Refresh for updates… Louie Anderson, the longtime comedian and actor who died of cancer this morning, is being remembered today by colleagues as a generous friend and groundbreaking comic.
“Heaven has a hell of an open mic night goin’ right about now,” tweeted comedian George Wallace. “Everybody gets the light. You’ll be missed. Louie. What an awesome friend. One in a million…”
“Louie Anderson : Your generosity of spirit will cover the world from above,” writes Henry Winkler. ” ..we are so lucky you were on earth for a moment , spreading your humor all over like bars of living gold .. Good Bye.”
FX, the network on which Anderson’s Baskets aired, issued a statement: “We are so deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend, Louie Anderson. For four wonderful seasons, Louie graced us and fans of Baskets with a bravura performance as Christine Baskets, for which he deservedly was recognized by his peers with the Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. It was a risky role for him and he embraced it with a fearlessness and joy that demonstrated his brilliance as an artist. He truly cared about his craft and was a true professional in every sense. Our hearts go out to his loved ones and his Baskets family – Zach Galifianakis, Jonathan Krisel and Martha Kelly and all the cast and crew. He will be missed by us all but never forgotten and always bring a smile to our faces.”
Journey Gunderson, Executive Director, National Comedy Center, said in a statement, “Few comedians have found success in so many of comedy’s arenas–from stand-up, sitcoms, and animation to game shows, reality shows, and feature film. Louie Anderson made his mark on the art form in wide-ranging ways and gifted us all with comedy that deftly ranged from hilarious to poignant. Anderson will be revered for years to come as someone who regularly and publicly challenged ideas about what comedy is, and for the empathy and grace he showed his peers and audiences alike.”
See below for reactions. Deadline will update this post as additional tributes arrive…
Louie Anderson made me cry almost as much as he made me laugh. Never have I encountered someone with that much duality. A true Comics comic. Purging the depths of his pain to make you laugh. What beautiful soul. I ❤️❤️ u Louie. Hope your at peace now 🙏🙏. #BeautifulLegend
— Jamie Kennedy (@JamieKennedy) January 21, 2022
This photo is very sad now. RIP Bob Saget and RIP Louie Anderson. Both good friends that will be missed. pic.twitter.com/DLJ8Ntt7LN
— Gilbert Gottfried (@RealGilbert) January 21, 2022
Baskets was such a phenomenal “second act” for Louie Anderson. I wish he’d gotten a third. RIP
— Michael McKean (@MJMcKean) January 21, 2022
Byron Allen:
“Louie Anderson was a beautiful, loving soul who lived to make us all laugh and the world much brighter. A great human being, a great friend, and a great loss.”
I worked with Louie Anderson on Baskets. It was his birthday, and we brought out a cake and sang happy birthday to him. Loved his work on that show. What a unique and lovable character Christine Baskets is.. Everyone go check out Baskets <3#RIPLouieAnderson
— Shannon Hurley (@shannonhurley) January 21, 2022
Louie Anderson was such a kind, sincere, hilarious person. I was lucky to open for him once & he told me he had watched all my videos then sung MY praises?! At one point he cried on stage as he poured his heart out. He seemed to just truly love his audience, comedy, and family. pic.twitter.com/uDMXQ3mDKJ
— Lauren O'Brien (@thelaurenobrien) January 21, 2022
💔 @LouieAnderson I have a feeling you had every intention of fighting, until someone mentioned Heaven now has Meatloaf. In my heart your last words were “Wow, that sounds delicious!” RIP dear friend. 😢 #LouieAnderson @TheComedyStore pic.twitter.com/RNDPKLQ8rk
— Lance Patrick (@lancepatrick) January 21, 2022
RIP dear #LouieAnderson You picked me to voice your girlfriend Jeannie in your Emmy winning cartoon “Life With Louie” . Always funny, kind and professional. You left this world a funnier and better place. And you always made sure we had chocolate covered strawberries in studio! pic.twitter.com/niA3fX3QbS
— Debi Derryberry (@DebiDerryberry) January 21, 2022
Aww dammit @LouieAnderson was such a sweet human to me & everyone around – some of the best advice, “tell the audience more how much you love your wife and kids ” changed how I delivered forever. Hugs to his loved ones 🙏
*with the amazing @JuandaMayfield at @Hilarities* pic.twitter.com/xoCKKQSEHf— Aaron Kleiber (@AaronKleiber) January 21, 2022
One time I was bombing and I saw Louie Anderson walk out of the room. I said “I just walked Louie Anderson!” And he laughed that wild insane laugh that made everything worth it.
Still walked out.
— Brooks Wheelan (@brookswheelan) January 21, 2022
Heaven has a hell of an open mic night goin' right about now. Everybody gets the light. You'll be missed. Louie. What an awesome friend. One in a million. Also pictured, the very much alive @kathleenmadigan, who has promised not to die this year. https://t.co/YkW4BSel38 pic.twitter.com/BlkHv5wuLl
— George Wallace (@MrGeorgeWallace) January 21, 2022
When Meatloaf died Louie Anderson was like, “What’s the point of living?” I loved them both.
— Jeff Ross (@realjeffreyross) January 21, 2022
Louie Anderson : Your generosity of spirit will cover the world from above .. we are so lucky you were on earth for a moment , spreading your humor all over like bars of living gold .. Good Bye
— Henry Winkler (@hwinkler4real) January 21, 2022
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