Marc Wilmore, writer for “The Simpsons” and “In Living Color,” dead at 57
February 2, 2021 Andrew Buss Features, In Memoriam
Marc Wilmore, a comedy writer whose works include The Simpsons and In Living Color, has died at the age of 57. The cause of death has been stated as complications from COVID. The death was announced by his older brother, Larry Wilmore.
“My sweet sweet brother, Marc Edward Wilmore, passed away last night while battling COVID and other conditions that have had him in pain for many years,” Larry wrote on Twitter. “My brother was the kindest, gentlest, funniest, lion of an angel I’ve ever known. I love you little brother.”
Wilmore had a long career as a comedy writer, dating back to the 90s. Over the course of his career, he was nominated for 10 Emmy Awards, winning one for The Simpsons in 2008. And in addition to his work on The Simpsons and In Living Color, he also worked on F Is For Family, The PJ’s, and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. During the last season of In Living Color, he was promoted to being a cast member.
Since news of his passing broke, friends and colleagues have been taking to social media to pay their respects.
My sweet sweet brother, Marc Edward Wilmore, passed away last night while battling COVID and other conditions that have had him in pain for many years. My brother was the kindest, gentlest, funniest, lion of an angel I’ve ever known. I love you little brother. pic.twitter.com/Zhcg1U4Evr
— Larry Wilmore (@larrywilmore) February 1, 2021
Marc n Larry Wilmore worked together w me on In Living Color. Marc joined the cast in our final season. He was the funniest, sweetest guy, making up half of what we used call the “Wilmore boys”. My heart goes out to Marc’s family n his brother Larry 🙏🏾 https://t.co/TCWwiyaBvb
— David Alan Grier (@davidalangrier) February 2, 2021
Another giant talent taken too soon. I had the privilege to work alongside Marc Wilmore on 3 shows (PJs, Simpsons, FIFF) for the better part of the last 23 years and he was THE funniest person in every room. And a wonderful man. He is irreplaceable. Rest In Peace, my friend. pic.twitter.com/h3phCS7SH7
— Michael Price (@mikepriceinla) February 1, 2021
Gutted to learn of the passing of my dear friend and colleague Marc Wilmore. In his honor, I repost this thread, about the funniest thing I ever heard him, or anyone, say in a writers room. https://t.co/gUBGQYepkD
— Tim Long (@mrtimlong) January 31, 2021
Marc Wilmore was a writer and a brilliant character actor. My faves: The Mayor of East St. Louis and Weezy Jefferson. When Isabel Sanford did our show, she said, "You should've had Marc do this!" He created video proof of Santa for his daughters. My heart goes out to them.💝 pic.twitter.com/foKSPnwTvY
— Carolyn Omine (@CarolynOmine) February 1, 2021
In loving memory of Marc Wilmore, writer of a dozen episodes of @TheSimpsons. Great on the page, hilarious in the room, and one of the warmest guys I ever had the joy to work with. https://t.co/qIpKHoPFth
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReissWriter) January 31, 2021
I’m devastated by the loss of Marc Wilmore. Marc was my favorite – I hung onto his every word. He was empathetic beyond measure, not to mention the funniest one in the room every damn time. Warm, genuine, uniquely funny – that was Marc. I love him. It was a joy to be his friend. pic.twitter.com/ejXusX4hmc
— Henry Gammill (@HenryGammill) February 1, 2021
I never met Marc Wilmore. But I was a huge fan of his work. Even more so, in deference to his brother @larrywilmore, his colleagues and all who knew and loved him I extend my deepest condolences. #RIPMarcWilmore https://t.co/PC2WqRE67W
— Alan Zweibel (@AlanZweibel) February 1, 2021
Writer/comedian/brother of @larrywilmore Marc Wilmore passed away last night from COVID. Here’s a story of how a practical joke led to him getting a job on the SIMPSONS writing staff. pic.twitter.com/m390w4uKLa
— The Outsider (@unclecrizzle) January 31, 2021
