Frederic Charles Willard (September 18, 1933 – May 15, 2020) was an American actor and comedian. He is best known for his work with Christopher Guest in his films This Is Spinal Tap (1984), Waiting for Guffman (1996), Best in Show (2000), A Mighty Wind (2003), For Your Consideration (2006), and Mascots (2016). He also appeared in supporting roles in the comedy films Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999), American Wedding (2003), Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004), and Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues (2013), as well as the animated film WALL-E (2008). In television, he received several Primetime Emmy Award nominations for playing Hank MacDougall and Frank Dunphy on the sitcoms Everybody Loves Raymond and Modern Family, respectively.
Fred Willard
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Fred Willard was an American actor and comedian known for his work with Christopher Guest in films like This Is Spinal Tap, Waiting for Guffman, and Best in Show.
Fred Willard appeared in supporting roles in popular comedy films such as Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, American Wedding, and Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy.
Fred Willard received two Primetime Emmy Award nominations for his role as Frank Dunphy on the ABC sitcom Modern Family.
Fred Willard is best known for his work with Christopher Guest in films like This Is Spinal Tap, Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show, A Mighty Wind, For Your Consideration, and Mascots.
Fred Willard was born on September 18, 1933 and passed away on May 15, 2020.
Fred Willard was known for his improvisational and deadpan comedic style, which he showcased in his many collaborations with Christopher Guest.
Over his long career, Fred Willard transitioned from supporting roles in films to more prominent parts, including his Emmy-nominated work on the TV series Modern Family.
Quotes by Fred Willard
Cleveland is my hometown, and the Indians have a narrow but rich history.
Fred Willard
I don’t know why my lines that were cut from the film didn’t make it onto the DVD. I have offered to go into the editing room with Christopher and work shoulder to shoulder with him to fit all my lines in. I think he thinks I’m kidding. I’m only trying to help.
Fred Willard
I just admire everybody and sit in awe and watch them.
Fred Willard
I think my wife saw a picture of the rock group Journey, and they’re kind of aging, and the one guy had dyed blonde hair with black roots, and… my idea was to get a little earring, I wanted to have a dangling earring.
Fred Willard
It’s more fun in a way to do ensemble scenes, where you know your background, you know the scene, but you can’t prepare because someone else is going to say something that is going to lead you off.
Fred Willard
It’s such a pleasure to work in these movies, it’s almost like it’s not really happening.
Fred Willard
Someone I’ve always admired is Catherine O’Hara… I think she’s one of the best actresses in the country, not only comedy. I just think she’s just a step aside from everybody, she’s just wonderful.
Fred Willard
Suddenly you’re like a pirate, you’re 65 years old and you’ve got an earring.
Fred Willard