In Memoriam: Louie Anderson (1953-2022)

Man today just absolutely sucks.

On the tails of noted rockstar Meat Loaf’s passing, it is also my sad duty to report that comedian and actor Louie Anderson has passed away at the age of sixty-eight after a fight with blood cancer.

Born Louis Perry Anderson on March 24, 1953, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Anderson grew up in a large family, the second youngest of eleven children. As a child, Anderson had to endure an abusive and alcoholic father and later turned to standup comedy once reaching adulthood. He made his network debut on The Tonight Show in 1974 and went on to appear in dozens of shows including Chicago Hope and Ally McBeal.

Noted for his self-deprecating humor and observations about childhood, Louie Anderson gained notoriety later in life in the television show Baskets alongside Zach Galifianakis, winning the Emmy award for Best Supporting Actor in 2016. Most will remember him for his memorable role as Maurice in Coming To America, a role he reprised in last year’s sequel.

Personally, I will always remember Anderson for the fantastic children’s television show Life With Louie in the mid-90s along with the severely underrated 1988 film The Wrong Guys that also starred Ernie Hudson and John Goodman. He seemed like a sweet and gentle soul and the comedy world has definitely lost another legend. Rest in peace, Mr. Anderson. You will be missed.