Fred Willard's Celebrity Friends Share Memories After His Passing

As part of our special show paying tribute to Fred Willard, some of his celebrity friends (Christopher Guest, Catherine O’Hara, Norman Lear, Eugene Levy, Martin Mull, Ty Burrell, Julie Bowen and Ray Romano) share their favorite memories of Fred after his passing.
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[@alphabrainwave]

My goodness, that part at the end where Fred holds the cue cards for his own eulogy... What a riot. A legend to the last day and beyond.

[@atolman2828]

That blew my mind for a second or two.

[@lanedouglas6690]

Is my penmanship not good? I'm sorry about that. 😂😂😂😂

[@kyleneopperman6186]

A Tolman, me too. I assume they filmed it a while back?

[@Ericwvb2]

@@atolman2828 Same here! My brain momentarily was not processing info properly. Wait there is an audience and why is the age so young?

[@shivasirons6159]

Kylene as fred might say, what gave it away? , must have been the youthful look.

[@phebes]

Ty Burrell looked the closest to tears out of everyone. You could tell how much he missed him. :'(

[@DOLfirst]

When he came on I teared up. Tuesday morning at 7:am...when has that ever happened? Tears amid the laughter.

[@SuperC888]

They all missed him. You could tell how fond they all were of him

[@brette6854]

wow, excellent observation

[@selfdiscardedkingofruin7291]

I thought he was Marc Maron at first

[@dw999]

@phebes: When the actor John Mahoney (who played Martin, the father, on _Frasier_ ) died, Kelsey Grammar tweeted a pic of the two of them embracing and, very simply, the words "He was my father." The bonds between actors can become very intense; for Grammar, who lost his own father at age 12, there's no question that Mahoney helped fill that particular hole in his heart -- and perhaps Burrell got a little extra parenting from Willard.

[@annaiorio4543]

What brilliant casting on modern family. The resemblance, mannerisms and pattern of speech of Ty Burrell and him are so uncanny. They are so beloved and believable as father and son. RIP

[@fabulousityD]

I always thought that was one of the best casting of actors as family members outside of Niles on "Frasier".

[@DJMichaelAngelo]

those 2 did an entire show together a few years previous, it was called "Back To You" (starred Kelsey Grammar & Patricia Heaton) it aired on FOX for only 1 season unfortunately, but Ty and Fred were great together as co-starring newscasters at a TV station - HIGHLY recommended viewing if you can find it!

[@aaronalexanderortizsantos3585]

I always thought the same thing, but now after hearing ty's speach it makes a lot of sense

[@crusheverything4449]

Natalie C - I always thought exactly the same!

[@marylhere]

Anna Iorio Ty looked like Ironman with the glasses and beard.

[@racheldollton]

Norman Lear’s tribute to Fred was so beautiful. I’m crying. Rest In Peace, Fred Willard. He’s with his beautiful wife, Mary now. 😢❤️

[@lavane26]

Remember when he was so iconic that he was the only live-action character to ever appear in a Pixar movie? Remember when Phil's dad passes away and I cried throughout the entire episode watching Phil say goodbye to his dad, and now I'm crying again because Ty Burrell is now saying goodbye to Fred Willard? Fred was gold.

[@1401minstrel]

I had been a Fred Willard fan for decades before Modern Family, but as soon as I saw him on that show, he was Phil's dad to me. I think it's one of the most brilliant examples of casting in TV history.

[@originalddm]

When Eugene Levy was speaking, I noticed the picture of him and John Candy behind him. Candy is another talent still missed today.

[@Ottophil]

My dad was a maintenance man at a local hotel in the 1980’s one day he got a call to change a light bulb, and showed up to the room, and john candy opened the door, let my dad in, and guess who he was with Eugene. They were traveling together. My dad got their autographs on a hotel napkin. Only other celeb he met in that time was Joan Jett

[@VegasMarcMarc]

Agent Fungus Cabbage Rolls and Coffee

[@SuperBC1975]

Such touching tributes. You can tell how much Fred meant to his co-stars.

