Michael Lehrer, a comedian and improv actor best known for his work in ‘Second City’ and ‘Masters of the Internet’, died with a doctor’s aid after a year-long battle with ALS. He was 44 years old.
His girlfriend and caretaker, Colette Montague, told the Chicago Sun-Times, “Michael died with dignity on his own terms. He was not suicidal at all. … Medical aid in dying was the most difficult decision she has ever made.”
Despite being diagnosed with ALS, the comedian and sketch artist continued to perform in clubs while confined to a wheelchair. His bits included jokes about his life and his battle with the neurodegenerative disease.
Lehrer was a regular on ‘Kill Tony’, a live comedy podcast based in Austin, Texas, where Joe Rogan and Ron White appear frequently. Rogan pays his respects to Lehrer in a Instagram post.
Rogan said, “The courage this man had to stand up while battling a debilitating illness was extremely impressive, and though he struggled to get the words out, he would kill it on stage.” “He was a true legend, and I’m going to miss him dearly.”
In 2014, Lehrer was selected for the ‘New Faces of Comedy’ showcase at the Just for Laughs comedy festival in Montreal.
Lehrer has deep roots in the Chicago comedy scene. The Columbia college grad co-wrote and co-starred in three revues at the Second City ADI Theater where her cast included such future stars as Aidy Bryant, ‘Saturday Night Live,’ Chris Witske, ‘Chicago Party Auntie’ and Tawny Newsome were. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, ‘Space Force’.
In addition to Montague, other members of the Lehrer family are survived by a son, Colin Heaton.
a gofundme page was founded with the support of Lehrer’s son.
Fellow comedians posted tributes via social media.