪🏾,” signaling his intention to keep writing and performing new material. Fans can expect to see him reclaiming late-night open-mic nights and possibly headlining comedy clubs again soon.

His journey back to the mic underscores how comedy can serve as both métier and medicine. For Robinson, laughter isn’t just a career—it’s a way to process life’s toughest moments.

Leonard Robinson’s triumphant return reminds us that even when the jokes falter, the shared experience of comedy can heal and unite us all.