30 Rock Actor John Lutz Announces Sudden Death of His Younger Brother Joel, a Dad to 4 Kids: ‘Heartbroken’

Comedian, writer and 30 Rock star John Lutz is reeling from the sudden death of his younger brother Joel.

On July 20 Lutz announced the news on Instagram, writing, “My younger brother Joel passed away suddenly this past Thursday. My family and I are heartbroken. He was a funny, compassionate, and loving person. There are so many other things that I want to say about him, but right now I am too devastated to continue typing. I love you Joel.”

The following day he gave an extended update and shared a linked to a GoFundMe page set up to support his sister-in-law and their four children.

“My brother Joel unexpectedly passed away this past Thursday. I loved him so much and cannot express the loss I am feeling right now. Even if he was a better fisher than I was,” Lutz wrote on Instagram, posting images of the two of them fishing together.

He continued, “A GoFundMe has been set up for his family: his wife Jenni and his four children, twins Ellery (15) and Rhea (15), Zoe (13), and Josiah (10). If you can find it in your heart, please give a little or share this to help them through this tough time.”

Lutz is best known for playing TV writer JD Lutz on the series 30 Rock from 2006 to 2013. The role was modeled after his real-life career as a writer for Saturday Night Live, and in 2014 he joined the writing staff of Late Night With Seth Meyers.

Friends from Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock shared support for their pal in the comments section.

Kenan Thomspson wrote, “Oh noooo!!! I’m so sorry John!!!! Sending yall love and prayers!!! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾”

Actress Darcy Carden wrote, “Sending so much love to you and your family John.”

SNL alum Vanessa Bayer also shared condolences, adding, “I’m so sorry John, Thinking of you and your family and sending love.”

According to Joel Lutz’s LinkedIn, he was a skilled engineer who worked as a manager overseeing User Experience designers. According to the GoFundMe, he worked internationally in countries like Germany and South Korea before settling in North Carolina.