Laughing Matters Legacy
Honoring the heartfelt comedy, community impact, mentorship, and enduring spirit of Atlanta improv legend, Tommy Futch (1954–2023).
Honoring Tommy Futch (1954–2023)
Our name carries the memory of an Atlanta comedy icon. When we set out to create Laughing Matters Corp, we chose the name because it perfectly encapsulated our beliefs that joy is essential, and that shared laughter has the power to heal and connect us all.
What we did not know at the time of registering our non-profit was that the name Laughing Matters already held a deeply revered place in the Atlanta comedy community. For several decades, it was the name of a long-running Atlanta improv troupe, founded in 1985 by the legendary Tommy Futch.
Tommy was a force of nature. Despite becoming paraplegic as a teenager, his zest for life, mischief, and play was boundless. He is widely credited with breathing life into the Atlanta improvisational theater scene, mentoring countless performers, and bringing his off-the-cuff, heartfelt comedy to stages across the region. Those who knew him describe him as a gifted comedian, a relentless champion of others' potential, and a man to whom making people laugh was as natural as breathing.
Because we never had the privilege of knowing Tommy personally, discovering this history gave us pause. Our immediate concern was out of deep respect for his memory; we never wanted the Atlanta improv community to feel we had co-opted the legacy of a beloved performer who had recently passed away.
However, as we spoke with people who knew and loved him, a beautiful realization emerged: the philanthropic work we are setting out to do aligns perfectly with the spirit of how Tommy lived his life. Like our new organization, Tommy used improv not just to entertain, but to uplift others and bring spontaneous joy into everyday spaces.
To ensure we were moving forward with respect, we connected with Tommy’s closest friend and former improv troupe partner. With his warm blessing, we proudly carry this name forward. We stand inspired by Tommy's legacy of using laughter to break down barriers, build community, and bring light into the lives of others.