Best in Show, Waiting for Guffman actor Fred Willard is dead at 86
Fred Willard as Ed Harken in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy.
DreamWorks pictures
comedian Fred Willard – Known for his appearances in numerous mockumentary-style films, such as Best in show and Waiting for Guffman, Friday died for natural reasons, his representative Glenn Schwartz confirmed this Saturday.
“My father died very peacefully last night at the fantastic age of 86.” Willard’s daughter, Hope Mulbarger, said in a statement Saturday. “He kept moving, working and making us happy to the end. We loved him so much! We’ll miss him forever.”
Willard’s appearances as a director Christopher Gast Mockumentary films Waiting for Guffman, Best in show, For your consideration and A mighty windas well as a small role in directing Rob Reiners This is spinal tapmade him one wanted comedic actor.
“So sad to hear from Fred Willard” Reiner tweeted on Saturday. “He was a brilliant satirist. Made you laugh out of your gut. And the nicest souls.”
So sad to hear from Fred Willard. He was a brilliant satirist. Made you laugh out of your stomach. And the nicest souls.
– Rob Reiner (@robreiner) May 16, 2020
Other films that Willard starred in are included Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues, Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle, 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover, American Wedding, And Austin Powers: The Spy Who Insulted Me.
In addition to numerous films in which Willard appeared during his 60-year career in the entertainment industry, he also played on the television programs Modern Family, New Girl, Community, Hot in Cleveland, Roseanne, Sister Sister, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman and everyone loves Raymond to name a few. He even played in the Soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful.
Willard also starred in animated TV shows and films, including Wall-E, Kim Possible, Family Guy, Das lute Haus, Mickey Mouse Mixed-Up Adventures, SuperMansion, TripTank, and Scooby-Doo! Legend of the phantosaur, G.I. Joe: Renegades, Transformers: Animated, King of the Hill and The Boondocks.
He will appear posthumously as the character Fred Naird in the upcoming Netflix comedy series. Space forces.
Fred Willard was the funniest person I’ve ever worked with. He was a cute, wonderful man.
– Steve Carell (@SteveCarell) May 16, 2020
“Fred Willard was the funniest person I’ve ever worked with,” said Willards Space Force actor Steve Carell tweeted on Saturday. “He was a cute, wonderful man.”
Willard also made guest appearances late into the night in many talk show sketches Jimmy Kimmel Live, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and Saturday Night Live, MADtv, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver and unusual comedy shows like Comedy Bang Bang.
Other actors and long-time friends have expressed their condolences and memories to the beloved comedic actor on Twitter.
I miss the words, a state in which Fred Willard never found himself again. My friend for over 40 years, a great comic actor who had no competition because there was only one of them. We were all so lucky. Goodbye, Fred.
– Michael McKean (@MJMcKean) May 16, 2020
Friend and fellow actor Michael McKean wrote“I am speechless, a state in which Fred Willard never found himself. My friend for over 40 years, a great comic actor who had no competition because there was only one of them. We were all so lucky. Goodbye.” Fred. “
How happy that we were all able to enjoy Fred Willard’s gifts. He is now with his missing Mary. Thanks for the deep belly, laughs Mr. Willard. Best in Show (7/11) Film CLIP – Judging the Hounds (2000) HD https://t.co/wPrbk9VjWI about @Youtube
– Jamie Lee Curtis (@jamieleecurtis) May 16, 2020
“How lucky that we could all enjoy Fred Willard’s gifts,” said the actor Jamie Lee Curtis tweeted on Saturday. “Thanks for the deep belly, Mr. Willard laughs.”
I just found out about Fred Willard’s death. Almost the funniest person who has ever lived on the planet. An amazing talent in telekinetic contact with the source of the comedy.
– Harry Shearer (@theharryshearer) May 16, 2020
“I just found out about Fred Willard’s death.” Actor Harry Shearer tweeted. “Almost the funniest person who has ever lived on the planet. An amazing talent, in telekinetic contact with the source of the comedy.”
Even more actors, comedians, directors and fans of the actor have published their appreciation on Twitter.
It was a privilege that the great Fred Willard knew my name. Rest in peace Fred. You were funny in your bones. pic.twitter.com/PlFTCHFZCK
– Eric Stonestreet (@ericstonestreet) May 16, 2020
Devastated to learn that the great Fred Willard has died. It was an honor to have called him a friend. One of the funniest, nicest, sweetest and purest souls I’ve ever met. He was my hero from Fernwood Tonight when I was a kid. He was never not funny. RIP Fred.
– Paul Feig (@paulfeig) May 16, 2020
We were lucky enough to work with funny Fred Willard on several episodes of sister, sister. His comedy chops were unbeatable.
We will miss you, friend. ? pic.twitter.com/jHxoi4DqVg
– Jackee Harry (@JackeeHarry) May 16, 2020
One of my favorite lines in a movie was ever delivered by Fred Willard in BEST IN SHOW after a naughty dog chased the judge: “He chased her like she was ham.” This man was so brilliant and he increased the films and TV shows in which he appeared. RIP, funny man! https://t.co/jEmDS0T9n8
– KevinSmith (@ThatKevinSmith) May 16, 2020
So sad to hear Fred Willard died.
One of his favorite roles was Ron Albertson in Waiting For Guffman. See how many dental jokes he delivers in less than ten seconds. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/BHgPl3EXoY
– Vic Berger IV (@VicBergerIV) May 16, 2020
Fred Willard was perfect as Phil’s father Frank Dunphy in MODERN FAMILY. The moving farewell of his character in the last season is one of the best moments of the series. pic.twitter.com/MSVn5phmds
– Julia Ricci (@julsrich) May 16, 2020
We lost another legend today. We were lucky and honored to work with Fred Willard over the years. Here is one of those memories. Rest in peace and thank you for all the laughter. pic.twitter.com/wC8S5VhKvn
– Funny or die (@funnyordie) May 16, 2020
You have a whole week in Comedy Heaven. Jerry Stiller and now Fred Willard. RIP you giant.
– Brent Spiner (@BrentSpiner) May 16, 2020
Fred Willard is one of my favorite actors of all time. Every time he appeared on the screen, I immediately had to smile and forget about my problems. Thank you for making me laugh and smile when I needed it most. ❤️ rest in peace pic.twitter.com/KhBiw6TAzo
– Shane Dawson (@shanedawson) May 16, 2020
Fred Willard – RIP to a wonderfully original actor-comedian –
Every time he showed up in something, I stopped smiling and laughing – https://t.co/lJ82S7GZnU– John Cusack (@johncusack) May 16, 2020