[@progmetalkd]

I'm from south america and I love Fred, everytime he appears at a random movie I smile and said to myself "wow that guy is in here too! I love that guy". When I saw him in Wall-e being the only real life person in the movie I thought to myself "no actor other than him can pull off being likeable enough and being cartoony enough to be in a pixar movie, and we all love them for that" we will never forget him

[@kellyb4]

Thank you Christopher Guest for introducing me to Fred Willard.

[@nancilane5069]

Christopher Guest definitely is how most people discovered him. But if you go way back I think probably one of his first successes was in Fernwood 2 night with Martin Mull.

[@FacheChanteDeux]

I love that Chris Guest was interviewed for this piece. Everybody should watch his movies, especially the ones with Fred in them. Comedy geniuses.

[@AndyXGumede]

Let me take a screenshot of this comment so I can start with this movie marathon then.

[@ted1853]

i think every movie directed by christopher guest has him in it, so watch any of the christopher guest movies!

[@ComicalRealm]

He looked young even at 86 years old

[@ComicalRealm]

@Agent Fungus Definitely!

[@crusheverything4449]

I believe Fred was one of those people who never lost touch with the child inside him. He was pure joy, just like a carefree little kid. R.I.P., sir.

[@coleengoodell3550]

His light, energy, has not gone out. His spirit has just changed form. Live on bright light. Laughter was your gift to us all. We'll see you again and laugh some more forever.

[@keosh777]

R.I.P. Fred. What a trip you had on this Earth. You will be missed greatly.

[@charlesallan-ks6gq]

RIP martin mull

[@tmovies92]

If Modern Family premiered in the 80's, I could see Fred Willard playing Phil Dunphee

[@1401minstrel]

Absolutely.

[@ThanhMaiOFFICIAL]

His work will always live on. Rest In Peace Fred 🙏

[@NewMessage]

I hope "I'm not finished" is inscribed on his tombstone.

[@dontbefatuousjeffrey2494]

That's even better than "Wha' Happened?"

[@aspalovin]

@@dontbefatuousjeffrey2494 , Both would be great. I use Wha' Happened all the time.

[@jeffreywilliamson4863]

@@dontbefatuousjeffrey2494 Mighty Wind is my favorite of all those movies.

[@whahappened8398]

@@dontbefatuousjeffrey2494 May I politely disagree.

[@MaldoDave]

"I'll see you on the next one" Damn that one almost got me.... :'(

[@billyakin3301]

I was in Brentwood Ca. one beautiful sunny afternoon, and I see this guy coming down the sidewalk on a older Schwinn bicycle. This older gentleman looked sorda like he might be homeless, although I try not to judge those sorts of things, because he was wearing, deck shoes with white socks, checkered short pants, and a floral Hawaiian shirt, with some sort of baseball cap. None of anything in his attire matched. As I was taking all of this in, and it was a sight to behold, I finally looked into his face...and it was Fred Willard. Our eyes met as his bicycle came to a stop a few feet from me, and he said; "How's it going?" I said; "Great, how about you?" A he said; "Just super, couldn't be better" and I walked on. As I walked away, I was thinking to myself...as much money as this guy probably has...to dress like that? Then I cracked up at the audacity, and the sheer fun of it. Not to care, and to have a sense of humor about clothes and how you are perceived. It changed me. Fred Willard was a hilarious human being, on and off camera. R.I.P. Fred.

[@DonnaLeehereandnow]

Ok your story started me crying again. That's such a Fred thing to do.

[@heboogeymansorchesra8455]

Oh Fred. He was so cool. RIP dude. But he had a great life. The only sad thing is he will be missed. He had a long good life. And good for him

[@happilyham6769]

A one of a kind man. RIP Fred Willard. I don't believe there is a Heaven, but if by some chance there is, it just got a whole lot funnier.

