Former MTV host Ken Ober dies suddenly

Ober was found dead in his home in Santa Monica over the weekend. His agent says that Ober indicated he had headaches and flu-like symptoms on November 14. The cause of his death is currently unknown.

You may remember Ober most for his five seasons on MTV which began in 1987 when contestants relaxed in lounge chairs. They were quizzed on pop culture trivia and TV-related questions in various categories like Dead or Canadian? In addition, sometimes contestants had to answer the questions by acting out skits. The show also featured appearances by Denis Leary, Colin Quinn and Adam Sandler.

Prior to landing the gig on MTV, Ober was a radio talk show host in Los Angeles. He was also a contestant on Star Search in their comedy category. He was beaten during the second week of competition by another comedian, Steve Oedekerk.

Denis Leary told MTV News, "Kenny Ober was and always will be the quickest wit in the room. 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. As the star and host of Remote Control, he was a welcoming ringmaster who helped to kick-start the careers of numerous talents, including Adam Sandler, Colin Quinn and myself. He will be remembered always by each of his friends not only for his massive talent but for his true, deep and enduring friendship."

In addition, Adam Sandler told MTV, "Ken Ober was one of the sharpest, quickest, sweetest guys I ever met. He was always a great friend and I will miss him very much."

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