Eric “The Actor” Lynch, a regular contributor to the Howard Stern Show, has died at the age of 39.
According to TMZ, Lynch was rushed to a hospital in Sacramento, California with a heart problem. After most of his organs simply stopped, Eric was pronounced dead.
Eric’s longtime manager Johnny Fratto confirmed his client’s death, and said that he was surrounded by his family, friends, and caretaker Jon when he took his last breaths.
Fratto later announced the “Wack Pack” member’s death on Twitter.
“I am so sorry and so sad to inform everyone that my friend Eric “The Actor” Lynch passed away yesterday afternoon!!!” Fratto tweeted.
I am so sorry and so sad to inform everyone that my friend Eric "The Actor" Lynch passed away yesterday afternoon!!! pic.twitter.com/6aH9LdFEWW
— Johnny Fratto (@JOHNNYFRATTO) September 21, 2014
“RIP #erictheactor #byefornow,” Fratto later tweeted.
RIP #erictheactor #byefornow pic.twitter.com/4LckWtEwgK
— Johnny Fratto (@JOHNNYFRATTO) September 22, 2014
Eric has been calling in to the Howard Stern Show since 2002, and was known for calling in to yell at Howard. He was one of the fans’ favorite callers, and his most recent call came last week when he phoned in to let everyone know that his parents would be taking over his caretaking since his caretaker Jon was moving away.
Rest In Peace Eric The Actor. Thanks for being such a good sport and providing many years of laughter. You will be greatly missed.
— Sal Governale (@salgovernale) September 22, 2014
Stern spent his show on Monday mourning the loss of Lynch. “I knew Eric’s situation with his health,” Stern said. “I knew that we’d lose him at any time; I knew it. But I never really thought the day would come. [He] just seemed to be beating the odds all the time. I gotta tell you, it affected me so much. I always loved giving Eric airtime. Eric loved airtime.”
Stars like Zac Efron and Jonah Hill honored Eric the Actor on Twitter following his death over the weekend: http://t.co/sWbnVt0t6z
— Us Weekly (@usweekly) September 22, 2014
Eric reportedly only measured 3 foot 5 inches, and had to use a mobile wheelchair to get around. While his condition was never fully explained on the show, he had previously told Stern that he had outlived the doctor’s expectations.
Eric had also appeared in cameos on the television shows Fringe, American Dreams, Legit and In Plain Sight.