Comedian John Pinette, who famously appeared in the “Seinfeld” series finale, died over the weekend in Pittsburgh at age 50, just three months after he told fans that he was postponing his national stand-up tour because of health problems.
The medical examiner ruled the death as a result of natural causes, as Pinette suffered a pulmonary embolism.
Pinette told his Twitter followers earlier this year that he was “physically spent” after losing a lot of weight and undergoing some small surgeries, and would have to take a break from work. “I didn’t give myself enough time to heal this past fall and it has caught up to me,” he wrote. “But I’m on the mend and I promise to hit the stage as soon as humanly possible.”
While Pinette was known for poking fun at his weight issues in stand-up specials over the last two decades (“Still Hungry,” “Show Me the Buffet”), he was also famous for his brief role in the “Seinfeld” series finale. His character was carjacked as Jerry, Elaine, George and Kramer just laughed, videotaped the incident, and made fat jokes. A few minutes later, the gang was arrested for failing to help a fellow citizen in danger under the “Good Samaritan Law” and hauled off to jail.
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In addition to his extensive touring, Pinette appeared in many TV shows and movies, including “The Punisher” in 2004, and starred as Edna Turnblad in a touring production of “Hairspray” (the same role John Travolta had in the movie).
Here he is during an appearance on “The View,” where the hosts dubbed him as “one of the funniest comedians working today.”
Fellow comedians and actors paid tribute on Twitter:
John Pinette is dead. He was a funny guy. Nice guy too. Later, man. RIP
— marc maron (@marcmaron) April 7, 2014
Never worked with John Pinette; never heard a bad word about him. And he LOVED being a comedian. He got dealt a good life. #RIP — Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) April 7, 2014
John Pinette. Funny man. Kind man. Rest in peace. — bob saget (@bobsaget) April 6, 2014
John Pinette has sadly passed. He gave me some of the simplest, best advice I’ve ever received. “The jokes are good, just put ’em together.” — Mike Birbiglia (@birbigs) April 7, 2014
A headliner both on an off stage. Such a great man. Truly inspirational. RIP @johnpinette — Bill Burr (@billburr) April 6, 2014
John Pinette you were a funny and sweet man and you left us too soon. #RIP — Lizz Winstead (@lizzwinstead) April 6, 2014
I was so lucky to work so many gigs with John Pinette who was as kind as he was funny. So very sad for his family. Way too young.
— Caroline Rhea (@CarolineRhea) April 6, 2014
RIP John Pinette. I was listening to him the other day.
— rob delaney (@robdelaney) April 6, 2014
Just heard about the passing of @JohnPinette. One of the good guys. I never had a boring moment in his company. Really sad
— jim jefferies (@jimjefferies) April 6, 2014
So sad to hear about the passing of @JohnPinette. He was always so funny, so generous and so kind.
— Jim Gaffigan (@JimGaffigan) April 6, 2014
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