The origins of what led to this photo being taken are unknown, but anyone with a knowledge of the history of the club can tell you: that is Ellen DeGeneres standing in front of the Comic Strip Live!’s stage. We have long have Ellen listed as one of our famous Alumni, but I hadn’t been able to track down any photographs of her around the club. Thanks to some great sleuthing by our friends at The San Francisco Gate, the picture can be dated at 1985.
I stumbled upon this picture in this great article about comedians that come out of the San Francisco comedy scene in the late 70’s/early 80’s by Peter Hartlaub. Fellow Strip alum mentioned in the article include Robin Williams and Bobby Slayton. Give it a look if you get a chance.
Hey Ellen, if you are out there reading this, I think its due time you come back and take a update your picture! You’ll love what they’ve done with the place!