Fred Willard death: Anchorman and This is Spinal Tap actor dies aged 86

Jamie Lee Curtis and Steve Carell led tributes to the star

Fred Willard, the star of Anchorman and This Is Spinal Tap, has died aged 86.

His agent Glenn Schwartz confirmed the news, saying the actor died of natural causes on Friday (15 May).

Willard’s daughter Hope Mulbarger said in a statement: “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.”

Jamie Lee Curtis, who is married to Willard’s longtime director Christopher Guest, tweeted: “How lucky that we all got to enjoy Fred Willard’s gifts... Thanks for the deep belly laughs Mr Willard.”

Willard is best known for his work in comedies directed by Guest, such as Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show and For Your Consideration.

He also appeared in Modern Family, Austin Powers and Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle over the course of his five-decade career.

Willard will appear posthumously in the upcoming Netflix series Space Force. Steve Carell, Willard’s co-star in Anchorman and Space Force, tweeted: “Fred Willard was the funniest person that I’ve ever worked with. He was a sweet, wonderful man.”