News | Entertainment
17 Jan 2026 8:40
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
     17 Jan: Matthew McConaughey believes a successful marriage requires "maintenance"
     17 Jan: Michael B. Jordan's mother has grown "used" to women lusting after him
     17 Jan: Gisele Bundchen is looking forward to "love, health, peace, and new adventures" in 2026
     17 Jan: Jessie Cave plans to get a boob job with the money she's earned on OnlyFans
     17 Jan: Teyana Taylor has likened divorce to "grieving the death of a living being"
     16 Jan: Derek Hough and his wife Hayley are looking forward to a "new chapter" in their lives
     16 Jan: Dame Helen Mirren feels concerned by the influence of social media
     Top Stories

    RUGBY RUGBY
    After Scott Robertson, the All Blacks face a deeper question than who coaches next More...


    BUSINESS BUSINESS
    Kiwis are feeling the pinch more at the checkout - than they are at the pump More...



     Today's News

    Entertainment:
    Matthew McConaughey believes a successful marriage requires "maintenance" 8:23

    Cricket:
    Steve Smith and former Australian teammate David Warner have traded centuries in the Australian Big Bash, but it's Smith's Sixers who have taken a five wicket win in the Sydney derby 8:16

    Soccer:
    League leaders Auckland FC have dropped points for the first time after scoring the opening goal in an A-League match 8:06

    Soccer:
    Auckland FC coach Steve Corica has been left somewhat dissatisfied by the referee's explanation over a penalty decision against his side in a 2-1 A-League defeat to Manchester City 7:57

    Entertainment:
    Michael B. Jordan's mother has grown "used" to women lusting after him 7:53

    Environment:
    A number of black - do not swim - flags have been issued for Auckland beaches 7:47

    Cricket:
    The Central Stags have beaten the visiting Auckland Aces by 10 runs in the T20 Super Smash in Napier 7:46

    International:
    Today in History, January 17: When Lance Armstrong finally admitted to Oprah he doped his way to seven Tour de France titles 7:36

    Accident and Emergency:
    State Highway Two between Matawai and Opotiki is staying closed this weekend after multiple landslips and surface flooding 7:36

    Basketball:
    The Perth Wildcats have posted a 92-87 win over the Illawarra Hawks in front of their home fans in the Australian Basketball League 7:26


     News Search






    Power Search


    © 2026 New Zealand City Ltd