John Pinette, stand-up comic and ‘Seinfeld’ guest star, dies at 50

Stand-up comedian John Pinette has died at age 50.

According to the Associated Press, the comedian, who was best known for his routine about an all-you-can eat Chinese buffet and for guest-starring on the series finale of “Seinfeld,” was found dead of natural causes in a Pittsburgh hotel room.

Pinette, who had struggled with his weight for decades, died of natural causes, according to the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s office. Pinette’s personal doctor also signed off on the cause of death, meaning no autopsy is planned.

The comedian was most recently the host of the food series “All You Can Eat” on H2 in 2013, but he had the most exposure from him guest appearance on the finale episode of “Seinfeld.” He played a carjacking victim who is mocked by Jerry, Elaine, George and Kramer, which ends up getting them sent to jail. And jail is where the characters end up at the end of the hit series, which was a very controversial ending.

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Pinette, who was named Stand-Up Comedian of the Year at the American Comedy Awards in 1999, recorded three stand-up specials in his career, “Show Me the Buffet,” “I’m Starvin’” and “Still Hungry.” His agent said he was at work on a fourth special at the time of his death.

Pinette also worked on the stage, performing in drag for the role of Edna Turnblad in the touring and Broadway casts of “Hairspray” from 2004 until 2006.

On TV, Pinette had been a regular on the cult TV series “Parker Lewis Can’t Lose” and had supporting roles in the films “Junior” and “The Punisher.”

Comedians, including Patton Oswalt, Marc Maron, Joy Behar and Bob Saget, all paid tribute on Twitter to the comedian, and all made mention of how kind he was.

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