Theo Von recorded his latest Netflix stand-up special at New York’s iconic Beacon Theatre on Saturday night. But during the performance, he alarmed fans when he said, “I'm having a long month. I'm trying not to take my own life.” The remark, which spread quickly online after the show, has sparked a wave of concern about the comedian’s well-being.
Attendees described the set as disjointed and difficult to watch. One Reddit post read, “Theo Von just BOMBED. Saw Theo at Beacon Theater for his Netflix taping…1/3 of the crowd walked out.” Another wrote on X, “Was there – love Theo – worst set ever. He’ll get back on the horse.”
Von, who has become one of the most recognisable names in comedy thanks to his This Past Weekend podcast and previous specials, has not yet commented publicly on the reaction or his mental health. Fans, however, are flooding social media with messages urging support.
Fans react to Von’s remarks
“They need to immediately intervene. No one says that sort of stuff if they don't mean every word. If he is not helped, we will be reading about him in the headlines I am afraid,” one commenter wrote.
Another user added, “Yeah I'm concerned too, he has talked about how much he suffered when he was young.”
A third penned, “Most comedians are tormented souls sadly. Most of them are depressed more than you know. That’s why they’re so funny.”
Others at the show said Von appeared unrehearsed and repeated jokes, at times pausing mid-story to ask for punchlines or leaving the stage before returning to continue his set.
One attendee said, “Started off strong but it was a roller coaster that fell off at the end.”
Theo Von’s career so far
Von first became known as a cast member on MTV’s Road Rules in the early 2000s before moving into stand-up comedy. He competed on NBC’s Last Comic Standing and toured internationally with the USO.
His 2021 Netflix special Regular People introduced him to a wider audience, and his “This Past Weekend” podcast now has more than four million YouTube subscribers with guests from across entertainment and sports.
At the time of writing, neither Von nor his representatives have issued a statement about Saturday’s performance or his remarks. Fans continue to call for him to take time for his health and return to the stage when he’s ready.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.