A popular Christian comedian died suddenly last weekend from what his family described as a “sudden heart-related medical emergency.”
Mutzie Daniel Forestier was a beloved man of faith who worked as a comedian for Carnival Cruise Line Ships for the past six years. He won the New Orleans Entertainer of the Year award twice and was recently honored with the award of Christian Comedian of the Year. Forestier was set to launch a national tour this week. Instead, his son announced his sudden passing.
On August 22, the late comedian’s son Newman posted on his father’s Facebook page that he had died “over the weekend.” He expressed “great sadness,” noting that his family is “heartbroken” but reassured that Forestier is “at peace now.”
His son recalled his father as being a “deeply spiritual man” who was “always rooted in his faith.” Forestier was not afraid of death, Newman pointed out, remembering how he talked about the end of this life “with peace” and confidence that he would be “ready to meet Jesus” when his time came. The comedian was also remembered for listening to sermons while falling asleep and described as having “found comfort in his closeness with Jesus.”
Newman went on to recall how his father engaged in charity work, calling him “a true giver” with a generous spirit that “knew no bounds.” While working for Carnival Cruise, Forestier launched a charity program which donated proceeds to serve those in need in Progreso, Mexico. Money earned from CD sales would provide pizza to schoolchildren, Newman shared, which gave his audiences an opportunity to “feel the joy of giving” that he described as “awesome.”
When off the cruise ships, Forestier donated all proceeds of CD and DVD sales to charities that would give children Christmas presents and support the homeless and other shelters.
Newman noted that his father chose to give everything he didn’t need to those who had less, leaving his family with little financial legacy once he died. His children have launched a GoFundMe to cover funeral expenses and said they will donate some of the funds raised to carry on his “tradition” of giving children Christmas presents. According to Newman, his father was “spiritually preparing” for death throughout his life and gave him “specific” wishes about his funeral in the past few years.
