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It was only just last week when Seinfeld star, Jerry Stiller, died aged 92. Before that was godfather of rock, Little Richard, and amongst the mourning for two entertainers it has also been revealed that Fred Willard passed away on Friday. Best known for his roles in the likes of Best in Show, Everybody Loves Raymond and Modern Family, he was also considered a comedic icon.
His daughter Hope Mulbarger, confirmed the news to CNN, saying “he died at the fantastic age of 86 years old” and “kept moving, work and making us happy until the very end.” In turn celebrity tributes have begun to flow, including from Steve Carrell, Ben Stiller and Jimmy Kimmel. Upcoming sitcom, Space Force will be Willard’s final role.
Fred Willard was a brilliant comic actor and improvisor. He could make anything funny. His work goes down as some of the funniest ever,
From Jerry Hubbard on…he inspired and influenced so many people in comedy.Sending love to his family.
— Ben Stiller (@RedHourBen) May 16, 2020
How lucky that we all got to enjoy Fred Willard’s gifts. He is with his missed Mary now. Thanks for the deep belly laughs Mr. Willard. Best in Show (7/11) Movie CLIP – Judging the Hounds (2000) HD https://t.co/wPrbk9VjWI via @YouTube
— Jamie Lee Curtis (@jamieleecurtis) May 16, 2020
I am sad to say goodbye to Fred Willard, who was still the funniest of men at age 86. Here's what turned out to be our last moment on-air together… pic.twitter.com/inDZVtls6v
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) May 16, 2020
Fred Willard was the funniest person that I've ever worked with. He was a sweet, wonderful man.
— Steve Carell (@SteveCarell) May 16, 2020
…and TV appearances inspired me to be a comedic actor. What a gift he was to all of us. RIP Fred Willard.
— nick kroll (@nickkroll) May 16, 2020
RIP, Fred. You were always my comic hero. I was thrilled to work with you in Roxanne. https://t.co/IjSxCMESzt
— Steve Martin (@SteveMartinToGo) May 16, 2020
Fred Willard could not have been funnier. He was pure joy. And the sweetest person you could ever meet. https://t.co/JoLy6PVd9d
— Judd Apatow (@JuddApatow) May 16, 2020
Fred Willard. The dear hilarious kind man we just lost. Here am I with he and Martin Mull while shooting a documentary about Martin. Seeing them having fun together reminiscent of the Fernwood days was truly a joy. Rest In Peace dear Fred. pic.twitter.com/mnYHzhlxLQ
— bob saget (@bobsaget) May 16, 2020
Watch his upcoming appearance in Space Force below. It will drop onto Netflix from May 29.
