Comedic actor Fred Willard dies at 86, celebrities react

Hollywood actor Fred Willard, known for his comedic improv acting, has passed away at age 86. Many celebrities post heartfelt messages remembering the actor.

Fred Willard passed away at age 86 Friday night.

“He kept moving, working and making us happy until the very end,” Willard’s daughter Hope Mulbarger said in a statement Saturday. “We loved him so very much! We will miss him forever.”

Willard died of natural causes.

The Hollywood actor appeared in numerous titles through a career that has spanned more than half a century. He was a regular in ABC’s sitcom Modern Family. He often played reoccurring guest roles in shows like Roseanne, King of the Hill, Louis & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, Girlfriends and Everybody Loves Raymond, where he was nominated for an Emmy in 2005 for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series.

Having worked with many actors over the course of his career, many celebrities posted heartfelt messages remembering the late Willard.

“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,” comedian Ben Stiller tweeted.

“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,” actress Jamie Lee Curtis tweeted.

Curtis also added a video of when Willard appeared in Judging the Hounds.

Actress Jackée Harry reminisced about the times he appeared on Sister Sister.

“We were fortunate to have worked with the hilarious Fred Willard on several episodes of Sister, Sister. His comedy chops were unbeatable. We’ll miss you, friend,” Harry tweeted.

Willard’s Modern Family co-stars tweeted too.

“It was a privilege to have the great Fred Willard know my name. Rest In Peace Fred. You were funny in your bones,” actor Eric Stonestreet tweeted.

Known for his supporting roles, Willard was key in many big screen comedy cult classics such as A Mighty Wind, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me and Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle.