Entertainment News2 min(s) read
Published 17:13 21 Jan 2022 GMT
The Emmy-winning comic and actor Louie Anderson has died at the age of 68.
CNN reports that the star passed away in Las Vegas on Friday, January 21, following a battle with cancer.
On Thursday, his friend, comedian Pauly Shore, shared on Twitter that he had said his "goodbyes" to the 68-year-old Baskets star. He also called on his followers to pray for his unwell friend.
He wrote: "Attention comedians and @TheComedyStore alumni’s I say this with a heavy heart just left the hospital in Las Vegas where Louie Anderson his sisters and close friend were kind enough to let me say my goodbyes he’s still with us but keep him in your prayers."
As per the Independent, Anderson was taken to the hospital earlier this week for treatment of his diffuse large B cell lymphoma.
He is perhaps most well-known for his role in Baskets, in which he stars alongside Zach Galifianakis. In 2016, Anderson received an Emmy for his performance on the show.
In the 1980s, Anderson appeared in countless comedies such as Coming to America, starring Eddie Murphy. He would go on to reprise his role as Maurice in the movie's sequel, which was released last year.
The comic actor also appeared in John Hughes's cult classic Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and acted alongside Kevin Bacon in the movie Quicksilver. Prior to Coming 2 America, Anderson's most recent movie appearance was a cameo in Adam Sandler's Sandy Wexler.
His TV credits also included hosting game shows including Family Feud, which he was involved in from 1999 to 2002 before the role was taken over by Home Improvement star Richard Karn.
Between 2017 and 2020, he frequently took part as a panelist on Funny You Should Ask. Other regulars on the show included Jon Lovitz, Whitney Cummings and Cedric the Entertainer. Anderson is also known by fans for his animated sitcom Life with Louie, which was on the air between 1994 and 1998.
Our thoughts are with Anderson's friends and family at this devastating time.
