'Remote Control' Host Ken Ober Dead

By PopEater Staff Posted Nov 17th 2009 06:25AM

Comedian-turned-MTV host Ken Ober was found dead Sunday at his home in Santa Monica at the age of 52, according to past and present agents.

According to Ober's former rep Lee Kernis, the cause of death is unknown, but friends of the former 'Remote Control' star say he complained Saturday morning of having flu-like symptoms and headaches. Kernis says Ober told a friend that he was going to take medication for his ailments and seek out a doctor as soon as possible. He was supposed to meet up with the friend, but never showed.

Watch Ober in 'Remote' Clips:

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.

Tags: ken ober, KenOber, remote control, RemoteControl

Comments

(69)

Tuesday 17 November

By kel w.

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As a child of the 80's we had the best MTV!!! I loved the show Remote Control. Ken Ober rest in peace!!!!!

By Uncle Eddy

It was a great show. There was one episode when none of the 3 contestants could identify Eric Clapton. Ken got rid of all three contestants immediately.

By NuYalka

High Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

It sounds like he died of Spinal Meningitis, symptoms of which are flu-like with a headache and you cannot touch your chin to your chest. My mom had it.

By Gina Davis

I agree. MTV was the best back in the day. Ken was so funny. I loved Remote. He died to young!

By blackmoonboogie

what a fun show,I loved remote control. rest in peace ken,you were a creative guy.

By Erika

Wow...I had forgotten about that show until now. I loved it! And Ken was a great Host.
God bless his family and friends and give them strength to get through their horrible loss. :(

By C

I miss the good days on MTV!! RIP!

By PEPPA

I REMEMBER HIS SHOW. IT WAS BETTER THAN THE FILTH THEY SHOW TODAY !
RIP KEN ;0(

By Scooter

Lowest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

Dang....for a split second there I thought it said Keith Olbermann........

By Greg H.

:o)
The Ubernazi is one evil dude..

By Wish Belkin

We should be so lucky.

By Jinxs84

Dare to dream!!

By Jolene

I loved this show. This was made when MTV still stood for Music Television. You could flip on the channell and still watch videos and this was one of a few shows that were on.
I miss the originall days of MTV. Todays MTV is a waste of time....gone are the days of music videos.

By Amanda

Wow...loved Remote Control. So sad to hear of Ken's passing. R.I.P.

By idoebaybell

WHAT'S GOING ON? A MAN DIED FOR PETE'S SAKE! YOU PEOPLE ARE USING THIS AS A CHANCE TO VENT ABOUT THE "GOOD OLD DAYS" GET ON THE RIGHT TRACK, WILL YOU?

GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY, KEN. RIP.

By wendy

They are on the right track , he was part of that "good old days era" and they aren't venting out they are speaking the truth. Rip, ken

By mike

Never heard of the guy!

ME NEITHER, STILL HE IS A MAN, NOT A VENUE. ALL LIFE IS PRECIOUS. IF YOU WANT TO GAB ABOUT THE FALL OF MTV, DO IT ON THEIR WEBSITE, NOT HERE.

By robert

you're obviously 10 and retarded.

By Red

Low Ranked Vote down Vote up Report this

Ken Ober, Dead or Canadian? Just kidding. R.I.P.

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