Another Hollywood Tragedy: Harris Wittels Dead at 30

Just when you thought the days of comedic geniuses like Chris Farley overdosing were over, Harris Wittels goes and revives the trend. The writer/producer, best known for his work on The Sarah Silverman Program and Parks and Recreation, as well as coining the term “humblebrag,” was found in his L.A. home on February 19th.

Signs of an overdose have been indicated by the phone call to the police, as well as Wittels’ prior history with addiction (he has twice been to rehab). The end of his life, came, too, as the end of Parks and Rec approaches. His appearance on the show as a feebleminded animal control employee further solidified his potential as a comedy actor, an entertainment avenue he might have continued to pursue.

Discovered by his assistant, Wittels was reported to have drug paraphernalia in the house, in spite of, one night prior at a comedy show at The Meltdown, discussing his current state of sobriety. Although Wittels never made any bones about the annoyance of having to “live clean,” one also never imagined he would take the drug-addled way out that he did.