Bo Burnham Cause of Death, and Obituary: What Happened to Comedian and Filmmaker?
Bo Burnham, the renowned comedian and filmmaker who rose to fame on YouTube, died by suicide on January 17, 2024, at the age of 33. His death shocked and saddened his fans, friends, and family, who remembered him as a talented and versatile artist who brought joy and laughter to millions.
A YouTube Sensation
Bo Burnham’s journey to fame began on YouTube, where he gained recognition for his witty and darkly humorous songs. His music videos became instant hits, making him one of the first YouTube celebrities. His song “My Whole Family…” quickly became popular when the link to its YouTube video was shared on Break.com, soon leading to it being shared on other sites.
Accompanying himself on guitar or digital piano, Burnham continued to release self-described “pubescent musical comedy” songs and videos online as his audience grew. Some of his most famous songs include “Bo fo Sho”, “New Math”, “Words Words Words”, and “Kill Yourself”.
A Stand-Up Star
Moving beyond YouTube, Burnham transitioned to stand-up comedy, releasing albums like “Bo fo Sho” and “Bo Burnham”. His comedic features, including “Words Words Words”, “What.”, and “Make Happy”, showcased his unique blend of music and humor. He also performed live on various stages, such as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Just for Laughs festival, and the Oddball Comedy & Curiosity Festival.
Burnham’s comedy was often praised for its cleverness, originality, and social commentary. He tackled topics such as religion, race, sexuality, politics, and mental health, using satire, irony, and self-deprecation. He also experimented with different formats, such as poems, rap battles, and musical theater.
A Filmmaker and Actor
In 2018, Burnham made his feature film debut with “Eighth Grade” at the Sundance Film Festival. The film received critical acclaim, earning awards for Best Original Screenplay and Outstanding Directing. The film follows the life of a shy and awkward eighth-grader, played by Elsie Fisher, who struggles with social anxiety and tries to fit in. The film was praised for its realistic and relatable portrayal of adolescence, as well as its use of social media and technology.
Burnham also acted in several films and TV shows, such as “The Big Sick”, “Promising Young Woman”, “Parks and Recreation”, and “Zach Stone Is Gonna Be Famous”. He also voiced characters in animated shows, such as “Adventure Time” and “We Bare Bears”.
A Personal Struggle
Despite his success and popularity, Burnham struggled with anxiety and panic attacks, which he often talked about in his comedy. He revealed that he had his first panic attack on stage in 2013, which led him to take a break from performing live. He said that he felt trapped by his own persona and expectations, and that he wanted to be more honest and authentic with his audience.
In 2023, Burnham released his latest special, “Inside”, which he filmed entirely in his home during the COVID-19 pandemic. The special was a dark and introspective exploration of his isolation, depression, and creativity. He also expressed his frustration and disillusionment with the state of the world, the internet, and the entertainment industry. The special was widely acclaimed, earning him six Emmy nominations and two wins.
A Tragic End
On January 17, 2024, Burnham was found dead in his Los Angeles home, apparently by suicide. His death came as a shock to his fans, who had hoped that he was doing better after releasing “Inside”. His family and friends issued a statement, asking for privacy and respect during this difficult time. They also thanked his fans for their love and support, and urged anyone who was struggling with mental health issues to seek help.
Burnham had previously posted on his website that he would die on January 17, 2024, and had deleted his social media accounts. He had also mentioned in an interview that he planned to kill himself because his dog, a “bomeranian” breed, would die on or before that date, and he could not bear to live without him. However, many thought that this was a joke or a publicity stunt, and did not take it seriously.
A Legacy and Impact
Bo Burnham’s legacy extends beyond comedy, incorporating cinematic techniques, music, and dark humor. His ability to tackle tragic or dramatic undertones in his work has left fans deciphering the deeper meanings in his creations. He also addressed mental health issues, not only within the creative community but society at large. His struggles with anxiety shed light on the challenges faced by individuals in the public eye.
Burnham’s death has sparked a conversation about the importance of mental health awareness and support, especially for artists and entertainers. Many have expressed their condolences and admiration for Burnham, as well as their grief and anger over his loss. Some have also shared their own stories of coping with mental health issues, and encouraged others to seek help if they need it.
Burnham is survived by his parents, Patricia and Scott, his brother, Pete, his girlfriend, Phoebe Bridgers, and his dog, Bruce. He will be remembered as a brilliant and versatile artist who brought joy and laughter to millions.
