“Coming to America” Star Louie Anderson Passes Away at 68

Actor and comedian Louie Anderson, known for his role in “Coming to America,” has passed away following a battle with blood cancer.

According to TMZ, Anderson had been battling the disease for some time and recently underwent treatment for diffuse large B cell lymphoma at a Las Vegas hospital.

Sadly, he lost his battle with the disease. His publicist confirmed his death Friday.

The three-time Emmy Award-winning star’s career spanned more than 30 years. He got his first big break when he performed a set on “The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson.” From then, the stand-up comic made regular appearances on late-night shows and movies such as “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” in 1986 and “Coming to America” in 1988. From 1995 to 1998 he starred in the animated series “Life With Louie” where he voiced a fictionalized version of his eight-year-old self. The Saint Paul, Minnesota native, also hosted the hit syndicated game show “Family Feud” from 1999 to 2002. Most recently, the comic starred in FX original comedy series “Baskets” from 2016 to 2019. He also reprised his role as Maurice in “Coming to America’s”  2021 sequel.

Anderson is survived by his two sisters — Lisa and Shanna Anderson.

He was 68.