Garry Lee Wright: A Multifaceted Career in Radio and Comedy

Garry Lee Wright, known for his engaging presence as a radio show host, stand-up comedian, and writer, passed away on August 14 due to heart failure at the age of 74. His daughter Amanda confirmed that he died at her home in St. Charles. Wright, a resident of Uptown, had battled congestive heart failure and cardiac disease while receiving palliative care.

Wright became a familiar voice in the Chicago area through his work with WGN-AM, and his earlier stint as a morning host on WXRT-FM. His career extended beyond the realm of radio as he performed stand-up comedy, wrote a newspaper column, and even published a memoir titled “Happiness for Beginners” in 2012. During the pandemic, he hosted a podcast, showcasing his adaptability across media.

One of Wright’s notable collaborations was with longtime WGN contributor Nick Digilio. Although they had never met before their first show, their chemistry translated into a successful on-air partnership that lasted eight years. They hosted an overnight program together while also running their respective solo shows on the station. Digilio fondly remembered their time together, emphasizing how their connection worked seamlessly from the start.

“We had a great time on the air together,” Digilio shared, recalling their fruitful collaboration.

Born in 1951 in Wilmington, Delaware, Wright’s early life involved several relocations to places like Alaska, Seattle, and Phoenix before settling in Chesterton, Indiana. He graduated from Chesterton High School in 1969 and then briefly attended Wisconsin State University at Whitewater. By 1970, he had moved to California to pursue a career as a singer-songwriter.

Wright’s initial jobs ranged from being a cook and taxi driver to a factory worker, before transitioning to radio. He started in WXRT’s sales department in 1975 before becoming a weekend on-air personality. Wright held various radio positions over the years, including those in North Carolina, Florida, New York City, and Iowa, before returning to WGN in Chicago in 1998.

His tenure at WGN not only involved co-hosting with Digilio but also performing one-man shows and continuing his syndicated newspaper column. In one column after the 9/11 attacks, Wright reflected on the resilience required in challenging times, echoing past sentiments about overcoming fear.

After leaving WGN in 2006, Wright published “Happiness for Beginners” and launched a new media venture called Bleat Network. He stayed active with projects like the “Pandemic Pirate Radio” show during the COVID-19 pandemic and had plans for further books and audiobooks.

Aside from his professional achievements, Wright enjoyed cooking, music, and spending time with loved ones. Despite health challenges, including a stroke in 2022, he continued to brainstorm and develop ideas.

Wright’s personal life included a marriage to Laurel “Laurie” Neu from 1982 until her death in 2015, along with three other marriages that ended in divorce. He is survived by his children Amanda, Jason, and Kelsey Parrish, his sister Bobbi Minchew, and three grandchildren. A celebration of Wright’s life is scheduled for September 26 at Parrish’s home in Bartlett.