Comedian Jeff Ross, known for his sharp wit as the “Roastmaster General,” is recovering after a frightening allergic reaction to ice cream. The 59-year-old comedian took to Instagram on April 6 to share the incident with his fans, posting a photo of his swollen lip following the allergic reaction.
Ross had just wrapped up the opening night of his one-man show Take a Banana for the Ride in Mill Valley, California, near San Francisco. After the performance, he and his band celebrated with a treat of burrata ice cream at a local restaurant, courtesy of the restaurant’s kind owner. However, what was meant to be a sweet end to the night turned into a health scare.
“ROAST ME. TONIGHT’S SHOW NEAR SAN FRANCISCO MUST GO ON!” Ross wrote on Instagram, humorously acknowledging his reaction. “It was delicious. Seriously yummy. But my lips blew up and I spent the entire night in the ER. It was my first allergic reaction ever. I guess that’s pretty remarkable considering I’m constantly shoving whatever food is in front of me into my face.”
Despite the uncomfortable experience, Ross was determined not to let it ruin his night. He thanked the staff at MarinHealth Medical Center for their care, noting they “only roasted” him “lightly.” He also assured fans that the show would go on as scheduled, adding, “DESPITE LOOKING LIKE MICKEY ROURKE at the end of The Wrestler… I WILL BE TAKING A NAP AND BACK ON STAGE HERE IN MILL VALLEY NEAR SAN FRANCISCO AT 7:30pm TONIGHT.”
Ross’ reaction follows a significant health battle last year, when he revealed to audiences that he had been diagnosed with cancer. He shared that his treatment has been successful, though he chose not to go into details about his condition. During his shows, Ross addressed the diagnosis in an empowering way, encouraging others to stay resilient through tough times.
In March, Ross told the Minnesota Star Tribune, “I don’t want the show to be maudlin, but I think it’s important to address it. I don’t want people to feel sorry for me. It’s going to be a very empowering and bold statement on how to get through tough times.”
At his Netflix special, Torching 2024: A Roast of the Year, friend and fellow comedian John Stamos acknowledged Ross’ recovery from cancer. Stamos, visibly moved, expressed, “I can’t lose anymore funny people. The world can’t.” This heartfelt moment followed the recent loss of their mutual friend, Bob Saget, who passed away in 2022.
While Ross’ allergic reaction was a surprising setback, his determination to continue performing is a testament to his resilience and sense of humor. Fans can look forward to seeing him back on stage, showcasing the same boldness and humor that has made him a beloved figure in the comedy world.
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