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Re: MTV's 'Remote Control' Host Ken Ober dead
Longtime MTV "Remote Control" host Ken Ober has passed away at the age of 52, the comedian's representative confirmed to MTV News. The cause of his death was not available at press time.
Ober's career began in the mid-1980s with a turn on the talent competition "Star Search" and in more recent years segued into behind-the-scenes production positions on comedy shows like "Mind of Mencia" and "The New Adventures of Old Christine."
Starting in 1987, Ober hosted five seasons of "Remote Control," which, along with "Club MTV" and "The Week In Rock," was MTV's first foray into series television. A quiz show that tested contestants' pop-culture knowledge, the set bore a strong resemblance to a suburban home's basement. Standing behind a makeshift lectern and next to a giant television screen that helped guide the show, Ober would ask questions about celebrities, movies, TV shows and music videos. Participants sat on colorful La-Z-Boy chairs with food and drinks on trays in front of them as they tried to answer the questions and avoid elimination. The show helped launch the careers of Adam Sandler, Denis Leary and Colin Quinn, who made various appearances on the show, acting out sketches that functioned as quiz questions.
After "Remote Control," Ober went on to host other game shows, like "Smush" and "Make Me Laugh." In the years since, Ober worked as a supervising producer on "Tough Crowd With Colin Quinn," a consulting producer on "Old Christine" and a writer and producer on "Mencia."
"Ken Ober was one of the sharpest, quickest, sweetest guys I ever met," Sandler said in a statement to MTV News. "He was always a great friend and I will miss him very much."
Ober's agent, Mark Measures, confirmed the comedian's passing but could provide no information as to the cause of his death. According to The New York Times, Ober's manager, Lee Kernis, said the comedian was found dead on Sunday, a day after he complained to a friend about a headache and flu-like symptoms.
Re: MTV's 'Remote Control' Host Ken Ober dead
As long as Kari Wuhrer's okay. Whew! 
Seriously tho, it's a shame how many 80's icons and no-so icons have gone this year.
Larry Hagman and Don Johnson need to seriously take out a big life insurance policy before Dec. 31st.
- tejastech08
- Rep: 194
Re: MTV's 'Remote Control' Host Ken Ober dead
As long as Kari Wuhrer's okay. Whew!
Seriously tho, it's a shame how many 80's icons and no-so icons have gone this year.
Larry Hagman and Don Johnson need to seriously take out a big life insurance policy before Dec. 31st.
Way to put the hex on them! 
Re: MTV's 'Remote Control' Host Ken Ober dead
James Lofton wrote:RIP
Watching this show was a daily after school ritual for us 80s kids. Blows my mind how many 80s celebs have died this year.
Same for me. Damn. I wonder what happened?
Headaches and flu like symptoms leaves open the possibility of swine flu, although that's obviously speculation and we wont know the cause of death for awhile.
On the topic of these 80s stars kicking the bucket, when you look at it realistically its not that surprising. To us it may feel like yesterday, but going on 3 decades has transpired since that golden age. The typical 80s kid is in his late 20s/mid 30s, which puts most of these celebs in the late 40s/late 50s demographic. Throw in all the drug abuse rampant then and other Hollywood excesses, its surprising there weren't more. Just strange to see them dropping like flies in one specific year.
Next decade we are going to see a LOT of our idols die unfortunately, and that's not even counting global icons such as Eastwood, Deniro, Pacino, McCartney, Springsteen, Dylan, Stones,etc. who transcended generations and are clearly not spring chickens anymore.
Not saying they're guaranteed to "bite the big one" in the coming years, but whenever those types release movies, record albums, tour,etc., people should savor it because you never know when it's gonna be the last.
I REALLY regret not going to a lot of concerts in my youth. Next year I'm gonna try to see some of these people if/when they tour in my area.
