Remembering Fred Willard on the 5th Anniversary of his death

By Lori Macatee
Washington
Last updated on May 15, 2025

Remembering Fred Willard, 5 Years Later

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It has been exactly 5 long years since Fred Willard died in Los Angeles on May 15, 2020 at the age of 80. As a number of online tributes attest, he was one of the most acclaimed actors of his generation.

Today, fans of Fred Willard (Anchorman, Best in Show, Waiting for Guffman, ...) along with the rest of the film industry have been remembering the iconic man he was.

Willard, a cultural icon

Born Frederick Charles Willard in Shaker Heights on September 18, 1939, his career spanned an arc over many different eras and tastes in American history. Willard was not just a great actor, he was an icon, an all-around inspiration to everyone.

In 2000 he touched the hearts of millions as Buck Laughlin in ‘Best in Show’. His legacy continues to grow as new generations of fans are discovering his unique heritage.

It's been 5 years since the tragic loss of Fred Willard and his personality still resonate strongly within us all. Although Fred Willard is no longer physically here, his presence is more powerful than ever. He left a void that has yet to be filled.

In memory of the Late Great Fred Willard.