The comedy community remembers Louie Anderson

On Friday, the comedy community lost one of its giants, the always hilarious Louie Anderson, to cancer at the age of 68. Throughout his career, he graced the stage and both the big and small screens. But perhaps his most memorable role was that of Christine Baskets on the show Baskets, a role he based on his own mother. Not to mention, he had one of the greatest Tonight Show debuts of all time.

In honor of the legend, the community came out in droves to remember the man, his career, and just how sweet he was offstage. Rest In Peace, Louie Anderson!

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 (@billburr) January 21, 2022

Love you Louie Anderson. You are a beautiful, kind and loving man. And funny as fuck! 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 🙏 pic.twitter.com/2HAWYj48ic

— Pauly Shore (@PaulyShore) January 21, 2022

This photo is very sad now. RIP Bob Saget and RIP Louie Anderson. Both good friends that will be missed. pic.twitter.com/DLJ8Ntt7LN

— Gilbert Gottfried (@RealGilbert) January 21, 2022

A sweet, kind, talented man. RIP Louie Anderson pic.twitter.com/7Lua4CTxXX

— (((Gary Gulman))) (@GaryGulman) January 21, 2022

Yet again we lose another great soul, Louie Anderson. So sad. He was as funny as he was wonderful and kind. He will be missed.

— Lewis Black (@TheLewisBlack) January 22, 2022

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. pic.twitter.com/rBYcZFblOe

— Kristen Schaal (@kristenschaaled) January 21, 2022

My condolences to Louie Anderson’s family, friends & fans. Hilarious, a total original & a generous, loving man. RIP @LouieAnderson . And thanks!

— Al Franken (@alfranken) January 21, 2022

The first time I was on Johnny Carson, Louie Anderson was the other guest. I was very young and nervous, but Louie Anderson saved my performance with hilarious observations on my meandering stories. I always felt fondly towards him after that. #RIPLouieAnderson

— Jennifer Tilly (@JenniferTilly) January 21, 2022

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. pic.twitter.com/GLY3rcXR75

— Penn Jillette (@pennjillette) January 21, 2022

Shit. Louie Anderson is another person I wish I had told how important he was to me. I was already a fan when he popped up in Ferris Bueller. He was instrumental in my journey to becoming a stand-up. Stories to come. RIP

— Doug Benson (@DougBenson) January 21, 2022

RIP dear #LouieAnderson You picked me to voice your girlfriend Jeannie in your Emmy winning cartoon “Life With Louie” . Always funny, kind and professional. You left this world a funnier and better place. And you always made sure we had chocolate covered strawberries in studio! pic.twitter.com/niA3fX3QbS

— Debi Derryberry (@DebiDerryberry) January 21, 2022

Louie Anderson. I’m going to go cry and write him the tribute he deserves as fast as I can attempt to do justice to him. “God”, you’re pushing it and we are only letting this slide because Betty White and Bob Saget deserve one of your legendary hugs.

— Whitney Cummings (@WhitneyCummings) January 21, 2022

One time I was bombing and I saw Louie Anderson walk out of the room. I said “I just walked Louie Anderson!” And he laughed that wild insane laugh that made everything worth it.

Still walked out.

— Brooks Wheelan (@brookswheelan) January 21, 2022

Louie Anderson was brilliant in so many things but this special is how I will remember Louie. He made stand up look so damn easy. Always humble. Everyone was welcome. I remember quoting this special back and forth with @SirIanBagg. https://t.co/yoiylwcfL4

— Jim Gaffigan (@JimGaffigan) January 21, 2022

Another great one goes home🙏🏿 RIP #LouieAnderson pic.twitter.com/cRmnwQBCMe

— Wesley Snipes (@wesleysnipes) January 21, 2022

Man am I sad that my friend Louie Anderson left the earth. What a light has dimmed. I’ve been reading tributes and valentines to him all day and everyone who knew him mentions how nice and kind he was. Louie was a real sweetheart of a man. pic.twitter.com/NLIfXaYvUf

— Pee-wee Herman (@peeweeherman) January 22, 2022

RIP Louie Anderson. Louie once said to me backstage when we we’re co-headlining at The @PineKnobMusic Theatre in Detroit: “Dave, how’ve you stayed so nice all these years? Must be cuz you’re from Detroit.” @LouieAnderson #loveyoulouie #RIPLouieAnderson

— Dave Coulier (@DaveCoulier) January 22, 2022

RIP Louie Anderson a true comedy craftsman. A funny, authentic, sweet man. Here are talks from June 2016 and April 2018. https://t.co/lKHMGPbOGu pic.twitter.com/s8RCXSfuga

— marc maron (@marcmaron) January 21, 2022

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 (@hwinkler4real) January 21, 2022

We love you @LouieAnderson

Thank you @ArgusHamilton for this tribute. #louieanderson pic.twitter.com/DlQAPJNgJc

— The Comedy Store (@TheComedyStore) January 21, 2022

Louie Anderson was a warm and hilarious presence in comedy. He’ll be missed. pic.twitter.com/bOJMiVrWu9

— comedycentral (@ComedyCentral) January 21, 2022

Louie Anderson putting the mic stand behind him and saying “let me move this out of the way so you can see me” is one of the best openers of all time

— gianmarco (@GianmarcoSoresi) January 21, 2022

Louie Anderson Dead at 68 After Battle with Cancer – TMZ no words! RIP Louie!! One of my all time favorites https://t.co/Gb7KBbleo0

— DL Hughley (@RealDLHughley) January 21, 2022

My first Hollywood job was gettting Louie Anderson cigarettes and donuts every day on his CBS sitcom. Most of the time I spent watching him play pinball in his dressing room while he told me to quit and pursue my career. He was super nice to even lil diumb dumbs like me. RIP.

— Stephen Falk (@stephenfalk) January 21, 2022

Damn. Such a funny great guy. Made us all laugh so much. Loved him. Condolences to his whole family. pic.twitter.com/4m92SuBovy

— Adam Sandler (@AdamSandler) January 21, 2022

RIP @LouieAnderson Loved you sir. Thanks for doing MADtv and for letting me open for you in Minnesota that one time.

— Bobby Lee (@bobbyleelive) January 21, 2022

When Meatloaf died Louie Anderson was like, “What’s the point of living?” I loved them both.

— Jeff Ross (@realjeffreyross) January 21, 2022

Ive loved Louie Anderson since his Rodney Dangerfield HBO special in the 80s and I’m so glad I got to tell him when I directed him in search party. RIP Louie! You will be missed ❤️ pic.twitter.com/fGgyKxtEHU

— Jay Duplass (@jayduplass) January 22, 2022

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.#TheLyonsAreLeavingTheCircus https://t.co/fO4Yc5RiH9

— Rob Schneider (@RobSchneider) January 21, 2022

Oh no. This is not starting out as a good year for joy. #LouisAnderson will be missed as much for his brilliant, touching humor as for his kindness and friendship to so many. His gentle delivery couched a sword sharp and unique understanding of being human. RIP.

— Elayne Let Everyone Vote Boosler (@ElayneBoosler) January 21, 2022

So sad to hear of the passing of my friend #LouieAnderson
He was such a sweet soul. RIP Louie. pic.twitter.com/uoDSvMtT2O

— Terry Fator (@terryfator) January 22, 2022