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Hollywood is paying tribute to Louie Anderson, the iconic stand-up comedian who died on Friday at 68.
The comic, game show host and Emmy-winning actor and author, who memorably starred as Christine Baskets, the mother to Zach Galifianakis’ characters in the FX series Baskets, died in a hospital in Las Vegas due to complications from cancer. He had been undergoing treatment for a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
“We are so deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend, Louie Anderson,” said FX in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. “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.”
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Wesley Snipes, who recently appeared with Anderson in Coming 2 America, called Anderson a “comedic genius” as he shared a clip from Baskets.
Michael McKean praised his role in Baskets, calling it “a phenomenal” second act. “I wish he’d gotten a third,” he wrote.
Henry Winkler praised Anderson, writing in part that his “generosity of spirit will cover the world from above.”
Winkler added, “We are so lucky you were on earth for a moment, spreading your humor all over like bars of living gold.”
Gilbert Gottfried tied Anderson’s death to that of Bob Saget, sharing a photo of the three comedians together and writing, “This photo is very sad now. … Both good friends that will be missed.”
Jeff Ross, who was also close to Saget, joked about Anderson dying shortly after Meat Loaf: “When Meatloaf died, Louie Anderson was like, ‘What’s the point of living?’ I loved them both.”
George Wallace seemed to acknowledge a number of comics who died recently, writing, “Heaven has a hell of an open-mic night goin’ right about now.”
And writer-director Travon Free opened up about what Anderson meant to him, recalling how he was a dear friend who supported him and other young comics and remembering the time they spent together.
See what Hollywood is saying about Anderson below.
Baskets was such a phenomenal “second act” for Louie Anderson. I wish he’d gotten a third. RIP
— Michael McKean (@MJMcKean) 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
https://twitter.com/hwinkler4real/status/1484559468780154880
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
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
Grateful I got to say goodbye. Loved him like a brother. My midwest king. 💔💔💔 #RIPLouieAnderson pic.twitter.com/IcpMe6UDiA
— Kathleen Madigan (@kathleenmadigan) January 21, 2022
Louie Anderson Dead at 68 After Battle with Cancer – TMZ no words! RIP Louie!! One of my all time favorites https://t.co/Gb7KBbleo0
— DL Hughley (@RealDLHughley) January 21, 2022
OMGOSH. I’m crushed. Louie Anderson?!!!! No no. He was the BEST!!!Minnesota’s FINEST!! My heart is broken. God, he was beautiful. Oofa. What a day. #ripLouieAnderson 😭
— themocollins (@THEMOCOLLINS) January 21, 2022
Louie Anderson made us laugh so much. Rest in Peace pic.twitter.com/A28BZQh6xC
— Funny Or Die (@funnyordie) January 21, 2022
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. What a huge loss. Rest in peace my friend. https://t.co/G0J32twR0A
— Travon (@Travon) January 21, 2022
The last time I opened for Louie Anderson in 2012, I introduced him to my mom and he signed his book to her. Four days later I got hired to write for The Daily Show. Nine months after that, we were all at the Emmys together. Thanks for being kind and prophetic @LouieAnderson ❤️ pic.twitter.com/mvVMf2e1Ny
— Travon (@Travon) January 21, 2022
RIP Louie Anderson! You were as gracious and kind as you were funny. Rest well!! Keep 'em laughing in Heaven ❤️https://t.co/c9tEjNOOwg
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) January 21, 2022
So sad to hear about the passing of Louie Anderson. I met him the day I walked my 1st red carpet. We were still filming season 1 of POSE and 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 https://t.co/ERykmAJ65r pic.twitter.com/DIuKKHHhc0
— Steven Canals (@StevenCanals) January 21, 2022
When Louie Anderson came on the show back in 2018, he filled the room with so much love and laughter and at the end gave me his cell phone number and joked that we should tour together. Pouring a little out of my Kirkland orange soda for the total legend. He’ll be missed ❤️ pic.twitter.com/04conoRg2k
— Michelle Collins (@michcoll) 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
RIP Louie Anderson. One of the sweetest, open hearted, brilliantly funny people in this business. His was the first show we ever did stand up on in 1998. And despite his much deserved success in Baskets, both critically and popularly, he always would shift the focus on others.
— The Sklar Brothers (@SklarBrothers) January 21, 2022
One night I bombed in front of Louie Anderson. We'd never met but he came over and said:
"You didn't look like you were having fun up there."
He went on to share some great advice that I'll never forget. "You seem like a nice guy, talk about that." #RIPLouieAnderson #legend
— Matt Knudsen (@mattknudsen) January 21, 2022
I have to thank @LouieAnderson for two things… first his book Dear Dad : Letters From Adult Child was healing.. it helped me cope with alcoholism in my own family. Secondly in 1997 Louies show Comedy Showcase gave me a set on network television. RIP Louie
— Dane Cook (@DaneCook) January 21, 2022
I always loved how effortless @LouieAnderson made stand up look. He could get an applause break with a slight change of expression or a sideway glance. A true master. Thank you for all the laughs and for being so nice. You were one of the greats! Rest In Peace.
— Bill Burr (@billburr) January 21, 2022
I’m so sad @LouieAnderson has left us. The kindest man and my God so funny.
