The Boston comedy community shows support for Mike Dorval.
Beloved Boston comedian Mike Dorval is battling lymphoma while receiving overwhelming support from the community. A benefit show at Laugh Boston on April 14 aims to assist him in this challenging time. Dorval, known for his kindness and authenticity, has made a significant impact in the local comedy scene over his 25-year career. Despite setbacks in his treatment, community efforts, including a successful GoFundMe campaign, demonstrate the profound love and encouragement from fellow comedians and fans.
In the vibrant city of Boston, a beloved figure in the comedy scene is facing an uphill battle, but the community is rallying behind him in a remarkable display of support. Mike Dorval, a familiar face known for his roles in “Sheer Madness” and as “Mike the Bubble Man,” has been making audiences laugh for an impressive 25 years. However, in September 2024, life threw a curveball when Dorval was diagnosed with lymphoma, specifically in his sinuses.
Dorval’s oncologist presented a mixed prognosis. While the news regarding his cancer could have been worse, the timeline for recovery remains unclear. Now at 50 years old, Dorval is showing optimism following rounds of chemotherapy and radiation treatment that successfully destroyed the tumor. However, things took a turn during a procedure to harvest stem cells for a possible auto stem cell transplant, which didn’t provide the expected results.
This unforeseen setback has pushed Dorval’s plans to return to his beloved stage back to at least fall 2025. Until then, he is focusing on his health; the comedian has been taking this extended time off from performing—his longest absence since childhood. During his downtime, he has embraced family time, catching up on television series, and even showcasing his passion for movies through his podcast, “Total Dad Movies.”
The outpouring of love and support from the Boston comedy community has been nothing short of heartwarming. Once news of Dorval’s diagnosis broke, friends and fellow comedians quickly organized a GoFundMe campaign, which astonishingly surpassed its initial goal of $5,000 in no time.
Friend and fellow comedian Tooky Kavanagh was instrumental in initiating the fundraiser and also contributed to a benefit show held at The Comedy Studio back in February. Additionally, a close collaborator, Paula Murphy, who has known Dorval for over two decades, is gearing up for a benefit show at Laugh Boston on April 14, featuring a stellar lineup that includes prominent comedians like Kavanagh, Gary Gulman, and Josh Gondelman.
What makes Mike Dorval such an enduring figure in the local comedy scene is his kindness and authenticity. Many of Boston’s upcoming comedians credit Dorval for his invaluable advice and support, emphasizing how his contributions have shaped their careers. His ability to connect with people and uplift those around him truly defines his character.
While Dorval benefits from health insurance, navigating the complexities of his treatment has proven challenging at times. Along with the side effects of cancer treatment, he faces complications such as neuropathy affecting his hands—an unexpected hurdle in his journey toward recovery. Doctors remain optimistic that the symptoms of neuropathy will ease in the coming months, but as with many aspects of his treatment, uncertainty lingers.
As he prepares to start the stem cell therapy process again shortly before the benefit show, there’s a chance Dorval may attend if his health permits. While he feels apprehensive about promoting the event as the beneficiary, he recognizes the importance of the lineup and the hope it brings for audience support.
The upcoming benefit show at Laugh Boston is scheduled for April 14 at 7 p.m.. Tickets are priced at just $40, and all proceeds will go to support Dorval in this challenging time. If you’re in the Boston area and want to be part of a heartwarming effort to support a local legend, consider stopping by and showing your love for Mike Dorval. Together, the community can help him on his journey back to the stage and remind him he’s not alone in this fight.
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