Fred Willard, the comedic improv-style actor, dies at 86

Fred Willard, the comedic actor whose improv style kept him relevant for more than 50 years in films like This Is Spinal Tap, Best In Show and Anchorman, has died.

He was 86.

Willard's daughter, Hope Mulbarger, said in a statement Saturday that her father died peacefully Friday night. The cause of his death has not been released.

He kept moving, working and making us happy until the very end, Mulbarger said. We loved him so very much! We will miss him forever.

Willard was rarely a leading man or even a major supporting character. He specialized in small, scene-stealing appearances.

As an arrogantly clueless sports announcer on Best In Show, his character seemed to clearly know nothing about the dogs he's supposed to talk about and asks his partner on-air: How much do you think I can bench?
There was no man sweeter or funnier," Kimmel said on Twitter. We were so lucky to know Fred Willard and will miss his many visits."