Comedienne Laura Myers, perhaps better known by her stage name Laura Hotspur, died last week after a three-year fight with cancer. She was thirty seven.
She came to us from her bay area hometown of Eureka, CA. When she moved to Seattle, she began performing sketch and improv with the troupe Some Kind of Cult during what some have dubbed the Seattle Sketch Renaissance (1999-2003).
She was known for her grit. She was a tough Gal, not just physically, but in character. In the boys’ club that is sketch comedy, she could tell a joke that would make even her namesake blush.
When reached for comment, her former cast mates had this to say:
“When Laura was on-stage it wasn’t like she was playing a character. Sure, she could dress up in a silly costume, but it was still Laura under there. You just can’t disguise a personality like hers, and that’s what made her so damn funny.” – Mike Standish
“One night when I was out at a bar with her and Bill. I made the mistake of bemoaning being single, and she proceeded asking every attractive woman in the bar what I could do to be more dateable. I wanted to curl into a ball and die, but it really describes Laura to a tee – brass balls and no shame. At the end of the night she concluded that I needed to shave my ‘prison pussy’ – what she called goatees.” – Josh Knisely
“Laura was an incredibly talented, sharp and FUNNY woman. In life, she called things like she saw them. For that, she has my respect as an artist and as a person. It was my honor to work with her. And, as Josh noted, I will forever be in debt to Laura for illuminating exactly what is so wrong about goatees.” – Chris Hallberg
“Besides a constant fit of laughter she and I would get into, she taught me how to knit (I think I drove her crazy, I was not an easy learner), and she was there for me when my marriage ended. We lost contact, but I’m still going to miss her.” – Cher Mesloh
“I remember when Laura came in to audition for the Cult. She blew us away! There was no fear in her! She had such a fiery presence. Not to mention a kick ass sense of humor! It was a hands down decision. We all wanted to work & play with her. She brought a great energy to the group. And I am honored I got to the chance to share the stage with her.” – Erica Evans
“In the face of Laura’s brashness, it was easy to miss how nervous she would get before a show. Those nerves were a measure of just how completely she gave herself to her effort to entertain. Yet she managed to never forget that it was all about having fun.” – Deron Sedy
“Laura was an irreverent badass in a way that only the best are, and I loved her for it. We shared a kindred fascination of Kung Fu and risqué humor. A music lover, I remember fondly her favorite band, D. Sanchez and the Steamers. I hear the grasshopper.” – Troy Fischnaller
Our condolences go out to her family and her long-time partner Bill. She will be missed.
