Guru

Jeff Griggs' Guru: My Days with Del Close is a poignant, hilarious, and deeply honest memoir of the final years of the 'mad scientist' of American comedy. Published in 2005, the book provide a rare and intimate look at Del Close from the perspective of an iO student who was 'assigned' by Charna Halpern to assist the legendary teacher as his health began to decline. What begins as a series of errands and chores transforms into a journey through the brilliant and chaotic mind of the man who trained everyone from John Belushi and Bill Murray to Mike Myers and Tina Fey.

The work is structured as a series of anecdotal chapters documenting their time together: ranging from late-night intellectual tirades in Del's apartment to the bizarre and touching rituals of his final days. Griggs capture the 'Guru' in all his complexity: his crushing intellect, his brutal honesty, his obsession with 'The Harold,' and his profound vulnerability. The book provides a much-needed 'human' perspective on the myth of Del Close, showing the man behind the legends of drug use and theatrical iconoclasm. Griggs also look at the technical side of Del's genius, documenting the specific 'notes' and philosophical deep-dives that made him the most influential teacher in the history of the form.

The text is written in a warm and self-deprecating voice, as Griggs looks back on his own younger self trying to navigate the eccentricities of his mentor. Guru is not just a biography: it is a story of an unexpected friendship and a profound legacy. It is a vital document for any improviser who wants to understand the 'source' of their art and the human cost of artistic visionary.

Guru has been hailed as one of the most moving and authentic books ever written about the comedy world. Reviewers often praise Jeff Griggs for his ability to humanize Del Close without stripping away the awe that his brilliance inspired. The book's honesty about Del's failings is frequently cited as a major strength, making the final story of their friendship all the more touching. It is regarded as an essential read for anyone who has ever stood on an improv stage and wondered where they 'Yes, And' really came from.