Gone too soon. Comedian and actor John Pinette died at age 50 on Saturday, April 5. Pinette was found in his hotel room at the Sheraton in Pittsburgh, and his personal doctor confirmed that the star, who had suffered from liver and heart disease, had died of natural causes, the Post-Gazette reports.
Boston native Pinette rose in the stand-up comedy world, where he frequently poked fun at his own obesity; he appeared in such films as Junior, Dear God, Duets and The Punisher. His most TV appearance was arguably a guest-starring role on the series finale of Seinfeld, in which he played mugging/carjacking victim Howie.
He checked into rehab last year for prescription drug addiction, and later underwent several weight loss surgeries. "After losing a bunch of weight and having several small surgical procedures, Im physically spent," he told his Twitter followers back in January. "I promise to hit the stage as humanly possible so I can once again have the honor of making your guys, my friends and fans, laugh like you've never laughed before. That's my promise!"
Just last Friday, April 4, Pinette addressed his followers on Twitter, promoting his upcoming gigs at the Ontario Improv April 10-14. "Happy Fri! Hope you all have a GREAT weekend!" he wrote in what would be his final tweet
