Modern Family and Everybody Loves Raymond actor Fred Willard has died aged 86 of natural causes.
The beloved US star died in Los Angeles on Friday evening, with his family confirming his death in a heartfelt statement.
Speaking to People, his daughter Hope 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.”
She added: “We loved him so very much!”
Willard’s death comes two years after his wife Mary died aged 71, after 50 years of marriage.
Since news of his death broke, tributes to his life and legacy in the TV and film industry have been flooding in from his celebrity pals, praising his humour.
Everybody Loves Raymond actor Fred Willard has died aged 86 (Image: Getty Images for Kitty Bungalow)
Hollywood star Jamie Lee Curtis wrote: “A fond farewell to Mr Fred Willard.
“How lucky we all are that we got to witness his great gifts. Thanks for the deep belly laughs. You are now with Mary. Home safe.”
The Office star Steve Carrell also shared a tribute, writing: “Fred Willard was the funniest person that I’ve ever worked with. He was a sweet, wonderful man.”
Jamie Lee Curtis and Steve Carrell led the celebrity tributes (Image: WireImage for Sony Pictures-Los)
Everybody Loves Raymond producer Phillip Rosenthal added: “Our beloved friend and one of the world’s funniest people has passed. Rest In Peace Fred. We all love you.”
Born in Ohio, Willard’s acting career began after he left the army in the 50s, heading to New York for a life on the stage.
Making his film debut in 1967, he went on to appear in a number of successful films and TV shows, before securing fame in the Rob Reiner mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap.
Fred is survived by his only daughter Hope (Image: Getty Images North America)
He went on to land roles in box office hits such as Anchorman and WALL-E and played the conservative father-in-law of Brad Garrett’s Robert on Everybody Loves Raymond.
More recently, his role on Modern Family – playing Phil Dunphy’s father – earnt him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series.
His character “Frank” died of old age on the show earlier this year.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
