Sheldon Patinkin, Chicago improv pioneer, dies at 79

CHICAGO (WLS) -- One of the key figures in Chicago's improv comedy scene has passed away.

Sheldon Patinkin was the longtime chairman of Columbia College Chicago's theater department.

He was also part of the first generation of Chicago improvisers and part of the group that led to creating the Second City.

Patinkin was 79 years old.