Stars are mourning the loss of comedianLouie Anderson.
On Friday, theBasketsalum’s longtime publicist, Glenn Schwartz, confirmed the news of his death to PEOPLE. Anderson died after a battle with blood cancer.
Schwartz added that the “cause of death was complications from cancer.”
getty (3)
A week before the Emmy-winning comedian died, Schwartz toldRolling Stonethat Anderson was “in a Las Vegas hospital being treated for diffuse large B cell lymphoma, a form of cancer.” His rep additionally ensured that Anderson was “resting comfortably” while undergoing treatments.
Shortly after the Minnesota native’s death was announced, stars began reacting to the news on social media.
Slaven Vlasic/Getty
Bryan Cranston, who costarred onThe Louie Showwith Anderson, shared a tribute on Instagram. “I was saddened to hear the news today of Louie Anderson’s passing. Twenty six years ago I played his best friend in a series and this morning I’ve been wistfully remembering that experience with him,” Cranston wrote. “Louie was known for being big, but that wasn’t just in his presence. He was also big-hearted. An expert in the craft of comedy, and a very kind man. Although The Louie Show only lasted six episodes…later on he was able to showcase his big talent on Baskets. I was delighted to see him really shine. Bravo, Louie. Rest now big fella.”
Fellow stand-up comedian and actorGilbert Gottfriedshared his condolences on Twitter. Gottfried shared a photo of himself with Anderson, alongsideBob Saget, whorecently diedon January 9 at 65.
“This photo is very sad now,” Gottfried, 66, wrote. “RIP Bob Saget and RIP Louie Anderson. Both good friends that will be missed.”
“I had the pleasure of chatting with @LouieAnderson for his podcast and was so grateful to meet him,” actress Kristen Schaal tweeted. “His books are still here and they are a good read.”
Choosing to address Anderson directly,Henry Winklerraved about what a great person the late talent was.
“Louie Anderson: Your generosity of spirit will cover the world from above,” wrote Winkler, 76. “We are so lucky you were on earth for a moment, spreading your humor all over like bars of living gold … Good Bye.”
Howie Mandelsaid he has “no words but love and shock” upon hearing the news of Anderson’s death.
“What is going on? We just lost another beautiful funny friend,” theAmerica’s Got Talentjudge, 66, wrote. “Omg there’s got to be more funny up there than down here.Norm [Macdonald], Bob [Saget] and now @LouieAnderson.”
“Not one, but TWO artists I really looked up to passed away today,“RuPaul’s Drag Racealum Ginger Minj tweeted, referencing singer and actorMeat Loaf, who alsodiedon Friday.
“I always wanted to sing like #Meatloaf and be as warmly funny as #LouieAnderson,” Minj continued. “Devastated that we lost both at once, but grateful they shared their gifts w/ us! #RIPMeatLoaf #riplouieanderson #imgoingbacktobed.”
Family Guywriter and producer David Zuckerman tweeted, “Louie Anderson too? Wow.”
“So sad to hear about the passing of Louie Anderson,“Poseco-creator Steven Canals tweeted. “I met him the day I walked my 1st red carpet. We were still filming season 1 ofPOSEand he was so kind & generous with his time & advice. As a fan of his 90s animated series Life with Louie I was star struck. RIP #LouieAnderson.”
“Louie Anderson was a very dear friend and one of the people who very early in my career believed in me and would put me and a couple of other comics he loved up in a hotel in Vegas and pay us to open for him when we needed money,” writer and director Travon Free tweeted. “What a huge loss. Rest in peace my friend.”
“R.I.P. Louie Anderson,“Chuckalum Adam Baldwin wrote.
Kevin Smithwrote in response to an unkind Twitter post from someone referencing his weight, “Already faced the Reaper 4 years ago. Made me drop a buncha weight, switch to plant-based foods, and add daily exercise. I’m not shaking in my jorts today because I’m always worried my heart’ll attack me again. RIP to both Meatloaf & Louie Anderson. Their art made life better.”
Jamie Kennedy, a comedian known for his ties to theScreamfranchise, tweeted: “Louie Anderson made me cry almost as much as he made me laugh.”
Melissa Joan Hart, who directed him in an episode ofYoung Sheldon,recalled that the comedian “made us all giggle constantly” during his time on set.
A native of Saint Paul, Minnesota, Anderson won the outstanding supporting actor Emmy Award for his role in FX’sBasketsin 2016, after having been nominated for three consecutive years. He also won two Daytime Emmys for his animated seriesLife with Louiein 1997 and 1998.
source: people.com
