Michael Jeffrey “Goldfish Boy” Cohen (“MJC”)
1964-2022
#86
Improvisational actor, comedy writer, commercial copywriter

Michael Jeffrey Cohen, a native of Philadelphia, earned a BA In Journalism/Cultural Studies from SUNY-Empire State College. He had a successful 18-year career as a commercial /entertainment copywriter, primarily in the fields of music, film/TV, and books. In addition, he worked in the medical publishing field as a copywriter, journal editor, and editorial coordinator. MJC was tremendously grateful for the confidence of his colleagues at BMG Entertainment, Columbia House, Bookspan, and Crooked Lane Books.

Along with his career in publishing, MJC racked up more than 30 years of experience in improvisational comedy. He performed on the professional rosters of ComedySportz Chicago, Philadelphia, and New York City. He performed in several CSz tournaments and had the honor of performing with CSz Manchester in Scotland, as part of the 2018 Edinburgh Festival Fringe. MJC was fearless and supportive, and he loved nothing more than when the groaner foul would be suspended during a “pun” game.

MJC also was adept at scripted satire, writing and performing in the revues Brecht Fest for Your Head (Second City Training Center, Chicago); Hypocrites on Ice (Climax Theater, Philadelphia); Molten Hell Hits Happy Valley (Café Voltaire, Chicago), plus several revues with the Philadelphia-area troupe Doorways to Lint. For four seasons, MJC performed in the chorus of the Savoy Company, Philadelphia’s oldest troupe dedicated to the works of Gilbert and Sullivan. As co-chair of the program committee,

MJC wrote most of the program copy for Savoy’s 2018-2020 seasons and sang in the chorus during Savoy’s Iolanthe production at the 2018 International G&S Festival in Harrogate, England.

MJC died on May 28, 2022, following a long Illness. He loved his mother, the late Arlene Cohen, his father Steven Cohen, stepmother Marie Cohen, brother Ken Cohen, his aunts, uncles, cousins, and his many, many friends in CSz. And he loved to laugh, especially in darker times.

MJC wanted everyone to know that he was thankful for the opportunities he had, his family, and his many treasured friendships.