Comedian and actor Fred Willard dies, aged 86
Subscribe
X

Get the latest from Beat

17.05.2020

Comedian and actor Fred Willard dies, aged 86

Photo by Guy Viau via Wikimedia Commons
Words by Kate Streader

Willard appeared in over 300 films and TV shows across his career.

American actor and comedian Fred Willard has passed away at the age of 86. The news was confirmed by his manager Glenn Schwartz who said Willard had died of natural causes.

Willard’s extensive career saw him appearing in over 300 films and television shows, including Best In ShowThis Is Spinal Tap, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy and Modern Family. A prolific scene stealer, Willard is known for his improvisational acting style and ability to steal the spotlight no matter the size of his role.

Willard will also appear in a new Netflix series, premiering on May 29, titled Space Force alongside Steve Carell.

News of his passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes from the likes of Jamie Lee Curtis, Nick Kroll, Jane Lynch, Jimmy Kimmel and many others who remember him as a kind, generous and exceptionally funny man.

His daughter Hope Mulbarger also issued a heartfelt statement, saying, “My father passed away very peacefully last night at the fantastic age of 86 years old. He kept moving, working and making us happy until the very end. We loved him so very much! We will miss him forever.”

Never miss a story. Sign up to Beat’s newsletter and you’ll be served fresh music, arts, food and culture stories three times a week.