The Comedy Story
Location submitted by: sdonley on 02/19/2015
DBA Approved: Y
PANICd#: 1845
| The Comedy Store is an American comedy club opened in April 1972. It is located in West Hollywood, California, at 8433 Sunset Boulevard on the Sunset Strip. An associated club is located in La Jolla, San Diego, California |
8433 Sunset Blvd
West Hollywood , CA 90069
Phone: (323) 656-6225
Open to the public: Yes
Lat: 34.0973
Lon: -118.3739
Database Summary:
Demographic Rank: 1
History: 1
Stories: 1
Claims: 10
Evidence: 0
Resources: 3
Retrievals: 951
Vistor Rating: 0.0
Votes: 0
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History information is some background and history about the location. This is meant to be a basic summary. Below the history records you will find sources in which you can click on to find out more information. There may be multiple history records per location.
The Comedy Store in West Hollywood, California, sits on the famous Sunset Strip at 8433 Sunset Boulevard and is widely considered one of the most influential comedy venues in the world. The building itself predates its comedy roots, originally opening in the 1930s as Club Seville before transforming into the legendary nightclub Ciros in the 1940s. During this era, the venue became a hotspot for Hollywood elites, entertainers, and powerful figures who shaped the entertainment industry.
Through the 1940s and 1950s, Ciros gained a reputation as one of the most glamorous and exclusive nightclubs in Los Angeles. Celebrities, musicians, and socialites gathered inside its walls, while the Sunset Strip itself grew into a cultural epicenter. The club later evolved into a rock and roll venue known as Ciro's Le Disc, where emerging acts like The Byrds were discovered, reflecting the changing entertainment landscape of the 1960s.
In April of 1972, comedians Sammy Shore and Rudy DeLuca opened The Comedy Store, transforming the historic venue into a dedicated stand-up comedy club. The club began with a small performance space but quickly gained traction as a proving ground for new comedic talent. It became one of the first venues focused entirely on stand-up comedy, helping shape the modern comedy scene.
After Sammy Shore and Mitzi Shore divorced, Mitzi took over operations in 1973 and later purchased the building in 1976. Under her leadership, the club expanded and became a launching pad for countless comedians. The venue grew to include multiple rooms, including the Main Room, Original Room, and Belly Room, each offering a unique performance experience.
Over the decades, The Comedy Store has hosted some of the most iconic comedians in history. Performers such as Richard Pryor, Robin Williams, David Letterman, and Jay Leno honed their craft on its stage. Today, it remains a cornerstone of comedy culture, continuing to attract rising talent and established performers while preserving its historic roots on the Sunset Strip.
Added by: sdonley on 04/05/2026 DB#:879
Source(s):
Various Sources
Stories are just that. Stories and personal accounts that have been reported about the location.
Despite its reputation for laughter, The Comedy Store is widely considered one of the most haunted locations in Hollywood. Many believe its paranormal activity stems from its earlier days as Ciros, when the building was associated with organized crime and underground activities. Stories suggest that the basement may have been used for illicit dealings and possibly violent acts, leaving behind restless energy.
One of the most well-known spirits is believed to be that of comedian Steve Lubetkin, who tragically died outside the club during a labor dispute in the late 1970s. Staff and performers have reported seeing a shadowy figure lingering near the building, often interpreted as his spirit still tied to the place where he once performed and struggled.
Another commonly reported presence is that of a woman believed to have died during a secret medical procedure that allegedly took place in the basement decades ago. Witnesses claim to hear faint crying or moaning sounds late at night, especially when the club is empty. When investigated, the source of the sound is never found.
Several male apparitions are also said to haunt the building, including figures believed to be tied to its mob-connected past. One ghost reportedly appears wearing a vintage bomber jacket and vanishes when approached, while another spirit known as Gus is described as an intimidating figure who watches over the club and occasionally interacts with objects.
Employees and comedians have frequently reported unexplained activity, including objects moving on their own, chairs stacking or shifting, and sudden cold spots throughout the building. Some have even claimed that items have been thrown across rooms or that unseen forces disrupt setups before shows. These persistent reports have led many to believe that whatever lingers inside The Comedy Store has no intention of leaving.
Added by: sdonley on 04/05/2026 DB#:1837
Source(s):
Various Sources
Here are the paranormal claims for this location. These have been found through Internet research, reports from members, or reports from personal interviews. To add a claim, your account must have contributor access or higher.
| Claim# | Claim |
| 4763 | Unexplained noises, footsteps, and voices heard after closing hours Added: 04/05/2026 By: sdonley |
| 4762 | Apparitions linked to mob-era victims seen in basement and bar areas
Added: 04/05/2026 By: sdonley |
| 4761 | Feelings of being watched experienced by staff and performers
Added: 04/05/2026 By: sdonley |
| 4760 | Cold spots reported throughout multiple rooms
Added: 04/05/2026 By: sdonley |
| 4759 | Tables and setups disturbed by unseen forces
Added: 04/05/2026 By: sdonley |
| 4758 | Objects such as chairs and ashtrays moving or being thrown without explanation
Added: 04/05/2026 By: sdonley |
| 4757 | A spirit known as Gus interacting with objects and displaying aggressive behavior
Added: 04/05/2026 By: sdonley |
| 4756 | Ghostly male figure in a bomber jacket appearing and vanishing suddenly
Added: 04/05/2026 By: sdonley |
| 4755 | Disembodied crying and moaning heard in the basement area
Added: 04/05/2026 By: sdonley |
| 4754 | A shadow figure believed to be a former comedian seen near the building
Added: 04/05/2026 By: sdonley |
Paranormal evidence is based on claims that have been reported for this location. There can be several types of evidence; however, we have grouped them based on media type for better organization. Here you will find evidence that are logs, audio, video, or photographic.
To add evidence for a claim, you must submit it to PANICd.com for approval to be entered into the database.
No Evidence Reported Yet!
This is a collection of Internet resources for this location. This section will house links to other websites that contain information related to history, claims, investigations, or even the location's website.
| HauntedHouses.com | Information about the paranormal |
| Added: 04/05/2026 By: sdonley | |
| Information about Ciros | This was the original business in the building. |
| Added: 04/05/2026 By: sdonley | |
| WikiPedia Entry | Information about this location on WikiPedia |
| Added: 04/05/2026 By: sdonley | |
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