Who is Fred Willard?

Fred Willard was an American actor, comedian, and writer who was best known for his roles in film and television. Born on September 18, 1933, in Shaker Heights, Ohio, Willard had a career in the entertainment industry that spanned over five decades.

Willard started his career on stage, performing in a touring company in the 1950s that included television host and personality Bob Newhart. He received critical acclaim for his work in the 1970s with The Second City, a Chicago-based improvisational comedy troupe that has produced some of the biggest names in comedy and acting.

Over the years, Willard appeared in many popular television shows, including "Fernwood 2 Night," "Everybody Loves Raymond," and "Modern Family," among others. However, many regard his role as Buck Laughlin in the cult classic "Best in Show" as one of his most memorable performances.

Willard's impressive career also saw him appear in many blockbuster films, such as "This Is Spinal Tap," "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me," and "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy."

Throughout his career, Fred Willard received many accolades and nominations for his work, including four Emmy nominations. He won a Daytime Emmy Award for his work on "The Bold and the Beautiful" and a Primetime Emmy Award for his role in the series "Everybody Loves Raymond."

Fred Willard was a highly respected figure in the entertainment industry, and his contributions to comedy and film will not soon be forgotten. He passed away on May 15, 2020, but his legacy and influence continue to live on in his work.