American comedy actor Fred Willard was perhaps best-known for starring roles in Anchorman, Spinal Tap, Austin Powers and many other mockumentaries.
But his appearances in hit US sitcoms such as Modern Family and Everybody Loves Raymond were every bit as lauded, with his performances in each Emmy nominated.
He has been remembered as a hugely-talented comedian following his death at the age of 86.
His agent, Glenn Schwartz, confirmed his death to the American publication, Rolling Stone, saying it was of natural causes.
In a statement, his daughter, Hope Mulbarger, said: “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.”
News of Mr Willard’s death was first announced on social media by Jamie Lee Curtis – the wife of his long term director, Christopher Guest.
She 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.”
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
Mr Willard frequently appeared on chat shows, including Jimmy Kimmel Live and the host shared an online clip of the actor’s last appearance on the show.
He said: “There was no man sweeter or funnier. We were so lucky to know Fred Willard and will miss his many visits.”
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
His Anchorman co-star, Christina Applegate, remembered him for his “talent and kindness”.
She added: “His immense talent and kindness will never be forgotten. We love you Fred Willard. Thank you for the decades of laughter.”
Gutted. His immense talent and kindness will never be forgotten. We love you Fred Willard. Thank you for the decades of laughter.
— christina applegate (@1capplegate) May 16, 2020
Mr Williard’s acting career spanned over half a decade as the Ohio-born actor made his first big-screen debut in 1967 film, Teenage Mother.
Ten years later, he played a part in the Mary Hartman spin-off Fernwood 2 Night in 1977.
The first of his collaborations the acclaimed director, Christopher Guest, began in 1984, when he appeared in the renowned mocumentary, This Is Spinal Tap.
In 2000, they worked together on Best in Show, a “behind the scenes” look at the highly competitive world of dog shows.
