NEWSComedian Louie Anderson Dies At 68 Following Battle With Lymphoma
Jan. 21 2022, Published 11:01 a.m. ET
Beloved comedian Louie Anderson has sadly passed away.
The Coming to America actor succumbed to his battle with cancer on the morning of Friday, January 21, according to a report from TMZ. He was 68 years old.
The Emmy-winner was being treated for Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in a Las Vegas hospital earlier this week before things took a turn for the worst.
His friend and fellow comedian, Pauly Shore tweeted an update one day before Anderson's passing to let his followers know that his pal didn't have much time left.
“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," Shore wrote on Twitter on Thursday, January 20. "He’s still with us but keep him in your prayers."
Comedian Kathy Griffin responded to Shore's message, writing in a tweet, "“Pauly. So sorry. Thinkin about nights with Louis and Judy Toll. Cant laugh harder than that.”
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Anderson was known for his four decades in the industry, including his work in the Emmy-winning show Baskets, and his animated show Life With Louie, for which he also won two Emmys in 1997 and 1998, per Deadline.
He appeared in notable works including the classic film Ferris Bueller's Day Off, and TV shows including Grace Under Fire, Chicago Hope and Touched by an Angel.
Anderson also published his own books, including Dear Dad — Letters From An Adult Child and Hey Mom, which was his most recent publication.
Aside from books on his relationship with his parents, he was the author of a 1993 book, Goodbye Jumbo…Hello Cruel World, where he opened up about his lifelong struggle with self-esteem and his body image.
Anderson previously revealed he had a "lifelong food addiction," and that his weight problems were the result of problems at home during his childhood, per The Hollywood Reporter.
Even in his death, Anderson will long be rememebered as a legendary icon who had a natural ability to make others laugh.
He is survived by his two sisters, Lisa and Shanna Anderson.
