Fred Willard, a star of "Best in Show," "Spinal Tap," and the upcoming "Space Force," has died of natural causes at the age of 86.
Much-loved comedic actor Fred Willard passed away on Friday night at the age of 86. His death—which is said to be due to natural causes—comes less than two years after the loss of his wife, Mary.
"My father passed away very peacefully last night at the fantastic age of 86 years old," Willard's daughter Hope said in a statement. "He kept moving, working, and making us happy until the very end."
Throughout his long career as an actor, the talented Willard was beloved for his improvisational abilities and quick timing. He appeared in Best in Show, Spinal Tap, A Mighty Wind, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgandy, Everybody Loves Raymond, Modern Family, and much more. Most recently, he was in Space Force with Steve Carell, a show set to debut on Netflix at the end of the month.
Stars took to Twitter to grieve his passing and pay tribute:
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
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
Fred Willard was the funniest person that I've ever worked with. He was a sweet, wonderful man.
— Steve Carell (@SteveCarell) May 16, 2020
Rest in peace, Fred Willard. You will be greatly missed.