Comedian Finds Laughter Through Grief After Losing Her Father

Alyssa Limperis uses humor to cope with the loss of her dad and raise funds for a grief and hospice nonprofit.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:43pm

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A blurred, atmospheric photograph of a performer on stage, their silhouette backlit by warm stage lights, conveying a sense of intimacy and the emotional power of comedy during times of grief.Comedian Alyssa Limperis uses humor to process the loss of her father and connect with others experiencing grief.Los Angeles Today

Actress and comedian Alyssa Limperis' father died of brain cancer 10 years ago, but she's still finding humor in her grief. Limperis started performing her "No Bad Days" comedy special about a month after her dad died, and she's been performing it live on and off for 10 years. She recently performed the special at a fundraiser for The Parmenter Foundation, a grief and hospice nonprofit near her hometown. Limperis said she wishes she had known about resources like The Parmenter Foundation when she was a caregiver for her father. She believes humor is a common way for people to cope with grief and find connection with others who are going through similar experiences.

Why it matters

This story highlights how humor can be a powerful coping mechanism for people dealing with grief and loss. It also sheds light on the importance of grief support resources, like the one Limperis wishes she had known about when caring for her father. The story resonates with many caregivers who have found solace in laughter during difficult times.

The details

Limperis was 24 years old when her father died of brain cancer in 2015. She had moved back home to Massachusetts to care for him. About a month after his death, Limperis started performing her "No Bad Days" comedy special, which she has continued to perform live over the past 10 years. She recently performed the show at a fundraiser for The Parmenter Foundation, a grief and hospice nonprofit near her hometown. Limperis said she wishes she had known about resources like The Parmenter Foundation when she was a caregiver, as they provide support and grants for bereavement programs and palliative care.

  • Limperis' father died of brain cancer in 2015.
  • About a month after his death, Limperis started performing her "No Bad Days" comedy special.
  • Limperis has been performing the show live on and off for the past 10 years.
  • Limperis recently performed the show at a fundraiser for The Parmenter Foundation.

The players

Alyssa Limperis

An actress and comedian who lost her father to brain cancer 10 years ago and has been using humor to cope with her grief.

The Parmenter Foundation

A grief and hospice nonprofit organization that provides support and grants for bereavement programs and palliative care.

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What they’re saying

“That's maybe my way of handling things that are hard or challenging. It's always been the language that was familiar to me.”

— Alyssa Limperis, Comedian

“If there are resources available, go grab them. Take all the help you can get and find people who are going through the same thing. I think that would make it feel a lot less lonely.”

— Alyssa Limperis, Comedian

“Humor isn't just light relief − it's a coping mechanism, a social glue and, for some, even a protective mask on what they described as their 'dark days'.”

— Heather Heap, Lead Author, 2026 Study from Aberystwyth University

What’s next

Limperis plans to continue performing her "No Bad Days" comedy special and using her platform to raise awareness and funds for grief and hospice support organizations like The Parmenter Foundation.

The takeaway

This story highlights the power of humor as a coping mechanism for grief and loss, and the importance of accessible grief support resources for caregivers. Limperis' experience shows how laughter can help people process and honor the memory of a loved one, while also building community with others who have gone through similar experiences.