Ralphie May
Ralphie May: A Life of Comedy and Resilience
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#### Full Name and Common Aliases
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Ralphie May was born on February 17, 1972, and passed away on October 6, 2017. His full name was Ralph Dale Hurt Jr., but he was commonly known as Ralphie May.
#### Birth and Death Dates
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February 17, 1972 - October 6, 2017
#### Nationality and Profession(s)
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American Comedian, Actor
Ralphie May's career spanned over two decades, during which he became a well-known comedian, actor, and television personality. He was particularly famous for his biting wit and physical comedy.
#### Early Life and Background
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Growing up in Chandler, Oklahoma, Ralphie May developed an interest in comedy at an early age. His father's influence played a significant role in shaping his sense of humor, often encouraging him to watch stand-up comedians perform on television. May attended high school in Tulsa but dropped out before graduating. Instead, he began performing stand-up comedy and gained popularity through local gigs.
#### Major Accomplishments
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May's impressive career saw him gain recognition for various performances and shows:
He was a finalist on Season 5 of the reality TV show _Last Comic Standing_, finishing second behind John Heffron.
Ralphie May won the _Just for Laughs_ Chicago comedy competition in 2003, which marked a significant milestone in his career.
In addition to performing stand-up, he also appeared on various television shows and movies, including Blue Collar Comedy Tour, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and My Name is Earl.
#### Notable Works or Actions
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Some of Ralphie May's notable works include:
Never Die Laughing (2008): A comedy special where he showcased his unique style, tackling topics like marriage, children, and middle age.
Ralphie May: Unruly (2013): Another comedy special that received widespread acclaim for its bold content and unfiltered humor.
#### Impact and Legacy
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Ralphie May's impact on the world of comedy extends beyond his performances. He was known for:
Pushing boundaries with his unapologetic style, inspiring a generation of comedians to experiment with new formats.
Advocating for mental health awareness by discussing his own struggles with anxiety and depression in interviews.
#### Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Ralphie May's unique blend of humor, vulnerability, and resilience made him a household name. He will be remembered for:
His unflinching honesty about personal struggles.
* The way he blurred the line between comedy and reality with his irreverent style.
His quotes continue to inspire audiences, offering a glimpse into his thoughts on life, love, and the pursuit of happiness.
Quotes by Ralphie May
I'm an entertainer first. But I do as a stand up comedian, the way for me to evolve is to make a difference, to make people laugh and learn and do something different. Because there's too many comedians out there just making people laugh. And anybody can do that.
America thinks if you're fat, you're stupid. That's great. I want them to keep thinking that. Let them keep on thinking that because the truth is, the expectations are blown away even more when you realize what I'm saying and doing.
I'm too far to the left for some, too far to the right for others. I'm my own brand of comedy.
When I do jokes that maybe are seen as social commentary, I research them to the nth degree. I probably do more research than I do actual joke writing. I want to make sure what I'm saying is correct.
I'm topical as hell. That's not going to change if I lose weight. There are a lot of comics that do 'fat jokes' better than I do - Louie Anderson, John Pinette, Gabriel Iglesias. These guys are phenomenal.