'Seinfeld' & Broadway Actor John Pinette Dies at Age 50

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, comedian John Pinette has passed away at the age of 50. The comic died Saturday afternoon, April 5th at the Sheraton Hotel in Station Square in Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh Public Safety spokeswoman Sonya Toler shared on Sunday that a relative was concerned after not hearing from Mr. Pinette for an extended period and contacted security at the hotel. The actor was in town for a family event.

A supervisor with the Allegheny County medical examiner's office said Mr. Pinette had been suffering liver and heart disease and that his death was due to natural causes.

In 2004, Pinette joined the touring cast of the musical Hairspray in the role of Edna Turnblad. He later went on to the Broadway production in 2005, and continued in the role until May 28, 2006.

The comedian had performed in such films as "Duets," "Dear God," "The Punisher" and "Junior." His most recent hourlong stand-up special "Still Hungry" premiered in 2011.

In the "Seinfeld" finale Mr. Pinette played the role of Howie, a victim of a carjacking. Characters Jerry, Elaine, George and Kramer videotape the carjacking and mock Howie in the process, and end up being charged with violating the Good Samaritan Law.

His note-worthy accomplishments include being named Stand-Up Comedian of the Year by the American Comedy Awards in 1999 and he was also nominated for a Gemini Award for his television performance at The Montreal Comedy Festival in 2000. Pinette's acting career includes roles alongside Gwenyth Paltrow, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and John Travolta. He is experienced in both film and television and has been featured in programs such as Parker Lewis Can't Lose.

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