I just learned of the recent passing of one of my favorite comedians, and a dear, dear friend, Freddy Soto.

I met Freddy back when I was first starting to do stand-up in Los Angeles. He was one of the funniest, most sincere and generous comics I’d ever met, and continued to be as he became more and more successful. Freddy was the person who recommended me to Mitzi Shore, then owner of the world famous Hollywood Comedy Store and continued to be a great supporter of mine (am me of his) for years.

I will always remember sitting in my livingroom with my son, Hudson, watching Freddy on Comedy Central, and listening to Hudson laugh. Freddy was the first stand-up that H ever saw, and Hudson loved every minute of Freddy’s act.

I often hoped that someday I would have Freddy on The Bitterest Pill. His take on family and fatherhood is priceless. You would have fallen in love with him, just as I did so many years ago.

If you get some time, check out FreddySoto.com and introduce yourself to a fabulously funny man. I will miss him very, very much.

I was going to record a new show today, but I think I need to talk to Freddy instead, and go rent “Spanglish”…