It’s a sad day for comedy as Second City comic Michael Lehrer dies after his long but brave battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The comic’s girlfriend, Colette Montague confirmed his death saying he left this world on his own terms.
First Diagnosis
The former Second City troupe member got his ALS diagnosis in 2017 but didn’t allow it to stop his career. Lehrer started using a wheelchair to move around when the neurodegenerative disease got the better of him.
Assisted Medical Death
The 44-year-old died in Portland, Oregon with the assistance of a doctor per his wishes. Montague told the Chicago Sun-Times that it was hard for the comedian to make that choice but necessary.
Leaning Towards Dark Humor
Following his career continuation after his diagnosis, Lehrer became an advocate for ALS treatment, talking about his health in clubs and making some dark jokes.
The Sad Part Of ALS
There’s no cure for ALS as it’s a degenerative disease affecting the sufferer’s motor neurons. It attacks the nerves, limbs, and every sense in the body, hence Lehrer’s loss of leg movements at the beginning of his illness.
Goodbyes Are Sad
The entertainment industry is devastated by Lehrer’s death from Joe Rogan to The Kill Tony Podcast . Rogan called him a courageous comic and a legend he’ll miss very much.
His Instagram account posted a tribute saying they knew his time was coming but it doesn’t make it any less hurtful.
RELATED STORIES
More Praise From Friends
His friend and former Second City Theater performer, Chris Witsake said Lehrer was always ready for anything and adored being a comedian. The theater also wrote a glowing tribute for its alum praising his legacy.
Achievement With The Second City
Lehrer wrote four original sketches for The Second City Theater and won a Jeff Award for Best Revue.
Making Jokes About ALS
One of Lehrer’s jokes on ALS referenced the ice bucket challenge asking where the money went because he could use it.
Joining Kill Tony Podcast
The comedian became a regular on the Kill Tony podcast between 2019 and 2022 (a year before his death.)
Becoming Friends With Rogan
That’s where Rogan and Lehrer met and strengthened their friendship.
More Dark Humor
Lehrer also praised streaming services for replacing/supplementing cinema as it made it easier for people living with disability to entertain themselves.
More Praises From Weitberg
Lehrer’s friend, Seth Weitberg, praised him for always pushing the envelope like how the comedian referenced the ALS ice bucket challenge in his last days.
Leaving A Legacy
Lehrer left his mark on everyone who encountered him before death. He lived a good life.
The Survivors
Lehrer’s survived by his girlfriend, Colette, and son, Colin.
