'Remote Control' Host Ken Ober Dead

His current agent Mark Measures told TVGuide.com that Ober may have died of natural causes and that suicide is unlikely. "No foul play is suspected, no suicide, it looks like natural causes, just no one knows the exact cause yet," he said.

An autopsy is planned.

In 1987, Ober landed the hosting job for 'Remote Control,' a game show that tested contestants' knowledge of pop culture trivia, TV and of course, music. Participants sat in lazy boy recliners positioned behind TV tray podiums and had to endure snack food falling on their heads and sarcastic jibes from Ober and his cohorts.

The show was a launching pad for big-name comedians such as Adam Sandler, Denis Leary and Colin Quinn, the announcer.

"Ken Ober was one of the sharpest, quickest, sweetest guys I ever met," Sandler told MTV News upon hearing of Ober's death. "He was always a great friend and I will miss him very much."

Leary had similar things to say about his friend: "Kenny Ober was and always will be the quickest wit in the room," he wrote in a statement. "He was fall-down funny from the moment he was born -- a smart, fast and hilarious human being who made many of us, including myself, laugh until we cried."

"He will be remembered always by each of his friends not only for his massive talent but for his true, deep and enduring friendship."

Ober hosted 'Remote Control' for five seasons.

In recent years, Ober turned his attention to writing and producing shows like 'Mind of Mencia' and 'The New Adventures of Old Christine.'

Before landing the MTV gig, Ober was a substitute teacher and stand-up comedian. He is survived by his mother, father, stepmother and brother.

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