[@ross-carlson]

Completely agree all around - I also don't believe in any kind of afterlife but if there is one I sure hope Fred is a part of it and can still make me laugh.

[@hippiecowgirl4231]

Happily Ham , I wouldn’t call it heaven, more like home . It’s the source of infinite love . He is there and at peace

[@greyareaRK1]

I LOVED any show on which Fred Willard appeared. You knew his character would be brilliant and hilarious. (Martin Mull too.)

[@Riders241]

If you haven't seen the short lived Back to You, give it a watch. He was incredible in that show

[@asifkhan4822]

Rest in peace Fred, comedy genius. 😭😭😭

[@lilimartina1731]

I

[@richmoves]

One of the most moving tributes I've ever seen. To hear such heavy-weights speak of him in this way. It fills my soul.. Ty Burrell made me cry. I couldn't love this more... thank you Jimmy.

[@EyesOfByes]

I want to become like him when I'm old. I really like the description "He's the Christmas tree in June", I want to be that person ✨

[@nancy4980]

Rest in peace, Mr. Willard ❤. I became a fan of yours after watching Christopher Guest's movies. I love you in Best in Show!

[@cftvdata]

Still the best comedy film ever made, as far as I'm concerned!

[@mich897]

I read that Fred deliberately did no research whatever for that role. A dog show commentator who knows nothing about dogs.

[@natasha315]

_jimmy kimmel has the best tributes._

[@MrPrimoPR]

Thank you Jimmy for having the brilliant idea of casting Fred Willard in so many of your shows. Every time I saw him he would relax me with his comedy. There was something about him that made me feel like kid.

[@Caramel1806]

I always knew when there was about to be a skit for Fred on Jimmy's show. We, my mom, my sisters, and I, would say "Oh Lord, it's Fred" and there he was. We laughed until we cried every time. I STILL miss seeing him on the show. It feels like he's been gone for so long 😪 NOBODY can replace Fred Willard. There's not another one like him. 86 yrs didn't seem like enough time, especially if you only got to enjoy his comedic stylings towards the end.

[@TheRealMichaelBlackson]

GREAT CONTENT AS ALWAYS JIMMY! REST IN PEACE FRED! WILL TRULY BE MISSED! 🙏🏽🙏🏽 A COMEDY LEGEND!

[@nycava0520]

So sad! Fernwood Tonight was one of those rare gems of 1970’s television.. We Will miss you Fred. 🙏🏼

[@nancilane5069]

Did you ever see did Mary Harman, Mary Hartman?

[@radonnmusgrove8740]

Best In Show is one of thee best movies of all time! Thank you Fred Willard for bringing so much laughter to so many people.. you will be greatly missed, but thoughts of you will always bring a smile to my face and happiness to my heart. ♥️🙏🏼💋

[@GregH999]

Always loved when he showed up in Everybody Loves Raymond - he stole every scene - a great comic actor RIP

[@manguy2000]

Kind of freaky to read Fred's last tweet. He is talking about the passing of Jerry Stiller and Little Richard...and then he passes three days later.

[@stoicvibesonly]

And they always say the go in threes

[@jermis3762]

What a legend. The ultimate funny man. The ultimate man in general.

[@chaosbynature]

after seeing him for what, 90 seconds, in spinal tap in 1985, i actively sought him out in everything i could. always funny.

[@fozziebear5351]

Fred was a national treasure. RIP, Fred. Thank you for making me laugh all my life.

[@magicsantos2681]

Thank you for the good times!💞💖💞 R.I.P Fred Willard!🙏🕯🔩

[@radiogoodguy6287]

What a great montage of remembrances of Fred. Loved his self eulogy at the end. Thanks for posting this Jimmy!👍

[@myrgo1648]

Thank you for this Jimmy. My God, what a beautiful heart you have. You truly know how to love people and be vulnerable enough to show it. I appreciate this video so much.

