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Almost Live!

From 1984 to 1999, the KING 5 TV show Almost Live! used humor to capture the experience of living in Seattle. Almost Live! was first hosted by Ross Shafer and resembled a local version of the Tonight Show. When Shafer moved to a national late-night TV gig, John Keister took over and in 1989 the format changed to be a 30-minute sketch comedy show. MOHAI’s collection includes costumes, props, and ephemera from the show, including from Keister, Tracey Conway “The Worst Girlfriend in the World”, Darrell Suto “Billy Quan”, Ed Wyatt “The Grateful Gourmet”, Ralph Bevins “Jet Guy”, and Bill Nye “The Science Guy.”

Image of Polka-dot top and black skirt,
Image of John Keister getting makeup touch-up between takes of Almost Live!, Seattle, September 26, 1992
Image of Long pearl earrings, part of the
Image of Burger Gun visor from Almost Live! sketch, Seattle, 1989
Image of Multicolored sequin dress, 1991
Image of Good Buzz Malt Liquor label from Almost Live! TV show, Seattle, 1991
Image of Navy wool dress with red and white accents, 1991
Image of Almost Live! ticket, circa 1990
Image of Red plaid and black dress, 1991
Image of Floral dress with dark background, 1990
Image of Blue polka dot dress, ca. 1992
Image of Green silk top, ca. 1993
Image of Wide, colorful suede belt, ca. 1992
Image of Plaid hat designed by Eric Javits, 1992
Image of Props from Almost Live! Fake dog food cans and squirrel from
Image of Prop from Almost Live!
Image of Prop from Almost Live!
Image of Prop from Almost Live!
Image of Colorblock shirt worn by John Keister on Almost Live! 1991
Image of Patterned shirt worn by John Keister on Almost Live! 1991
Image of Leather jacket and jeans worn for
Image of White sneakers worn by Jeff Gilbert for
Image of Reprinted
Image of Outfit for
Image of Almost Live! staff jacket owned by Jim McKenna, 1984-1985
Image of Campaign button,
Image of
Image of Blue lab coat from Bill Nye the Science Guy TV show, 1990s
Image of Speed Walker costume from Almost Live! ca. 1990
Image of Pair of shoes, part of the Speed Walker Costume from Almost Live! ca. 1990
Image of Coveralls from Marco Marine, 1980
Image of Bill Nye the Science Guy t-shirt, 1992
Image of Seattle Comedy Underground sweatshirt, 1986
Image of Atmospheric Pressure demonstration device, 1991
Image of Applause sign from Studio B where Almost Live! was taped, ca. 1990
Image of “Grateful Gourmet” T-shirt and bandana from Almost Live! TV show, 1993
Image of “Grateful Gourmet” Birkenstocks from Almost Live! TV show, 1993

Land Acknowledgement

MOHAI stands on the historic and contemporary lands and shores of the Duwamish, Suquamish, Muckleshoot, and other Coast Salish Nations. We acknowledge the forced displacement of Native Communities from this land while honoring the endurance of the Duwamish people who still live here.
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