Comedian Kevin Meaney died suddenly on Friday of unknown causes. He was 60.
In addition to roles in films like Big and TV’s Uncle Buck, Meaney was known for his numerous appearances on late-night talk shows from The Tonight Show to Conan.
He also appeared in the Broadway production of Hairspray in the mid-2000s.
Meaney was married twice, but came out as gay in 2008. He said his time on stage gave him the strength to come out.
“I got a job doing the gayest musical of all time, Hairspray, and everybody in the crew and everyone in the audience, they were all gay. So it just gave me courage,” he told XFM.
“People say, ‘Does Broadway make you gay? Yes it does,” Meaney joked. “Even going to a show you can become gay so you have to be careful.”
Several celebrities took to social media to share their condolences, including Judd Apatow, Bobcat Goldthwait and Rosie O’Donnell.
Kevin Meaney was as funny as they get and the nicest man. He could make you lose your mind laughing. A very special person. https://t.co/EBvDUmNUrr
— Judd Apatow (@JuddApatow) October 22, 2016
https://t.co/j8tay93Ebm
real life – real love – real lossfrom the ding ho to here – i love ya kev
— Rosie (@Rosie) October 22, 2016
I cannot even fathom this right now. RIP @kevinmeaney. #Bigpants
— Judy Gold (@JewdyGold) October 22, 2016
Kevin Meaney was sweet, hilarious and courageous. A silly, wonderful, man. The best. My heart goes out to his fans, friends and family.
— Bobcat Goldthwait (@bcgoldthwait) October 22, 2016