Jonathan Nokielski, a beloved local comedian known by his stage name as Jaded Jaden, has unexpectedly died, leaving fans and fellow performers in shock.
He was 43.
Nokielski, who was named best local comedian in the Metro Times Best of Detroit 2024 reader poll, started as a standup comic and made crowds laugh with his raunchy, crude, and hilarious acts.
Nokielski later produced comedy shows and is credited with helping other new comedians get their starts.
“He might not have been everyone’s cup of tea, but because of him, a lot of talented people were given a starting chance in an art form that is difficult to get started in, he will always be the reason I got my start and I’ll never be able to thank him enough,” Dominic Maniscalchi wrote on Facebook.
Local comedian Brandon Kyle Mullins fondly recalls Nokielski offering advice and encouragement.
“He first reached out to me over social media when he saw me struggling with how people were perceiving me and how I was presenting myself,” Mullins recalled on Facebook. “He didn’t know me, had never seen me perform but he reached out to give me kind and inspiring words that I’ll always appreciate. I could tell he was passionate about being genuinely yourself as an individual and longing for the acceptance of a shared laugh.”
“We are so sad to hear of the loss of Jonathan Nokielski (@comedianjadedjaden),” the Cold Sweats podcast wrote on Instagram. “His humor and friendly spirit will always be remembered. May God rest his soul.”
Details of Nokielski’s death weren’t immediately clear Monday morning.
He is survived by a 17-year-old daughter.
A fundraiser was launched to help his family pay for the funeral.
“Jonathan leaves behind his daughter, Layla (17) who is devastated in a world without her father,” the GoFundMe campaign states. “The rest of the family is trying to accept the news and a new normal. Because this was so sudden, there were no arrangements made for his untimely death. We ask for donations towards a memorial service to honor Jonathan and celebrate his young life.”
