By David Gavri

What’s there to say about Chase Durousseau? Aside from being a great person to look up to and fun friend to laugh with, Chase’s presence has had a tremendous impact on the Houston Comedy Scene and what it is becoming today. His aspirations and his accomplishments are an inspiration to the future of Houston comedy. Chase was the winner of Houston’s Funniest Person back in 2008. In 2011 he was voted one of the “Top 3 Funniest Comics in Texas”. He’s opened up for many of the nation’s biggest comedians such as: Damon Wayans, Louis CK, Bill Burr, Russell Peters, Gabriel Iglesias, and Jo Koy. And that’s just off the top of his head.

But it’s time for Chase to take his comedy to the next level: Los Angeles. He will say goodbye to Houston with a performance at the Improv tonight at 7:30. He’s leaving behind a remarkable impression, and he will most certainly be missed. Here’s to you, Chase.

“Chase is exactly what his name means. Chase is one of the best and fearless comics in Houston”
–Ku Egenti

“Original, intelligent, straight up gangster….two of these terms are used quite often to describe one of Houston’s most versatile and consistant comedians, Chase Duruoseaux. Also, I have no idea how to spell his last name.”
–Tim Mathis

“I would have quit comedy a long time ago if Chase hadn’t been so encouraging from the start. I know many others can say the same. I’m proud to call him my black friend.”
–Matthew Broussard

“It’s not that often you see someone get that good at stand up that quickly. A natural entertainer on and off stage, Chase is a stand up prodigy. He’s the real deal. Accept no substitutes. Houston is a less wacky place without you.”
–Al Bahmani

“Chase is one of the funniest people I have ever seen, both on and off the stage, and one of my best friends I’ve had the privelege of knowing. The only thing that would prevent him from stardom is the coming apocalypse. The man shines on stage.”
–Reed Becker

“Chase sets the standard very high in Houston and he’s as nice and genuine as a dude can be. I’ll miss Chase. “
–Jaffer Khan

“Good luck in L.A. The salads there are great by the way.”
–Joey Tirado

“What can I say? Not only has Chase proven to be one of the funniest, most original comics in Houston, he’s also taught me the business and opened doors for me and many up and comers. I can truly count him as one of my comedic mentors, which says alot since I’m like twice his age. I’m looking forward to seeing what contribution he makes on the national scene…America is so not ready!”
–Rich Williams

“Chase is a wonderful, positive light in any room and I couldn’t be happier for him to be moving on and making things happen for himself. He’ll be missed, certainly, but mostly he’ll be celebrated.”
–Lisa Friedrich

“Chase, you are one of the most endearing, thoughtful guys I have met. You promote the art and craft of comedy, and it only pushes people to be the best that they can be. That optomism is a driving force in this scene becoming the best that it can be, and is the driving force behind some of the best minds out here, Thank you for everything you have done for us, and for me. You were one of the first people who welcomed me here, and I am forever grateful. Be as awesome as you are meant to be, and you will be something fierce.”
–Brian Zeolla

“Best of luck! I know you will do great and very proud of you for taking the next step in your career! Go get em!”
–Carolyn Agnew

“I’m glad Chase grew out of the stuff he was doing when I met him. That kid would’ve starved to death in LA. The Chase I know now though is really funny. He’ll still starve in L.A., just not to death. I’m a big fan.”
–Slade Ham

“Chase is one of the funniest people I know. He has impacted the Houston comedy scene in an amazingly positive way. He will be missed here.”
–Zac Brooks

“He is one funny motherfucker.”
–Albert DeLeon

“Chase is one of the funniest people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. He reminds me that you can be silly with your jokes and still be hilarious. He has also shown me that it’s possible to make even the most obscure movie references in jokes and never lose the crowd. Houston will honestly be dimmer without his bright and always smiling self illuminating it. I will miss him a lot but I wish him nothing but the best. I know that he is going to rock LA like Hurricane Sandy when he gets there. (Too soon?)”
–Stephanie Fisher

“I’ll miss you bro! Whenever I go to work I mean.”
-John Gard, AKA his new roommate

Follow Chase on Twitter @ChaseDurousseau

Written By: David Gavri

@DaveGMoney