Comedy world pays tribute to legendary comic Louie Anderson following his death aged 68

metro.co.uk:

Fans have paid tribute to comedian Louie Anderson, who has died at the age of 68 after being diagnosed with cancer.The Emmy Award-winning US entertainer died on Friday morning in Las Vegas, having been admitted to hospital for treatment of diffuse large B cell lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system.His reps confirmed the news on Friday, writing that the ‘iconic comedian… passed away peacefully’ after his battle with the disease.The iconic entertainer was best known for his stand-up routines, comedy films and roles in hysterical sitcoms including Baskets, where he starred alongside Zach Galifianakis.Fans and major figures in the comedy and acting worlds have since been paying tribute to the comedian and lamenting the hole his loss will leave in the industry.Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis recalled how Louie was ‘as gracious and kind as you were funny,’ urging him to ‘rest well’.‘Keep ’em laughing in Heaven’.Fellow comedian and former Saturday Night Live star Michael McKean referenced Louie’s role in the FX sitcom, and said Baskets was ‘such a phenomenal “second act” for Louie Anderson.

I wish he’d gotten a third. RIP.’The Daily Show star Travon Free penned a heartfelt message to the fellow comedian, writing that Louie ‘was a very dear friend and one of the people who very early in my career believed in me and would put me and a couple of other comics he loved up in a hotel in Vegas and pay us to open for him when we needed money. ‘What a huge loss.

Rest in peace my friend.’Fellow comedy legend George Wallace shared a photograph of himself, Louie and Kathleen Madigan, and said ‘Heaven has a hell of an open mic goin’ on right about now.‘Everybody gets the light.