Ken Ober, MTV ‘Remote Control’ host, dead at age 52

Posted Nov 17, 2009 by Walt Belcher

Updated Nov 23, 2009 at 09:06 PM

Ken Ober, who may be best remembered as host of the 1980s MTV game show “Remote Control,” was found dead in his apartment Sunday. He was 52.

The cause of death has not been disclosed. Ober reportedly had complained of headaches and flu-like symptoms on Saturday night.

Ober was an actor, comic and producer. In adition to guest appearances on TV shows, he helped produce TV show such as “Mind of Mencia” and “The New Adventures of Old Christine.”

I had a chance to interview Ober in the 1980s when the third season of “Remote Control” was taped on location in Orlando at the Disney Studios. He hosted five seasons of the trivia game show beginning in 1987. He also hosted three more game shows, including a revived version of “Make Me Laugh” in 1997.

On “Remote Control,” contestants in lounge chairs were asked pop-culture questions from categories such as “Dead or Canadian?” The show featured early appearances by comedians Adam Sandler, Denis Leary and Colin Quinn. It was one of the early departures from the MTV music video format.

Ober, who was born Ken Oberding in Massachusetts, is survived by his parents and a brother.