Remembering Mark Russell

The late political satirist Mark Russell was celebrated on August 17, 2023 by three cultural institutions that were woven throughout his life: The National Comedy Center, Chautauqua Institution and Buffalo Toronto Public Media. A ribbon was cut to mark the National Comedy Center’s acquisition of Russell’s career archives, which will be preserved and made accessible for generations to come. Lewis hosted the dedication at the National Comedy Center.

“Mark Russell was an extraordinarily talented satirist with a unique comic voice. With a mischievous grin, his signature bowtie and a happy-go-lucky piano style, Mark would skewer politicians and their politics through song. It made the savagery of his humor seem lighthearted as he took apart his targets through a thousand paper cuts.”

ribbon cutting