[@darnellreid9596]

RIP Fred forever in our memories

[@akiibrahimovic2999]

He was a truly awesome man. May he Rest In Peace.

[@brandonslemoine]

Fred always came off as such a sweet, endearing man. We've all grown up with him over the years and I'll miss his spirit. I got choked up watching Martin Mull speak of him. It was obvious they shared a genuine friendship. All my love.

[@LloydAntonyLB]

Never hear how handsome a man he was. Maybe just me. 💕

[@DonnaLeehereandnow]

He was so much older than I thought, because I think he was so happy.

[@ElizaJ42]

I was on exactly the same train of thought! 🥰

[@christinarice1757]

Thank you for this tribute, Jimmy. RIP Fred.

[@robertcringle4865]

No matter what he did he was always wonderful. He took good ideas and made great comedy.

[@robertpiekosz7470]

When I was in middle school back in the 70's, my friends thought I was nuts for loving Fernwood Tonight lol. But by the time we were in highschool, they were laughing at the reruns. I need to find the show somewhere! Hopefully, Hulu or somewhere

[@TheWealthGenerator]

Seeing this shows he truly was an exceptional person😢

[@martzs13]

A dagger to the heart when i heard martin mull

[@jayswitzer9510]

that was awsome, I would go out of my way to watch anything that had Fred Willard in it.

[@seanmerisier1811]

Martin Mull, funny mother” Love you man Rest in Paradise Fred...

[@karlkettner4954]

Real emotion during one of these tributes is refreshing.

[@julianab.734]

Rip Fred Willard you will be missed for the laughter and joy you brought to the world ❤️😔❤️😔

[@reneeredding4711]

Fred made it look easy without even trying. A true talent, you will be missed, RIP my friend.

[@hossackdaniel]

I cried and laughed 😂 gonna miss him, so talented, what a shitty year we are having

[@CanadiAnnie]

Oh so loved and will always be remembered!! LOVE YOU FRED! ❤️🇨🇦

[@poppymist]

Thank you Fred for everything you did for us on and off the screen ❤️

[@jeanframe2107]

There are a few actors that when I just see them I smile because I know that whatever they are about to do will be hilarious. Fred Willard was definitely one of those actors. Always enjoyed his work

[@atolman2828]

3:44. That's touching... Jimi Hendrix comes to mind. "If I'll see you no more in this world I'll meet ya on the next one"

[@fabulousityD]

Such a great actor and generous performer. You always knew when he was in something that it was going to be good. RIP, Fred. You were one of a kind. 💐

[@eruis3139]

Love and blessings to all. RIP Mr Willard.💞💕❤️💓😷. stay safe all

[@shalonrivers6732]

I'm 52yrs old and i grew up watching him and he always made me laugh...Rest In Peace.

[@DonnaLeehereandnow]

I'm 55, and he was always great in anything. He and Ty Burrell were perfect farher/son combo.

[@vb46]

The last bit.. even though everyone was laughing there are tears in my eyes. Rip

[@ravis4405]

God Bless his Soul.... 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 Jimmy you gave really well deserved Respect to Fred with such videos.... God Bless you too.... 👍🏻🙏🏻

[@onlethebest]

I can’t get over the poem I just keep replaying it, I miss you Fred RIP💔

[@maddiesanabria5047]

Jimmy always manages to give the best memorial episodes. thank you to everyone who shared their stories.

[@saraho9568]

Aww....RIP Fred. You brought so much laughter to us all.

[@tomitstube]

love eugene levy's tribute, just the mention of fred's name and you knew it would work... fred made everything he was in, better. he was that good. rip fred willard, thanks for the laughs. and thanks jimmy for bringing fred back... even in his 80's he could still break you down.

[@lisab9541]

He never failed to get the laugh. I have enjoyed his work for decades and will miss his brilliant comedic energy and timing.

