Willard's death comes shortly before the premier of the Netflix TV series Space Force starring Steve Carell. His final credit comes 53 years after making his first TV appearance.
Among his TV credits in the 1960's and 1970's include Get Smart, Love, American Style, The Bob Newhart Show and Laverne & Shirley. Willard made several appearances on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson as a member of the comedy troupe The Ace Trucking Company before becoming part of the cast of the short-lived TV series Sirota's Court starring Michael Constantine as well as his portrayal of Jerry Hubbard in Fernwood Tonight and America 2-Night. I first remember Willard as one of the hosts on Real People in the late 1970's & early 1980's.
In 1984, Willard appeared in a small role in the Rob Reiner film This is Spinal Tap. Willard would become friends with Christopher Guest resulting in him becoming part of the stock company of actors who appeared in a series of Guest's off-beat comedy films in the 1990's and 2000's such as Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show, A Mighty Wind and For Your Consideration.
Willard also had recurring roles on some of the most successful TV shows in history - Roseanne, Everybody Loves Raymond and Modern Family. He made regular appearances in skits with both Jay Leno and Jimmy Fallon and also portrayed Ed Harken in the Anchorman movies starring Will Ferrell.
Willard was married for 50 years until his wife Mary Lovell passed away in 2018. He is survived by a a daughter and a grandson.
Fred Willard wasn't the star of the show, but if there was an ensemble comedy he was an essential part of making it work. When the spotlight shone on Willard he rose to the occasion. R.I.P.
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