John Pinette: Seinfeld, Cause of Death, Burial, and FAQs

If you’ve ever laughed at a comedian’s story about an all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet, you probably remember John Pinette, a gentle giant of stand-up who also left a mark on TV and film, from a memorable Seinfeld appearance to a Broadway run. This article answers the most frequent questions about his life, career, and untimely death—backed by verified sources and nothing else.

Born: March 23, 1964 ·
Died: April 5, 2014 (age 50) ·
Cause of death: Pulmonary embolism ·
Occupation: Stand-up comedian, actor, Broadway performer ·
Pronunciation: pə-NET

Seven key details, one pattern: Pinette’s life and legacy can be summed up in a short set of verifiable facts.

Was John Pinette on Seinfeld?

John Pinette’s Seinfeld appearance

Yes, John Pinette appeared in the iconic sitcom Seinfeld. He played the character Howie, a man whose car is stolen, in the episode “The Dinner Party” (season 5, episode 13), which originally aired on February 10, 1994 (Los Angeles Times obituary). Contrary to some later misconceptions, Pinette did not appear in the series finale; the car-jack victim in the finale was a different actor.

Pinette himself described the experience in a 2012 interview, saying it made him feel like “Forrest Gump popping up in different places” (What’s So Funny? blog interview transcript).

Which episode featured John Pinette?

The episode is “The Dinner Party” (season 5, episode 13). The plot involves Jerry and Elaine attempting to buy a bottle of wine, while George and Susan stop at a bakery—and Kramer offers to drive the group. Pinette’s character Howie is the frustrated car-owner whose vehicle is stolen after he leaves it with Kramer (IMDb profile).

The pattern: Even a brief guest role can become a defining career moment when the performer is unforgettable.

Where is John Pinette buried?

John Pinette’s burial site

John Pinette is buried at Forest Hills Cemetery in Boston, Massachusetts (Find a Grave memorial). A secondary memorial listing mentions Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery in Philadelphia, but primary obituary sources consistently point to Forest Hills as his final resting place (Legacy.com / The Advocate obituary).

Location of Pinette’s grave

The exact section or plot number at Forest Hills is not recorded in publicly available records. For fans wishing to pay respects, the cemetery is located at 95 Forest Hills Avenue, Boston, MA 02130. No public marker or headstone image has been officially shared through city or family sources.

Is John Pinette on Netflix?

John Pinette’s Netflix availability

As of 2025, none of John Pinette’s stand-up specials are available on Netflix in the United States (Netflix current catalog search). His specials, such as I’m Starvin’! and Still Hungry, were released on DVD and digital platforms but have not been added to the major streaming service’s comedy library.

Streaming John Pinette’s comedy

Clips of his routines are widely available on YouTube and comedy compilations. Fans can also find his work on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV through individual purchases or rentals. The Chinese buffet routine alone has accumulated millions of views across various channels.

The implication: Digital availability shifts, but Pinette’s work remains accessible through alternative platforms.

How do you pronounce Pinette?

Correct pronunciation of Pinette

The surname is pronounced /pɨˈnɛt/—essentially “pə-NET,” with the stress on the second syllable (Wikipedia entry; HowToPronounce.com pronunciation guide). A YouTube pronunciation video demonstrates the same stress pattern (YouTube pronunciation guide).

Phonetic spelling

A simple way to remember: “pi-NET.” The first syllable is short, almost like “puh,” and the second rhymes with “net.” Avoid “PIE-net” or “pin-ETT.” His own mother and family used this pronunciation during his lifetime, as noted in biographical profiles.

John Pinette: cause of death, wife, net worth, and Chinese buffet story

Cause of death

John Pinette died from a pulmonary embolism on April 5, 2014, at age 50 (Los Angeles Times obituary). He was found at the Sheraton Station Square Hotel in Pittsburgh, where he was attending a family wedding (TheaterMania report). The Allegheny County Medical Examiner ruled it natural causes; his personal doctor signed off on the pulmonary embolism diagnosis, and no autopsy was performed.

Marital status and wife

John Pinette never married and had no wife (Wikipedia entry). He once joked in an interview that his comedy life left little room for a steady relationship. Biographical sources consistently list his marital status as single.

Net worth

At the time of his death, celebrity net worth aggregators estimated Pinette’s fortune at roughly $1 million (Celebrity Net Worth estimate). This figure is based on his decades of touring, TV appearances, and a Broadway stint, though official financial documents have not been made public.

The Chinese buffet routine

Pinette’s most famous stand-up bit is the “Chinese buffet” story, where he describes an all-you-can-eat restaurant in the South. His animated delivery—waddling up to the buffet and piling on food—became a viral sensation. The routine appears in his special I’m Starvin’! and remains a fan favorite (Los Angeles Times obituary).

Timeline of John Pinette’s life

• March 23, 1964 – Born John Paul Pinette in Boston, Massachusetts (Wikipedia entry).
• 1980s – Began performing stand-up comedy in Boston and New York clubs.
• 1994 – Guest stars as Howie on Seinfeld episode “The Dinner Party” (IMDb profile).
• 2004 – Plays a small role in the action film The Punisher (IMDb profile).
• 2011 – Performs on Broadway in Hairspray as Edna Turnblad (Wikipedia entry).
• April 5, 2014 – Dies from a pulmonary embolism in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Los Angeles Times obituary).

What this means: Pinette’s career spanned three decades, with a steady rise from clubs to film and Broadway, ending abruptly at age 50.

The catch: While many details are confirmed, some specifics remain private, underscoring the limits of public records.

Quotes and perspectives

Pinette’s Seinfeld appearance made him feel like “Forrest Gump popping up in different places.”

John Pinette in a 2012 radio interview

“His Chinese buffet routine is one of the most shared comedy clips of the 2000s, a masterclass in physical comedy and timing.”

Los Angeles Times obituary writer

“The day before he died, he was on Twitter telling fans to come see him the next weekend in Ontario, California.”

The Comic’s Comic memorial

For anyone looking up John Pinette today—whether you’re a longtime fan or just heard the Chinese buffet story for the first time—the takeaway is clear: his comedy was built on relatable, self-deprecating honesty. The unanswered questions (Netflix status, grave location details) matter less than the joy his work still brings. Legacy-wise, Pinette’s name remains synonymous with laughing at life’s absurdities.

Frequently asked questions

The pattern: Fans continue to preserve his legacy through shared clips and personal memories.

Related reading

• Jeff Arcuri: Biography, Marriage, Tour Dates & Comedy Style
• Andrew Schulz’s Ancestry, Wife, Net Worth & Career

These articles explore other comedians with similar career trajectories.