Comedian John Pinette was found dead in a Pittsburgh hotel room Saturday, the Allegheny County medical
examiner's office said Monday.
Pinette, 50, died of natural causes stemming from "a medical history he was being treated for," the medical examiner's spokesman said. An autopsy will not be done since his personal doctor signed the death certificate.
Pinette toured the comedy club circuit for more than two decades, but he may be best known for his role in the series finale of "Seinfeld" in 1998. His character, Howie, was a carjacking victim in the last episode.
Comedians who knew and toured with Pinette expressed their condolences through Twitter.
"He was an extremely funny guy and a great human," Russell Peters said.
Bob Saget wrote, "Funny man. Kind man."
Dane Cook posted that he did a film with Pinette. "He was one of the most generous people I've ever worked with. A hilarious comedian. Sad loss."
"A headliner both on an off stage," Bill Burr said. "Such a great man. Truly inspirational."
"I was so lucky to work so many gigs with John Pinette who was as kind as he was funny," wrote Caroline Rhea. "So very sad for his family. Way too young."
