David Lehrer was a well-known figure in Los Angeles County, and his untimely death has sent shockwaves through the region. His sudden death on October 26, 2023, has left many in mourning as they try to come to grips with the loss of a revered figure who had been instrumental in developing the county’s unique cultural fabric.
David Lehrer Comedian Obituary
Sadly, comedian and Second City graduate Michael Lehrer lost his battle with ALS. He was 44. According to The Chicago Sun-Times, Lehrer, who had been diagnosed with the devastating neurological condition in 2017, passed away in Portland, Oregon on Tuesday with the help of a doctor.
RIP MICHAEL LEHRER ❤️ pic.twitter.com/syOMNQ9TSc
— brian redban (@redban) January 18, 2023
Since 1997, terminally ill people in Oregon have had the option to end their lives with medicine under the guidance of their medical team, thanks to the Death with Dignity Act.
“Michael died with dignity on his own terms,” his partner and caregiver, Colette Montague, told the newspaper, adding that it “was the hardest decision he ever made.”
In a recent interview with the Sun-Times, Seth Weitberg, a friend of Lehrer’s, said, “His spirits were good” after visiting Lehrer in Portland. He seemed content with his choice, in my opinion. An Instagram post offered appreciation for “everything” the musician has “given to the world.”
“Godspeed you wild and crazy man,” the note stated. “We love you always.”
According to Second City, Lehrer was most known for “his irreverent and iconoclastic material.“
The Second City is sad to report the passing of alum Michael Lehrer.
He helped create four original sketch revues for The Second City, including the Jeff Award winner for Best Revue, Sky’s The Limit (Weather Permitting).
Rest in peace Michael❤️ pic.twitter.com/rEt72cnCCH
— The Second City (@TheSecondCity) January 19, 2023
They revealed that the performer, who was named a New Face of Comedy at the 2014 Just for Laughs Festival, toured with the legendary group and worked at their Las Vegas branch. In addition, he famously got a tattoo while onstage during his final improv performance with Second City.
Upon learning of his diagnosis, it was written that “Michael bravely and hilariously pivoted his comedic persona to confront his struggles and foibles with the devastating disease directly.”
In his later years, Lehrer continued to perform; he appeared in Austin 99 times between 2019 and 2022 for the live comedy podcast Kill Tony, as reported by The Chicago Sun-Times.
“I have ALS,” one of his jokes went, according to the newspaper. “One question: Where the f— did all that ice bucket money go?”
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We saw it coming, yet there are no words to describe it. An Instagram tribute from the podcast said, “What a human being. That was his life’s mission—to make you laugh. Take it easy.
Joe Rogan, who is often featured on the program, also wrote a tribute to the comic.
“The courage this man had to do stand up while battling a debilitating disease was insanely impressive, and though he struggled to get words out the man would KILL onstage,” according to him. “He was a real legend, and I’m going to miss him very much.”
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To aid in Lehrer’s son’s financial needs, a GoFundMe page has been established.
“He wanted his son, Colin to be ok financially when he left this world. Please help honor Michael and show him how much we loved him by making sure his son can be secure for a while,” read a post on the page, which has already raised nearly $17,000 in under 24 hours.
“He made us laugh like we never knew we could, at things we never knew we could laugh at,” according to the post. “Let’s come together as a community and fulfill Michael’s last wish as best we can.”
