Coming To America Actor, Louie Anderson Dead At 68
Louie Anderson, a veteran actor and comedian, and three-time Emmy winner, has died at age 68, after battling with non-Hodgkins lymphoma.
Anderson died Friday morning in Las Vegas, where he had entered hospital this week for treatment of diffuse large B cell lymphoma, a form of cancer, said Glenn Schwartz, his longtime publicist.
A statement obtained by PA from his representative said: “Iconic comedian Louie Anderson passed away peacefully on Friday morning January 21 in Las Vegas at age 68. He is survived by his two sisters, Lisa and Shanna Anderson.
“The news comes after his friend, comedy actor Pauly Shore, revealed that he was saying his goodbyes to Anderson, after he just left the hospital in Las Vegas, where Anderson had been surrounded by his family.
“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,” Shore said.
After news of the Emmy-winning comedian, celebrities took to social media to mourn the demise of the star.
Adam Sandler wrote on Twitter, “Damn. Such a funny great guy. Made us all laugh so much. Loved him. Condolences to his whole family.
”Posting a photo of Anderson, Bob Saget and himself, Gilbert Gottfried wrote on Twitter, “This photo is very sad now. RIP Bob Saget and RIP Louie Anderson. Both good friends that will be missed.
”Howie Mandel added, “What is going on? We just lost another beautiful funny friend . Omg there’s got to be more funny up there than down here. Norm Bob and now @LouieAnderson. No words but love and shock.
”Jeff Ross quipped, “When Meatloaf died Louie Anderson was like, ‘What’s the point of living?’ I loved them both.
”Comedian Doug Benson wrote on Twitter, “Louie is one of the first comedians I ever saw in person. He is not only hilarious, but a sweet man and a cheerleader for comedians and comedy. His work in ‘Baskets’ alone gives him legendary status.
”Stand-up comedian Kathleen Madigan shared a photo of her and Louie on Twitter, writing, “Grateful I got to say goodbye. Loved him like a brother. My midwest king.
”In a statement to Variety, Galifianakis said: “Louie Anderson was pure. His essence triggered child-like euphoria when he was around. He was caring and tender. And you learn that his tenderness was born out of pain. Makes you love him even more. I will miss him tremendously.”
