News | Entertainment
20 Jan 2026 8:30
NZCity News
NZCity CalculatorReturn to NZCity

  • Start Page
  • Personalise
  • Sport
  • Weather
  • Finance
  • Shopping
  • Jobs
  • Horoscopes
  • Lotto Results
  • Photo Gallery
  • Site Gallery
  • TVNow
  • Dating
  • SearchNZ
  • NZSearch
  • Crime.co.nz
  • RugbyLeague
  • Make Home
  • About NZCity
  • Contact NZCity
  • Your Privacy
  • Advertising
  • Login
  • Join for Free

  •   Home > News > Entertainment

    Fred Willard died from a heart attack

    The veteran comic actor passed away last month at the age of 86 and his death certificate has now been issued, listing the immediate cause of death as cardiac arrest with myelodysplastic syndrome and coronary artery disease listed as underlying issues


    According to TMZ, the document also noted that Fred was a veteran of the United States Armed Forces and had 60 years in the entertainment industry.

    It also confirmed the 'Anchorman' actor was laid to rest at the famous Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles.

    Hope Mulbarger, Fred's daughter, announced her father's sad passing shortly after he died on 15 May.

    She said: "My father passed away very peacefully last night at the fantastic age of 86 years old. He kept moving, working and making us happy until the very end. We loved him so very much! We will miss him forever."

    Meanwhile, Glenn Schwartz, the later actor's representative, also paid a glowing tribute to the 'Austin Powers' actor.

    He shared: "A four-time Emmy nominee radiated a unique charm that established him as one of our generation's most gifted comic actors.

    "A master of sketch comedy, Fred was most heralded for his quick wit and improvisational expertise, which he demonstrated in hundreds of appearances on stage, on the big screen, and on a wide range of television shows."

    Talk show host Jimmy Kimmel recently paid tribute to the actor, hailing him as a "Christmas tree in June".

    He shared: "In a lot of ways, Fred Willard was like a Christmas tree in June - a little weird, familiar but still surprising to see it, full of good memories and you're just instantly happy that it's there."

    © 2026 Bang Showbiz, NZCity

     Other Entertainment News
     19 Jan: Roger Allers, co-director of The Lion King, dies aged 76
     18 Jan: Teddi Mellencamp is "really sick" - months after she revealed her cancer had become "undetectable"
     18 Jan: Ashton Kutcher is "so proud" of his ex-wife Demi Moore in The Substance
     18 Jan: Lo Bosworth has given birth two weeks early
     18 Jan: Chase Infiniti botched Leonardo DiCaprio's beard when she cut it whilst they bonded before shooting One Battle After Another
     18 Jan: A shark has been named after Kelly Clarkson
     18 Jan: Jennifer Lawrence's marriage is kept "alive" with a compromise to her struggle with timekeeping
     Top Stories

    RUGBY RUGBY
    Don't be surprised if the coaching nous of Scott Robertson is lured to the UK More...


    BUSINESS BUSINESS
    The head of one of largest mortgage broking firms is questioning an interest rate hike by our largest bank More...



     Today's News

    Health & Safety:
    A new weight loss drug may come to market, but it's not the best one out there 8:17

    Law and Order:
    A third shark attack in Sydney in just 24 hours has forced authorities to close 20 beaches until further notice 8:17

    Rugby League:
    To the perilous NFL coaching desk.. 8:07

    Business:
    The head of one of largest mortgage broking firms is questioning an interest rate hike by our largest bank 8:07

    Education:
    China's population declines for a fourth straight year amid record low birth rates 7:57

    Law and Order:
    One person's in critical condition after an incident in Taranaki 7:57

    Education:
    Students and schools are feeling the strain of a growing nationwide teacher shortage 7:27

    Lower South Island:
    Race leader Tom Sexton is eyeing another victory on a favoured third stage in cycling's Tour of Southland 7:27

    Law and Order:
    Deadly Pakistan shopping plaza fire death toll rises to 23 7:27

    Politics:
    Donald Trump links Greenland takeover threat to Nobel Peace Prize snub, amid tariffs row with Europe 7:17


     News Search






    Power Search


    © 2026 New Zealand City Ltd