On January 17, famous comedian and Second City graduate Michael Lehrer died as a consequence of ALS complications. He was 44 years old when he died. Chrissie Mayr, a comedian, paid homage to him on Facebook by uploading two photos, the first of her standing with Lehrer and the second of a group shot on the set of Kill Tony. Chrissie stated:
“I am stunned to learn about Michael Lehrer’s death. I met him in Los Angeles over three years ago, but what a brilliant light he is. Amazingly humorous, charming, happy, and just memorable. Rest easy, friend.”
Angie McMahon, another comic, showed her sadness by publishing a lengthy post with Lehrer’s image and noted that they first met while eating dinner at Piper’s Alley and that Lehrer performed ETC gigs at the time. McMahon said that Lehrer used her theater for rehearsals and that she met his son Colin when Michael visited them during the summer. She went on to say:
“One night, we were both playing solo acts at IO, and he wanted to go first so he could see me. We hopped about and paced in the little green room for what seemed like an eternity, just performing pieces and making each other laugh.”
McMahon concluded the piece by hailing Lehrer as a gifted, witty, and odd person. She went on to say that she would always miss him. Despite having ALS, Lehrer continued to perform in a wheelchair for many years. So yet, no arrangements for a monument have been established. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to seek funds for his son Colin, and it has already earned $15,900.
Twitter users pay tribute
Michael Lehrer has built a reputation as a faultless comic over the years. When word of his death spread, Twitter was inundated with tributes:
Michael Lehrer accomplished and created what has never been done before, and may never be again. We will feel his absence, but we are left with inspiration for what the human spirit can do. We were all very lucky to have him. We love you forever Michael pic.twitter.com/puc4hndOfb
— #KILLTONY (@KILLTONY) January 19, 2023
“Where did all that fucking ice bucket money go?”
RIP Legend Michael Lehrer pic.twitter.com/88FLTxaAFW— CaptainDoubleDown (@CaptDoubledown) January 19, 2023
Michael Lehrer was well-known for his appearances on a variety of occasions.
Michael was a member of The Second City, which also featured Chris Witaske and Tawny Newsome. His performance in the New Faces of Comedy program at the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal earned positive praise from the crowd. He created several sketch revues such as Sky’s The Limit and traveled with The Second City Touring Company. He later became a member of BTN’s Big Ten Tailgate and Sports Action Team. In addition, he appeared with the Brooklyn Brewery Comedy Tour, iO Chicago, and Chicago Underground Comedy.
After being diagnosed with the degenerative condition in 2017, he continued to perform despite vocal problems and featured often on the podcast Kill Tony from 2019 to 2022. One of the podcast’s hosts, Joe Rogan, said on Instagram that Michael’s fortitude in facing the sickness was inspiring. Despite his trouble speaking on stage, the crowd praised him. Although no extensive information about his educational history is accessible, he graduated from Columbia College. He also participated in a few performances with his buddy Seth Weitberg, and according to Weitberg, Michael appeared without his shirt on most occasions while cracking jokes.