Israel “Izzy” Gesell
1947 – 2025
“Unless you wake up every morning with a script on your nightstand detailing every conversation and action you’ll have with anyone you encounter, you are doing improv.”
— Izzy Gesell
A Life of Laughter, Learning, and Light
A former stand-up comedian and public-school teacher, Izzy was raised in Brooklyn, NY, where commonplace thinking was frowned upon. In search of the perfect career, he sold greeting cards, taught comedy writing, and even owned the Paradise Deli in Northampton, Massachusetts. He earned a BA in Psychology, an MS in Education, and joked that he had a P… that’s one-third of a PhD.
Izzy found his true calling as an organizational alchemist—someone who helped individuals and organizations transform their thinking from commonplace to extraordinary. Through his keynotes, trainings, coaching, and facilitated sessions, Izzy always offered imaginative, intuitive, and immediately useful insights.
A Pioneer of Applied Improv
Izzy was one of the first to use improvisational theater concepts as tools for personal and organizational growth, teaching professionals across many fields how to use humor to connect and collaborate.
He authored Playing Along: Group Learning Activities Borrowed from Improvisation Theater, co-authored Humor Me: America’s Funniest Humorists on the Power of Laughter, and contributed to the IAF Group Facilitators Handbook. He was especially proud of his LinkedIn Learning courses—Humor in the Workplace and Building Your Team—viewed by fans around the world.
Izzy also created a book and program to help caregivers of cancer patients bring lightness and connection into their lives during difficult times.
Beloved Teacher, Trusted Guide
Many first experienced Izzy’s incredible teaching skills at the International Association of Facilitators, where his improv classes—often filled with participants who spoke English as a second language—ensured everyone felt welcome and empowered. He was also a presence at Applied Improvisation Network gatherings and a member of the National Speakers Association.
Attending an Izzy session at a conference was delightful. You’d laugh heartily and leave with practical tools. Even if you’d heard the same story—like the flight attendant whose name tag read “Oh Miss,” because that’s what people called her—Izzy told it with such a gleam in his eye that it felt brand new every time.
A Life Well-Lived
Outside of his professional life, Izzy loved travel, music (especially Leonard Cohen), documentaries, time with friends, and being a member of the Spirit in the Workplace KCC community.
Izzy had a rare and special ability to make—and keep—deep friendships. He is survived by his life partner, Laura Bundesen; her two children and three grandchildren; his sister and brother-in-law, Mindy and Steve Frankel; their four children and 15 grandchildren; and his dearest friend, Stefanie Brill.
With Gratitude
Izzy touched thousands of lives with his wisdom, humor, and heart. We will miss his brilliant mind and warm smile. His legacy lives on in the laughter and courage he inspired in us all.
Feel free to browse his website IzzyG.com, peruse resources, watch the videos, and above all, have a laugh.