'Remote Control' Host Ken Ober Dead

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.
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Recent Losses in TV Land
Ken Ober, Nov. 15: The 'Remote Control' host was found dead at his Santa Monica home at the age of 52. Cause of death is unknown.
Peter Kramer, Getty Images
Peter Kramer, Getty Images
Comments
(70)Add a comment
Tuesday 17 November
By kel w.
As a child of the 80's we had the best MTV!!! I loved the show Remote Control. Ken Ober rest in peace!!!!!
Reply
Tuesday 17 November
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.
Tuesday 17 November
By NuYalka
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.
Tuesday 17 November
By Gina Davis
I agree. MTV was the best back in the day. Ken was so funny. I loved Remote. He died to young!
Tuesday 17 November
By blackmoonboogie
what a fun show,I loved remote control. rest in peace ken,you were a creative guy.
Reply
Tuesday 17 November
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. :(
Reply
Tuesday 17 November
By C
I miss the good days on MTV!! RIP!
Reply
Tuesday 17 November
By PEPPA
I REMEMBER HIS SHOW. IT WAS BETTER THAN THE FILTH THEY SHOW TODAY !
RIP KEN ;0(
Reply
Tuesday 17 November
By Scooter
Dang....for a split second there I thought it said Keith Olbermann........
Reply
Tuesday 17 November
By Greg H.
:o)
The Ubernazi is one evil dude..
Tuesday 17 November
By Wish Belkin
We should be so lucky.
Tuesday 17 November
By Jinxs84
Dare to dream!!
Tuesday 17 November
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.
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Tuesday 17 November
By Amanda
Wow...loved Remote Control. So sad to hear of Ken's passing. R.I.P.
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Tuesday 17 November
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.
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Tuesday 17 November
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
Tuesday 17 November
By mike
Never heard of the guy!
Reply
Tuesday 17 November
By idoebaybell
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.
Tuesday 17 November
By robert
you're obviously 10 and retarded.
Tuesday 17 November
By JJ
In the early 80s MTV was great. It has sucked ever since.
Reply