The popular comedian, Fred Willard, has passed away at the age of 86 on Friday.
The comedic actor is known for his role in American sitcoms, including Everybody Loves Raymond and Modern Family. Fred’s daughter, Hope Mulbarger, confirmed the tragic news and mentioned that her father worked till the very end and made everyone happy. She further said they all the family members loved him so much, and they will miss him dearly.
The four-time Emmy nominee died peacefully at his house in Los Angeles, California. The family representative confirmed that the death was due to natural causes, not due to coronavirus that has been spreading rapidly in the United States. Fred Willard died two years after the death of his beloved wife, Mary Willard. Mary and Fred had been together for nearly 50 years before her apparent death in 2018.
One of my favorite lines in a movie ever was delivered by Fred Willard in BEST IN SHOW, after a naughty dog went after the judge: “He went after her like she was made of ham.” This man was so brilliant and he elevated the flicks and TV shows in which he popped up. RIP, Funny Man! https://t.co/jEmDS0T9n8
— KevinSmith (@ThatKevinSmith) May 16, 2020
The comedian-actor once mentioned that if it were up to him, he would change nature so that no one would ever die. He also said that no one could have babies because it would get crowded on earth if people won’t die but make babies.
Mr. Willard had an important role in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy and its sequel, along with Will Ferrell and Steve Carroll. Willard is also popular for his roles in movies like Best in Show, and This is Spinal Tap. The actor has appeared in various other sitcoms like Friends and Sirota’s Court.
There was no man sweeter or funnier. We were so lucky to know Fred Willard and will miss his many visits https://t.co/joHM39o8k4
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) May 16, 2020
He was in the United States Army and stationed in Germany before making it through to the cinemas and television industry. Fred’s rise to prominences in the entertainment industry is believed after his portrayal of Martin Mull’s sidekick, Jerry Hubbard, in Fernwood 2 Night and few other spin-offs of Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman.
Fred was set to appear in Netflix originals, Space Force alongside Steve Carell, when the web series debuts on Netflix on May 29. The Office actor Steve Carell paid his tribute to Fred on Twitter and wrote that he was a wonderful man.
Fred Willard was the funniest person that I’ve ever worked with. He was a sweet, wonderful man.
— Steve Carell (@SteveCarell) May 16, 2020