Second City comedian Michael Lehrer has died at 44 after a courageous battle with ALS
Second City comedian Michael Lehrer has died at 44 after a courageous battle with ALS
Comedian Michael Lehrer has died at the age of 44 in Portland, Oregon, after a more than five-year battle with ALS.
Lehrer’s girlfriend, Colette Montague, told the Chicago Sun Times that the ailing comedian chose to end his life with the help of a doctor.
“Michael died with dignity on his own terms,” Montague told the newspaper. ‘He was not suicidal at all. … Medical aid in dying was the most difficult decision he ever made.’
The Latest: Comedian Michael Lehrer has died at the age of 44 from complications of ALS after a more than five-year battle with the disease. Photographed in 2014 in Chicago
The animator, who was part of the company The Second City, continued his career after his 2017 diagnosis with the neurodegenerative disease.
Lehrer had performed in a wheelchair at clubs in Austin, Texas, and spoke about his battle for health both in his performances and on the Kill Tony podcast. Deadline informed.
He is survived by his son Colin and his girlfriend Colette.
A commemorative post on Lehrer’s Instagram account read: “The final act – keep an eye out for the sequel.” Good luck, wild and crazy man. We love you forever and are grateful for all you have given to the world.
Lehrer had performed in a wheelchair at clubs in Austin, Texas, and spoke about his battle for health both on his sets and on the Kill Tony podcast.