Ken Ober

Ken Ober (July 3, 1957 – November 15, 2009) was an American game show host, comedian, and actor.

Early life and education Born Kenneth Oberding in Brookline, Massachusetts, he was raised in a suburb of Hartford, Connecticut, where his first job was as a bagger at a local Jewish supermarket.

Ober was a substitute teacher in Boston while studying communications and education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

He was a founding member of the Theta Mu chapter of the Pi Kappa Alpha International Fraternity.

He graduated in 1980.

Career Ober performed stand-up comedy at New York City clubs before hosting Remote Control. He was most widely known for the MTV game show Remote Control, which he hosted for five seasons beginning in 1987. Smush, and the ESPN game show Perfect Match.

Ober was the frequent color analyst alongside veteran play by play announcer Steve Albert for the MTV Rock N' Jock celebrity sports specials during the 1990s.

In 1995, Ober hosted a Los Angeles talk radio show with former Brady Bunch star Susan Olsen. The show, known as Ober and Olsen, aired on 97.1 KLSX. (Olsen had previously appeared on an episode of Remote Control that featured Brady Bunch cast members competing.)

Producer In 2002, Ober served as supervising producer for Colin Quinn's Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn. Ober was also a guest on one episode.

He is also known for a series of Jenga commercials.

Ober also wrote and produced comedy series such as The New Adventures of Old Christine (2006) and Mind of Mencia (2006–2007).

Ober starred in the Blues Traveler video for the song "Hook". He also had a smaller role in the same band's videos for "Run-Around" and "The Mountains Win Again".

Personal life and death Ober was single.

It was confirmed by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner that Ober died of natural causes, chiefly ischemic heart disease.

He was survived by his mother, father, stepmother, and a brother.

Filmography

+ Ken Ober film and television acting credits Year Title Role Notes 1988 The Equalizer DJ Episode: "Eighteen with a Bullet" 1990–1991 Parenthood Nathan Merrick 12 episodes 1992 Who's the Boss? Steve 1 episode 1992 The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Howard 1 episode 1993 Loaded Weapon Dooley 1993 Bounty Tracker Marty Silk