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15 Feb 2026 0:27
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  •   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

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    Entertainment:
    Lindsey Vonn is recovering after undergoing a third surgery following her frightening crash at the Winter Olympics 21:51

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    A warning for those in weather affected zones to be vigilant as it starts to get dark 21:17

    Skiing:
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    Entertainment:
    Alfonso Ribeiro will "always be there" for James Van Der Beek's kids following the actor's death 20:51

    Entertainment:
    Authorities believe Savannah Guthrie's missing mother Nancy is still alive 20:21

    Entertainment:
    Bijou Phillips has launched an urgent appeal to find a kidney donor 19:51

    Entertainment:
    Stacy Keibler says it was a "gift from God" to be with James Van Der Beek in his "final days" 19:21

    Health & Safety:
    Two sailors have been hospitalised after a nasty crash between the Black Foils and France, forcing the cancellation of racing for the day at the Auckland Sail GP event 18:57


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