By Mark Gray
7:24am PST, Jan 23, 2022
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Louie Anderson — the Emmy-winning comedian, actor and game show host — passed away at a Las Vegas hospital on Jan. 21, 2022, following a brief battle with cancer. Just a few days earlier, his rep confirmed the funnyman was fighting diffuse large B-cell lymphoma — an aggressive form of the disease that's the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Louie was 68. Following the actor's death, many in the entertainment world took to social media to publicly honor him, including "Baskets" co-star Zach Galifianakis, who told "Entertainment Tonight" in a statement that he'll always remember the late comic — who played his mother on their acclaimed show — as "pure," adding, "His essence triggered child-like euphoria when he was around. He was caring and tender. And you learn that his tenderness was born out of pain. Makes you love him even more. I will miss him tremendously."
Keep reading to see how more stars are remembering the great comic…
RELATED: Stars we've lost in 2022
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"Such a funny great guy. Made us all laugh so much. Loved him. Condolences to his whole family" —Adam Sandler
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"Another great one goes home RIP #LouieAnderson," "Coming 2 America" co-star Wesley Snipes shared on social media, later adding, "A comedic genius REST IN POWER."
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"Louie Anderson : Your generosity of spirit will cover the world from above .. we are so lucky you were on earth for a moment , spreading your humor all over like bars of living gold .. Good Bye" –Henry Winkler
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Gilbert Gottfried captioned this snapshot of himself with Louie Anderson and Bob Saget — who died days before Louie — "This photo is very sad now. RIP Bob Saget and RIP Louie Anderson. Both good friends that will be missed."
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"RIP Louie Anderson! You were as gracious and kind as you were funny. Rest well!! Keep 'em laughing in Heaven" –Viola Davis
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"I'm heartbroken about the passing of Louie Anderson. Such a soulful, incredibly talented & kind man. What a loss. My thought are with his loved ones. RIP Louie." –Marg Helgenberger
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"A brilliant stand up and wonderful craftsman of silliness. Louie Anderson came to see me perform at the Tropicana in Vegas and I was thrilled and honored. He could not have been kinder and more generous." –Rob Schneider
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"Heaven has a hell of an open mic night goin' right about now. Everybody gets the light. You'll be missed. Louie. What an awesome friend. One in a million." –George Wallace
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"I feel so lucky that I knew you Louie Anderson. So funny. So gentle. You were always encouraging. A midwestern big brother from another big midwestern family in this crazy business. You conquered stand up, writing (Dear Dad) & most recently we fell in love w/ ur acting in Baskets" –Jim Gaffigan
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"Rest now, Louie. You done good. #riplouieanderson" –Jane Lynch
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"Spent many hours on a road trip not long ago listening to his stand up and stories and I think everyone in the car cracked a rib – what a master -Rest In Peace #LouieAnderson" –Haley Joel Osment
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"A singular comic. No one in comedy did what he did" —Kathy Griffin
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"Oh dear. Another great comedian. Another great Vegas star. Such a sweetheart. We will miss you #LouieAnderson. He saw us on Broadway and did an impersonation of the Midwest people seeing our show, 'Why is the big guy yelling at us.' Made me laugh." –Penn Jillette
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"RIP Louie Anderson a true comedy craftsman. A funny, authentic, sweet man." –Marc Maron
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"Love you Louie Anderson. You are a beautiful, kind and loving man. And funny as f***! We will keep your name alive down here… say what's up to mom, dad, Sam, Carl, Mitchel, Richard, Robin and of course Bob Saget… Give them all a big hug and kiss. Rest well my friend" –Pauly Shore
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"What is going on? We just lost another beautiful funny friend. Omg there's got to be more funny up there than down here. Norm [Macdonald], Bob [Saget] and now @LouieAnderson. No words but love and shock." –Howie Mandel
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"I had the pleasure of chatting with @LouieAnderson for his podcast and was so grateful to meet him. His books are still here and they are a good read." –Kristen Schaal
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"No words! RIP Louie!! One of my all time favorites" –DL Hughley
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"I have to thank @LouieAnderson for two things… first his book Dear Dad : Letters From Adult Child was healing.. it helped me cope with alcoholism in my own family. Secondly in 1997 Louies show Comedy Showcase gave me a set on network television. RIP Louie" –Dane Cook
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"RIP to both Meatloaf & Louie Anderson. Their art made life better." –Kevin Smith
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"Baskets was such a phenomenal 'second act' for Louie Anderson. I wish he'd gotten a third. RIP" –Michael McKean
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"I always loved how effortless @LouieAnderson made stand up look. He could get an applause break with a slight change of expression or a sideway glance. A true master. Thank you for all the laughs and for being so nice. You were one of the greats! Rest In Peace." –Bill Burr
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"When Meatloaf died Louie Anderson was like, 'What's the point of living?' I loved them both." –Jeff Ross
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"This more sad news for the comedy world.. @bobsaget and @LouieAnderson. Two of the most wonderful people and spirits gone too soon.." –Bill Bellamy
