A Comedy Original Dies: Michael “Chicken” Roof

Mental illness may have contributed to alleged suicide

If you think fast loans and quick loans are stigmatized, you don’t know the meaning of the word. Mental illness is truly stigmatized by society. It’s understood that the afflicted is ill in some way, but the general level of discomfort on the part of others, as well as their tendency to write the person off as “crazy,” proves that the level of acceptance of the mentally ill is still extremely low in America.

Sometimes even those suffering from a mental illness are unaware of exactly what’s going on. They may think their behavior is normal, but the excesses – the highs and/or lows – may push them to the margins of their society. Or they may know something is wrong, but either not want to seek treatment and lose their spark behind a medicine haze or not know that treatment is available for their condition. Overall, I’m sure it’s a difficult place to be.

According to his MySpace blog, stand-up comedian and actor Michael “Chicken” Roof believed he had a mental illness. Now he is dead, and the family of stand-up comedy will miss him dearly.

Enter the Chicken

In its tribute to the man, The Comic’s Comic blog writes that Michael Roof (aka “Chicken”), 32, co-starred in the two Vin Diesel “XXX” movies, “Black Hawk Down” and “The Dukes of Hazzard” movie. According to “two knowledgeable sources,” Comic’s Comic learned that Roof may have taken his own life. Not long after, friends of Roof began to offer their condolences and and good memories on the departed’s MySpace page. Funeral services are being planned in Roof’s hometown of Dunnellon, Florida this upcoming weekend. Comic’s Comic even encourages those who know more details about what happened to contact him at thecomicscomic (AT) gmail.com.

Here’s what Comic’s Comic knows about Michael Roof. He was married and had three children. The nickname “Chicken” came from his college days, and it stuck when he began his stand-up comedy career in Atlanta, Georgia. After success at the Montreal Just For Laughs Festival, he got his break in TV with the WB sketch show “Hype.” However, it was as a dramatic actor that he received the most popular attention. He drew roles in movies like “Black Hawk Down,” two of the “XXX” franchise and “The Dukes of Hazzard.”

Then, as fame so often does, Roof took a detour into reality television. However, “Raising the Roofs” (which ran on Spike in 2006) did occasionally manage to serve as a platform for Chicken’s brand of comedy.

Stalled since then

Comedy clubs were still booking him, but the big time seemed to elude Michael Roof. His blog posts on MySpace began to indicate that something was definitely wrong. Here’s an entry from April 14, 2009 that Comic’s Comic picks up on. It could easily be interpreted as a warning sign, one that more people in this society should pay attention to. If nothing else, it seems likely that Roof would want people to know that these things shouldn’t be taken lightly when a life can be saved:

Ok I am sitting here trying to piece together exactly what is going through my mind and what is a thought that i have forced into my mind. what popped in there on its own and what did I force there? I think i have a social disorder and several mental disorders that i need o realize that are real and just not a word given to you because of symptoms. I guess symptoms point to one word or another but aren’t all people different. hmmmmmmm
practicing medicine is just that, practicing medicine…even with psychiatry. what combination of pills will ultimately keep us all from jumping. I went on the road in march and have had an experience now on the road. I truly don’t know if I like it. that s***s. I can do it…..but i don’t truly know if I want to do it. what else will i do if i do not do this? shit I don’t know. i am mean, moody and unpredictable right now and I guess that is supposed to be a comedian…..f*** that. I have turned bitter towards it because i am not young and naive like I was when i started. I know where it leads and I know what comes from the work you put in. More roadwork, more money, films and television. sounds cool huh? the movie part is cool….that’s about it. Even that blows the sausage some time. but ok I don’t think I could ever get tired of films. but(f*** capitalization and form right now. not so easy to get films. especially when everyone that works for you thinks you are unpredictable and will disappear for years at a time. (I do though) there has got to be something else interesting on this earth for me to do….something…sh**. I have to find it. anyone have any career ideas or options for me. I am taking advice from all as long as they are serious about it. oh well, know one will read this anyway. I am a flake

Worried about a friend? Check up on them.

Here’s what Comic’s Comic reader Jaime said about Michael Roof:

Michael had been working every now and again in recent months at my club, The Punchline, in Atlanta. He was just as dynamic on stage as ever and we are all terribly saddened by his death.

I guess it is a good reminder for all of us that we are only sometimes seeing a snippet of a person’s life as we see them at the club or pass by on the road. If you suspect someone is in trouble, maybe it’s worth a moment to ask if they really are. I wish I had.

Michael Roof thought he was a flake, but he clearly could have used some help. If you need help, please don’t hesitate. Consult with a mental health professional. At the very least, if such help is generally out of your price, find a counselor who works at a clinic that works on a sliding scale. Fast loans and quick loans are also an option with something as important as your life.

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