Another iconic star has once again passed away, this time being the great Harry Anderson. He was best known for his appearances on Night Court, but also for playing the adult Richie in Tommy Lee Wallace’s original 1990 adaptation of Stephen King’s IT.
While there isn’t much information given about his death, he was only 65 and found at his home in Asheville, North Carolina. According to TMZ, the actor went into cardiac arrest and wasn’t responsive when the paramedics arrived.
It’s unfortunate because although Anderson didn’t have very many roles, he still did his best in the few he was given. One of my favorites happened to be a Tales from the Crypt episode entitled “Korman’s Kalamity”. It was a quirky little venture which featured plenty of cool monster effects and gags. Anderson even played the main character, a writer for EC Comics around the 1950’s. He finds himself with the power to bring his drawings to life – and with it comes a legion of creepy creatures.
One thing that makes his death even more tragic, however, is how many people have been rediscovering his role as Richie in IT. The miniseries has become extremely popular again following the release of the remake. As such, Anderson’s part as Richie has become even more recognizable by audiences everywhere – and is even considered a standard by which the new IT movie should cast its adult Richie.
Some of his colleagues posted about the actor’s death:
I interviewed Harry Anderson when I was 15 years old and he was so kind, and frank and hilarious. The interview is in my book Sick In The Head. He was a one of a kind talent who made millions so happy. https://t.co/0ksw4WKvxB
— Judd Apatow (@JuddApatow) April 16, 2018
So sad to hear of passing of #HarryAnderson. I remember driving to NJ for $40/night gigs with him, before he became a huge star. (Nobody does that AFTER they’re a huge star.) He was truly one of the nicest guys. A gentle soul. He will be missed. RIP friend..
— Paul Reiser (@PaulReiser) April 17, 2018
I appeared on three episodes of “Night Court” way back when. Ran into him in N.Y. not that long ago. Always friendly. Always funny. RIP Harry Anderson
— Gilbert Gottfried (@RealGilbert) April 17, 2018
We’ll miss you, Harry Anderson. The honorable Judge Harry Stone is forever in our hearts. pic.twitter.com/CvI61zGKQx
— NBC (@nbc) April 17, 2018
Stunned by the passing of Harry Anderson, one of my comedy and magic inspirations growing up. We became friendly over the years – he worked at the @MagicCastle_AMA and recently sold me a handful of great magic memorabilia. My sincere condolences to his family. #RIP pic.twitter.com/k9FITPIaBS
— Neil Patrick Harris (@ActuallyNPH) April 17, 2018
I am devastated. I’ll talk about you later, Harry, but for now, I’m devastated.
— Markie Post (@markie_post) April 16, 2018
I’m very sorry to learn of the death of Harry Anderson. He was a very talented guy, and, more important, a genuinely nice guy.
— Dave Barry (@rayadverb) April 17, 2018
Harry Anderson. He was wicked smart. He was wicked funny. He had a big laugh. He had a big heart. He delighted in legerdemain especially when he caused someone to scratch their head and proclaim; How the hell did you do that? And he could eat a hamster like no one I ever knew.
— John B. Larroquette (@johnlarroquette) April 17, 2018
Whether you were a fan of his work or not, he was still a class act and deserves to be recognized as such. The world will miss Harry Anderson. R.I.P.