According to statement by his daughter to PEOPLE comedian Fred Willard has passed away. “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,” his daughter Hope Mulbarger told PEOPLE “We loved him so very much!”
Willard was best known for his work in Christopher Guest’s ensembles, co-starring in films such as Best in Show, For Your Consideration and A Mighty Wind. He also appeared in the films This Is Spinal Tap, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy and Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle. Willard got his start with Second City, and went on to co-star with Martin Mull in the talk show series Fernwood 2 Night.
Willard was nominated for outstanding guest actor in a comedy series for three timers for his work on Everybody Loves Raymond and Modern Family in 2010. He will next be seen co-starring opposite Steve Carell in Netflix’s Space Force which debuts on May 29.
Fred Willard was 86 years old.