Michael Lehrer, a sketch, improv and stand-up artist whose credits include The Second City, has died of complications from ALS. He was 44.
Teacher continued to perform even after his diagnosis in 2017, performing at clubs in Austin, Texas while in a wheelchair. He has spoken openly about his battle with the disease on stage and on the comedy podcast Kill Tony.
Teacher was chosen as one New face of comedy for the Just for Laughs Festival 2014. He helped create four original sketch revues for The Second City, including Jeff Award winner for Best Revue, Sky’s The Limit (weather permitting). He also logged time with The Second City Touring Company, Second City’s Las Vegas outpost, and as part of Second City at Sea with Norwegian Cruise Line.
During his time at Second City Las Vegas, Michael regularly attended Las Vegas City Council meetings in open forum sessions to offer his “opinions” on a variety of topics.
It is known that on his last night in The Second City etc. hired a tattoo artist to tattoo a Brown Line El Train on his back during his final improv set.
Alongside Second City, he was a co-host of BTNs Big Ten tailgate and appeared in the syndicated spontaneous comedy Sports Action Team. Teacher has also contributed to The Chicago Tribune, the Second City Network and performed with iO Chicago, Chicago Underground Comedy and the Brooklyn Brewery Comedy Tour.
Survivors include his son Colin and his girlfriend Colette. No memorial plans have been announced.
Author: Bruce Herring
Source: Deadline
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