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Michael Lehrer, an alumnus of Second City who openly discussed his problems with ALS, passed away on Tuesday after a lengthy fight with the disease. He had 44 years of age.
Lehrer passed away on Tuesday in Portland, Oregon with the assistance of a physician, his life partner and carer Colette Montague revealed in a statement obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times.
“Michael died with dignity and on his own terms,” claimed the deceased comedian’s lover. Medical aid in dying was the most difficult decision he ever had to make.
Lehrer became a mainstay of the Chicago comedy community after being selected for the 2014 Just for Laughs Festival. Future comedy greats, such as Aidy Bryant (“Saturday Night Live”) and Chris Witaske (“Chicago Party Aunt”), co-starred with the aspiring humor writer and performer in three original sketch revues he co-wrote and co-starred in for the renowned Windy City improv troupe The Second City. In 2011, “Sky’s The Limit (Weather Permitting)”, one of his sketches, won the Jeff Award for Best Revue.
Additionally, the Columbia graduate travelled with Second City’s Las Vegas branch, The Second City Touring Company, and with Second City on Norwegian Cruise Line.
After Lehrer was diagnosed with ALS, a devastating neurological disease, in 2017, catastrophe struck. However, the daring comedian refused to allow his disability to hinder his comedy career, and instead incorporated it into courageous and honest standup routines that he performed from his wheelchair at several Austin, Texas venues.
“I have ALS” was one of his most famous opening lines. Where the f*ck did all that ice bucket money go?
Lehrer has discussed his ailment on the live comedy podcast “Kill Tony,” hosted by the famed roast comedian Tony Hinchcliffe. Between 2019 and 2022, he appeared on the show about a hundred times, frequently alongside comic legends Ron White and Joe Rogan.
The comedy community mourned Lehrer’s passing. On the official “Killy Tony” Twitter account, a memorial said, “Michael Lehrer accomplished and created what had never been done before and may never be done again.” “We will feel his absence, but we are inspired by what the human spirit is capable of.” We were incredibly fortunate to have him. We will always love you, Michael.”
Joe Rogan, a comedian and podcaster, also posted an Instagram homage to the deceased celebrity.
“The courage this man had to perform stand-up comedy while battling a debilitating disease was incredibly inspiring, and even though he struggled to get his words out, he KILLED onstage,” he wrote. “He was a true legend, and I will miss him terribly.”
In addition to Montague, Lehrer is survived by his son, Colin Heaton, his father, two siblings, and countless passionate fans and friends.
»Michael Lehrer, a Second City alumnus, died at the age of 44 following a battle with ALS«