[@atolman2828]

The end blew my mind

[@lindaleelaw5277]

Ty and Fred played off each other beautifully

[@bailodescalza]

Happy tears my friend! Jerry and now u... Heaven is having a ball

[@jcesarbtorres6006]

GOD bless you Fred Willard, rest in peace.

[@jilljenn1]

“See you at the next one” 😔😔😔

[@jefffawcett]

This was truly fantastic! I grew up watching Fernwood 2 Night and I realize now he's made me laugh for over 40 years!! Well done Jimmy and friends.

[@nancilane5069]

I discovered him during Fernwood 2 Night because I had watched Mary Harman, Mary Hartman. Then came the Christopher Guest movies, Modern Family, and all of his other performances which never disappointed. He gave me the gift of laughter - one that is truly priceless.

[@mikedarrah6945]

my wife and I just had our first child, and we have reviewed all the christopher guest movies while feeding and holding the baby. What comes through is that fred was a powerhouse; it is awesome to hear his colleagues say the same. Fred was a birthday buddy, we are 9/18 people. He rules the roost.

[@stevereed8786]

This is the best interview Kimmel has ever done.

[@gambitchips3329]

An OG comedian and legit person! We'll miss you sir. ❤️

[@rizzofromIndo]

Fred :'( we'll be missing you a lot :'(

[@LegacyFTW]

The end actually got me right in the damn feels.. I thought I put them things away 😭

[@MrJohnr47]

Loved Fred Willard! Rest In Peace sir.

[@firefighter218]

That’s sad I always used to see him on modern family.😭

[@tcphll]

What a life. To paraphrase an old proverb, don't be sad it's over, be happy it happened. The world is just a little bit of a happier place because Fred Willard lived in it. Rest in peace, funny man.

[@shandean8352]

My dad loved Fernwood 2 Night. I loved Mr. Willard in all the Christopher Guest mockumentaries. Thank you to all the celebrities that shared their memories of Mr. Willard with us.

[@leightnite3056]

My is Heart is warmed, still saddened...but definitely Warmer now. Thank You! We needed this!

[@appletile2887]

Fred....there are only a few people who actually leave footprints in the sand.....you are one of them.....you will always be remembered for your huge talent and wit

[@JonBlondell]

Thank you Jimmy. Fred was a true treasure.

[@withalittlehelpfrom3]

I stopped watching Modern Family years ago, but damn if Ty Burrell’s memories of Fred Willard didn’t make me shed a single manly tear. I just wanna hug Ty and comfort him through the loss of his hero.

[@mary.annnovak9495]

What a wonderful tribute for a wonderful person.

[@michellemayfied3132]

He will be missed all the good ones that make you laugh and smile at this time we so need them and he's my generation ❤️ I watch his show growing up even as he got older I think he has gotten more funny 🙏🕊️

[@genomitchalinni8106]

Rest in peace, Fred. You will be missed.

[@drunkonamonday5613]

His brilliance, for me, was that nobody was ever more surprised by his hilarity than him. A true loss.

[@eboknows9812]

Anybody remember Fred on D.C. Follies? Funny show. Should have had a longer run.

[@robertk617]

that was 1987-1989, is when I 1st became aware of him....can you imagine that show on today??

[@josephrankin5696]

Always funny. One of a kind. Our loss, Heaven's gain. RIP Fred Willard 🙏

[@mmathulosejake]

Oh my goodness 😭😭😭😭😭

[@AndyXGumede]

You could tell through his characters that he had a beautiful soul.

[@siva40]

8:42 Fred was so cool.

[@conansfries]

Its very hard to pick a best Fred Willard moment but I have to say his adlibbed commentary on Best In Show is a stand out for me. Rest in piece Fred

[@EyesOfByes]

That ending though...

[@eb0526]

EyesOfByes Right 😢😢😢

[@newme525]

Beautiful tributes. We are all missing him.

[@NOAHCASAS]

MAY HE REST.IN.PARADISE. 💚💛💔