I am not sure he uttered a single scripted word on #searchparty but he made me nearly wet my pants anyway.
So sweet. So funny. Will be So very missed by so many. https://t.co/72aciC60UI
— Elon Musk’s Cow (@michaelaWat) January 21, 2022
A comedic genius 🙏🏿 REST IN POWER #LouieAnderson https://t.co/7ydKITYV4t
— Wesley Snipes (@wesleysnipes) January 21, 2022
Another great one goes home🙏🏿 RIP #LouieAnderson pic.twitter.com/cRmnwQBCMe
— Wesley Snipes (@wesleysnipes) January 21, 2022
Spent many hours on a road trip not long ago listening to his stand up and stories and I think everyone in the car cracked a rib – what a master -Rest In Peace #LouieAnderson https://t.co/xs9mXgCU3y
— Haley Joel Osment (@HaleyJoelOsment) January 21, 2022
https://twitter.com/RealByronAllen/status/1484603174887514119
https://twitter.com/kathygriffin/status/1484573828437086210
Our thoughts are with the great @LouieAnderson today as we wish him a speedy recovery ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Wpb4vdtpuW
— Carolines on Broadway (@CarolinesonBway) January 18, 2022
I had the pleasure of chatting with @LouieAnderson for his podcast and was so grateful to meet him. His books are still here and they are a good read. pic.twitter.com/rBYcZFblOe
— Kristen Schaal (@kristenschaaled) January 21, 2022
Louie Anderson was one of the first people to ever pronounce my name correctly on network TV. He was always so supportive, & I loved every time he did our show. Please read his books.
This pic was taken in a Nebraska hotel kitchenette, when he had me on his podcast. pic.twitter.com/x7dAEpXDcy
— John Fugelsang (@JohnFugelsang) January 21, 2022
I’m heartbroken about the passing of Louie Anderson. Such a soulful, incredibly talented & kind man. What a loss. My thought are with his loved ones. RIP Louie.💔 pic.twitter.com/sIv8krKIwr
— Marg Helgenberger (@MargHelgen) January 21, 2022
The first time I was on Johnny Carson, Louie Anderson was the other guest. I was very young and nervous, but Louie Anderson saved my performance with hilarious observations on my meandering stories. I always felt fondly towards him after that. #RIPLouieAnderson
— Jennifer Tilly (@JenniferTilly) January 21, 2022
Louie Anderson was brilliant in so many things but this special is how I will remember Louie. He made stand up look so damn easy. Always humble. Everyone was welcome. I remember quoting this special back and forth with @SirIanBagg. https://t.co/yoiylwcfL4
— Jim Gaffigan (@JimGaffigan) January 21, 2022
Minnesota native Louie Anderson was a pioneer in comedy who spent his life bringing humor and laughter into our world. Our entire state and country will forever miss his talent. My family is thinking of his friends and loved ones today.
— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) January 21, 2022
"Coming to America was a big movie in my life, my first big thing… first big job! I was at The Comedy Store; I know Eddie [Murphy] from The Comedy Store." – Louie Anderson, iconic stand-up comedian and beloved actor. RIP to a legend! pic.twitter.com/4sDbaIPdFu
— Prime Video (@PrimeVideo) January 21, 2022
We love you @LouieAnderson
Thank you @ArgusHamilton for this tribute. #louieanderson pic.twitter.com/DlQAPJNgJc
— The Comedy Store (@TheComedyStore) January 21, 2022
Damn. Such a funny great guy. Made us all laugh so much. Loved him. Condolences to his whole family. pic.twitter.com/4m92SuBovy
— Adam Sandler (@AdamSandler) January 21, 2022
A brilliant stand up and wonderful craftsman of silliness. Louie Anderson came to see me perform at the Tropicana in Vegas and I was thrilled and honored. He could not have been kinder and more generous.#TheLyonsAreLeavingTheCircus https://t.co/fO4Yc5RiH9
— Rob Schneider (@RobSchneider) January 21, 2022
Louie Anderson was a warm and hilarious presence in comedy. He’ll be missed. pic.twitter.com/bOJMiVrWu9
— comedycentral (@ComedyCentral) January 21, 2022
We are sad to share the news of Louie Anderson's passing. He died at the age of 68. He was an excellent comedian, Emmy Award-winning actor, and an unforgettable host of @FamilyFeud. Our deepest sympathies to his friends, family, and fans. #BUZZR pic.twitter.com/esztRdhIIr
— BUZZR (@BUZZRtv) January 21, 2022
Oh dear. Another great comedian. Another great Vegas star. Such a sweetheart. We will miss you #LouieAnderson. He saw us on Broadway and did an impersonation of the Midwest people seeing our show, “Why is the big guy yelling at us.” Made me laugh. pic.twitter.com/GLY3rcXR75
— Penn Jillette (@pennjillette) January 21, 2022
RIP Louie Anderson a true comedy craftsman. A funny, authentic, sweet man. Here are talks from June 2016 and April 2018. https://t.co/lKHMGPbOGu pic.twitter.com/s8RCXSfuga
— marc maron (@marcmaron) January 21, 2022
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