After being diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) in 2017. Entertainer Michael Lehrer passed away at the age of 44. Lehrer was a well-known beloved entertainer who worked at The Second City with Chris Witaske and Tawny Newsome. The 44-year-old entertainer Michael Lehre was indeed a prominent part of the comic company. Moreover, Lehrer also won the Jeff Award for Best Revue for Sky’s The Limit.
He was indeed a key member of the Second City touring company, in addition to being a key figure in expanding the brand to Las Vegas and onboard Norwegian cruise ships. The 44-year-old entertainer was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) in 2017. However, the Lehrer continued to perform with the comedy troupe, including one with a wheelchair performance in Austin, Texas.
Lehrer’s girlfriend, Colette Montague, told the Chicago Sun-Times that her boyfriend had opted for a good death. He died on Tuesday, January 17, in Portland, Oregon. The entertainer’s girlfriend told the newspaper that deciding assisted suicide was indeed the toughest choice Lehrer could have ever taken, but that he passed away of it.
A part of the statement reads, “Michael bravely and hilariously pivoted his comedic persona to directly confront his struggles and foibles with the devastating disease, regularly appearing on the wildly popular live comedic podcast, Kill Tony,”
Entertainer Michael Lehrer’s toughest choice
Famous podcast host Joe Rogan paid tribute on Instagram. “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. He was a real legend, and I’m going to miss him very much.”
Chris Witaske, a buddy and colleague of Second City comic, announced the remark on Instagram: “I will always cherish the years I got to spend with this guy at Second City. Michael was truly unique, full of mischief and so fuckin funny. He was always up for anything and loved nothing more than making people laugh.
“I have so many great memories of doing insane improv for drunk tourists at 1 am and laughing our asses off. Also always loved watching him spend time with his awesome son @colinheaton1.”
“He had his own s**** and could be a d**** but he also had a huge heart that I got to see up close the more we became bros and even more when we reconnected this last year.” Witaske concluded: “It’s truly safe to say that there will never be another Michael Lehrer. Rest in Peace, brother.”
It would be difficult to understand Lehrer’s feelings of hopelessness and despair at being diagnosed with ALS and his decision to opt for assisted suicide. It’s very difficult to recognize the emotional toll that his decision has on his loved ones. However, It’s important to remember that everyone has their own unique experiences and to be non-judgmental and compassionate.
We send our heartfelt condolences to Lehrer’s family, friends, and supporters.
