The world has lost a shining star of comedy. The brilliantly funny Fez Whatley died over the weekend. Fez was one-half of one of the greatest radio shows of all time…the Ron & Fez show. Whether on WNEW in New York City, or WJFK in Washington, DC, or SiriusXM Satellite Radio, or 92.3 Free FM in NYC, the Ron & Fez show was one of the most unique, original, and magical shows ever.
I was lucky enough to get a job with Ron & Fez in 2005…and worked for them until 2010…and they were some of the best years of my life. Wild, dramatic, fun, insane, and awesome. Ron Bennington and Fez Whatley created a world that was simply unlike any other on radio. It was an audio landscape of unpredictability, electricity, humor, and togetherness. There truly was nothing like it in radio or podcasting or anywhere else for that matter.
Fez, as an entertainer, was amazing. Willing to give it all and put himself out there fearlessly. As a person, he was full of life and energy and was a mentor to me (especially at the beginning of my career with Ron & Fez). With Fez’s passing, an incrediible era of radio has passed as well. He will be greatly missed. RIP, Fez.