John “Wimpy” Ward, one of Improv Everywhere’s most senior agents, passed away today. John was an incredibly kind, warm, and hilarious man, and we are all lucky to have known and worked with him. I first ran across John when he started taking classes at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in 2003. I approached him one night and asked if he would be interested in playing a prank at a Barnes & Noble where he gave an unauthorized reading as long dead playwright Anton Chekhov. Although he had never met me and had never heard of Improv Everywhere, he instantly said, “Sure. That sounds like fun.” John was the kind of guy who said yes to life and jumped head first into new things.
Over the past six years, he has participated in nearly every Improv Everywhere mission. He danced in a window for Look Up More, stood still for Frozen Grand Central, pretended to be a Best Buy employee, and played Santa Claus in the very first Mp3 Experiment, to name just a few. In 2006, he figured out a way to sneak Improv Everywhere onto daytime television by using his position as a contestant on Who Wants to be a Millionaire? as an opportunity to play a prank.
John was adored by many Improv Everywhere fans, who were quick to celebrate his appearances in our videos in YouTube comments. He was a vital member of our group and the New York comedy community at large, and he will be missed greatly. Below are some videos and photos of some of John’s more memorable moments with IE.
John passing out candy canes on 8th Avenue for the first Mp3 Experiment
John enjoying a drink while playing Ted’s grandfather at Ted’s Birthday in 2007
John hugs and kisses a total stranger at JFK for the Welcome Back mission in 2008
John holds a sign in the subway for High Five Escalator
John Ward t-shirt
Finally, here’s a hilarious sketch John starred in that was written by IE Agent Ari Scott and staged at the UCB Theatre.
Rest In Peace, John Ward. We miss you.
I have been going to UCB for over 8 yrs now and no matter when I attend John was there in his usual seat in the front row. He ROCKED some suspenders… that is fo sho!
RIP AGENT WIMPY AKA Anton Chekov.
Rest in peace John! It was great attending all the fun events with you. You will definitely be missed.
An inspirational artist for all of us. I’ll miss his work.
RIP John “Wimpy” Ward. It was always a delight to see your antics in any IE videos. Definitely one of the most recognizable agents; you’ll be missed =/.
Agent Wimpy definitely embraced life – I loved seeing him on IE missions and hanging around the UCB class lobby. His “yes and” spirit will live on. I send my condolences and best regards to his family and friends.
A very funny man leaves the world. His best pranks will keep his memory around. Thank you Agent Wimpy for the smiles you brought to my face. R.I.P.
I can hear Saint Peter now: “Sir, we already have a Mr. Anton Chekhov here…”
Godspeed, John.
He was great agent and funny man.
RIP John.
I just watched high 5 elevator 2 days ago to relive the awesome memory, he will be missed.
This is a sad moment for anyone involved with IE, be it a fan or an agent. However, I want to thank IE for making me aware of John and what an incredible, funny, awesome guy. Thanks!
Wimpy was the first agent I recognized immediately from mission to mission. It’ll be sad every mission from now on where I seek him out in the crowd only to realize he won’t be there. :(
RIP Wimpy, you will be missed.
My condoleances..
That is very sad to hear.
“I’ve never had anyone leave quite so quickly but he new what he wanted” M. Viera
Is this isn’t a skit… this is very sad.
If this is a skit… this is genius.
The fact that I will always wonder… priceless.
Hats off to Agent Wimpy, a fine man and a hilarious comedian. You will be dearly missed by everyone who has participated in a mission with you, and by IE fans everywhere.
So sorry to hear about this.
John really was a character.
RIP good man, stay forever in heaven.
PLEASEEEEE tell me this another prank u IE guys r playing on ur fans.
I’ve followed Improve Everywhere for a couple of years now. I’ve always wanted to participate and really hoped to when I moved to the city 4 months ago. John was a favorite of mine and I was hoping to meet him some day. I guess I’ll just have to wait a little longer.
Rest in Peace.
My sympathies. I didn’t know him, but watching him in Improv Everywhere missions always made me smile.
:(
This is terrible news. He leaves a legacy of joy.
What a remarkable, talented, kind, and intelligent man. I only met him once, but he wasn’t the sort of man anyone could forget. Rest in peace, John Ward.