Fred Willard, 'Best in Show' and 'A Mighty Wind' Actor, Dead at 86
Source: Rolling Stone
Fred Willard, the prolific comic actor and master of the mockumentary genre who stood out in ensemble comedies like Best in Show, For Your Consideration and This Is Spinal Tap, died Friday at the age of 86.
Willard’s rep Glenn Schwartz confirmed his death to Rolling Stone, adding that the cause of death was natural causes. Willard’s daughter Hope Mulbarger said in a statement, “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.”
Jamie Lee Curtis, wife of Willard’s longtime director Christopher Guest, first shared news of the actor’s death.
“How lucky that we all got to enjoy Fred Willard’s gifts,” Curtis tweeted. “He is with his missed Mary now. Thanks for the deep belly laughs Mr. Willard.” Willard’s wife of 40 years, Mary, died in 2018.
Read more: https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/movie-news/fred-willard-best-in-show-actor-dead-obit-1000942/
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Fred was very involved with Firesign Theater and that he was a voice in many skits.
Whatever, he was iconic in the many phases of comedy over several decades whether he was in front of or behind the camera.
he left us a lot of funny memories. 
I loved his expressions where he just looked like he was always in on some inside joke. 
He was fantastic in the Christopher Guest movies and more recently as Phil's father in Modern Family....What a wonderful talent he was.
