Actor Fred Willard Dead At Age 86
By Dave Basner
May 16, 2020
Fred Willard, the comic actor best known for his work in mockumentaries like Best In Show, This Is Spinal Tap and A Mighty Wind, has died at the age of 86. Willard's rep confirmed his passing to Rolling Stone, adding that he died of natural causes.
Actress Jamie Lee Curtis, who is married to Christopher Guest, the director of many of the mockumentaries starring Willard, tweeted about his passing writing, "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." Mary, Fred's wife of 40 years, preceded him in death in 2018.
Earlier this year, Fred's character on Modern Family, "Frank Dunphy," died. He can still be seen in the upcoming Netflix series Space Force.
Here are some other tributes to the actor:
Rest In Peace sweet @Fred_Willard. You will always be a true original and I am so honored that our lives intersected. No one will ever come close to replacing your genius.
— Jesse Tyler Ferguson (@jessetyler) May 16, 2020
Just learned of Fred Willard's passing. Just about the funniest human ever to walk the planet. An amazing talent, in telekinetic contact with the very wellspring of comedy.
— Harry Shearer (@theharryshearer) May 16, 2020
RIP Fred Willard ..you were incomparable
— Henry Winkler (@hwinkler4real) 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 was and will always be one of the funniest people in the history of people. Thank you Fred for all of the cackling joy you gave.
— Taran Killam (@TaranKillam) May 16, 2020
Photo: Getty Images