Jimmy Kimmel, Steve Carell, More Celebrities Pay Tribute To Late Fred Willard On Twitter

KEY POINTS

Fred Willard passed away at his home in Los Angeles on Friday
Jimmy Kimmel and other celebrities paid tribute to Willard on Twitter
Dan Telfer shared his only encounter with Willard

Jimmy Kimmel, Steve Carell and more celebrities paid tribute to late "Modern Family" star Fred Willard on Twitter.

The “Modern Family” star passed away on Friday night at his home in Los Angeles. His daughter Hope Mulbarger confirmed the news and said he died “very peacefully,” Variety reported.

Several celebrities took to social media to pay tribute to the late actor including the “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” host and his “Space Force“ opposite Carell.

“There was no man sweeter or funnier. We were so lucky to know Fred Willard and will miss his many visits,” Kimmel wrote on Twitter.

“Fred Willard was the funniest person that I've ever worked with. He was a sweet, wonderful man,” Carell posted.

Fred Willard was the funniest person that I've ever worked with. He was a sweet, wonderful man.
— Steve Carell (@SteveCarell) May 16, 2020

“How lucky that we all got to enjoy Fred Willard’s gifts. He is with his missed Mary now. Thanks for the deep belly laughs Mr. Willard. Best in Show (7/11) Movie CLIP - Judging the Hounds (2000) HD,” Jamie Lee Curtis opined.

“I’m at a loss for words, a state Fred Willard never found himself in. My friend for 40+ years, a great comic actor who had no competition because there was only one of him. We were all so lucky. Goodbye, Fred,” Michael McKean shared.

“RIP, Fred. You were always my comic hero. I was thrilled to work with you in Roxanne,” Steve Martin shared.

Meanwhile, Dan Telfer shared his encounter with the comedian. According to him, they met backstage at a TV show and said something to him that he would never forget.

“I met Fred Willard backstage at a TV show. He said to me, ‘Dan let me teach you something I learned in showbiz. I'm gonna throw my shoe at you and if you catch it in time you can keep it. Not now, when you least expect it. Be ready.’ Then he walked away and I never saw him again,” Telfer wrote.

I just remembered that after he said “I’m gonna throw my shoe at you,” he interrupted himself to say, “now listen because these are nice shoes so this is important...”
— Dan Telfer (@dantelfer) May 17, 2020

Some commented on Telfer’s post and joked that Willard was faking his death as an elaborate ruse to throw a shoe at him. A different netizen shared another scenario about Willard throwing his show at Telfer.

Keep your eyes open. He may have hired somebody
— Gordon Haber (@gordonhaber) May 17, 2020

Fred Willard faking his death as an elaborate ruse so he could throw a shoe would be incredible
— This Side Op 📦 (@ThisSideOp) May 17, 2020

This might be the most Fred Willard story I've ever heard. I can hear him saying every word. What a guy.
— Elaine A (@OuttaMyLaine) May 17, 2020

Comedians doing bits out in life is the best.
— Kevin Weaver (@kpweaver27) May 17, 2020

You open your door only to find a single shoe on your porch. You pick it up. You see a note that says "look up". You look up only to see another shoe flying at your face. You catch it. You hear a familiar voice saying "nice catch" and a rustling in the bushes. You smile faintly.
— femme, süsser tiddy (@hottrashbabe) May 17, 2020

The celebrities are grieving for Willard’s death and at the same they are celebrating his life for being one of the best comedians in the industry.