Legendary comedian Jonathan Winters died of natural causes in Montecito, California on Friday. He was 87 years old.
Winters' career started in radio, and he was one of the first big television stars. One of his most beloved characters was Maude Frickert, a seemingly sweet old lady with a sharp tongue. He also played Mork and Mindy's son Mearth in the final season of the eponymous show.
His humor and improv skills made him a popular guest on many shows, from "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson," "The Dean Martin Show," "Hee Haw," and "The Hollywood Squares."
Winters' also voiced Papa Smurf in "The Smurfs" cartoon, and reprised the role in the recent movies.
Stars took to twitter to pay their respects:
Dick Van Dyke @iammrvandy
The first time I saw Jonathan Winters perform, I thought I might as well quit the business. Because, I could never be as brilliant.
Dick Van Dyke @iammrvandy
Most comedians can point to someone who influenced them. Jonathan Winters was a complete original!!
Roseanne Barr @TheRealRoseanne
hail hail a genius has vacated this realm-Jonathan Winters revolutionary comedian-revolutionary mind. RIP
Steve Carell @SteveCarell
Jonathan Winters was wildly funny.
John Stamos @JohnStamos
One of my all time fav's RIP Mr. Winters RT @KenHada Before Robin Williams, there was Jonathan Winters
Michael Ian Black @michaelianblack
Jonathan Winters basically invented alternative comedy. RIP
Patton Oswalt @pattonoswalt
No him, no me. No MOST of us, comedy-wise, come to think of it. #RIP Jonathan Winters
Chris Hardwick @nerdist
RIP Jonathan Winters. Sad day for comedy fans. We were lucky to have had him at all.
Adam Shankman @adammshankman
RIP 1 of the great funny man legends of all time #jonathanwinters. I will always cherish how u made me laugh on set & off. We will miss u!
Rick Mercer @rickmercer
RIP Jonathan Winters
Kevin Pollak @kevinpollak
Had a great run. Actual genius. RT @BreakingNews: Jonathan Winters died of natural causes, family friend says
Brent Spiner @BrentSpiner
RIP Jonathan Winters. One of the real greats. Met him a few years ago. I said, "Hello", he did twenty minutes. A great twenty minutes.
