Fred Willard, the voice behind numerous animated characters, dies at 86

Comedian and actor Fred Willard, known for Spinal Tap, Best in Show, A Mighty Wind as well as Anchorman, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, and live-action TV comedies from SNL and Everybody Loves Raymond to Modern Family and Mad About You passed away at age 86.

His feature animation credits include Chicken Little (2005), Monster House (2006), WALL-E (2008), wherein he appears as the only live actor in the film, and Planes: Fire & Rescue (2014). In 2012, Willard was nominated for the Behind the Voice Actors Awards Best Vocal Ensemble in a TV Special, Direct-to-DVD Title or Short with his co-stars on Scooby-Doo! Legend of the Phantosaur.

He is also known for his record recurring roles in Disney’s Hercules series (1998-99), Buzz Lightyear of Star Command (2000), Teamo Supremo (2002), Kim Possible (2003-07), The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy (2004-07), as well as the TV movie Billy & Mandy’s Big Boogey Adventure and video game: King of the Hill (2001-08), TripTank (2014-16), Mickey Mouse Mixed-Up Adventures (2017-18) and The Loud House (2016-19).

Willard is survived by daughter Hope Mulbarger, her husband, Mitch Mulbarger, and grandson Freddie. He was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Mary, who died unexpectedly in 2018 at age 71.