Jonathan Winters Dead at 87

Sal

Hall of Fame Member
Sep 29, 2007
17,135
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Jonathan Winters, the comedic film and TV actor who was huge in the '70s and '80s on shows like "Mork and Mindy," has died at age 87 ... TMZ has learned.

Winters died last night of natural causes in Montecito, Calif, around 6:30 p.m., surrounded by friends and family.

Winters' career began when he won a talent contest, which led to radio gigs and appearances at comedy clubs. He was a staple on the late night TV circuit for decades -- he was one of Jack Paar's favorite guests and a Johnny Carson regular -- and recorded several classic comedy albums.

He often performed in character ... the best known of which was Maude Frickert, the seemingly sweet old lady with a quick and acid wit. He also starred in one of the best comedies ever -- "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World."

Winters suffered 2 nervous breakdowns in the late '50s and early '60s and was voluntarily institutionalized. He was diagnosed with manic depression. He spoke openly about it and even joked about it in his comedy act.

Winters -- who was Native American -- won the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, which was presented to him at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. in 2000.


Jonathan Winters Dead -- Comic Legend Dies at 87 | TMZ.com
 

Walter

Hall of Fame Member
Jan 28, 2007
34,887
126
63
My favourite comedian, could make anything or situation funny; brilliant; mentor to Robin Williams. RIP
 

SLM

The Velvet Hammer
Mar 5, 2011
29,151
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London, Ontario
That is so sad, I loved Jonathon Winters!

Well, he lived a long life and brought joy to many people. R.I.P.
 

petros

The Central Scrutinizer
Nov 21, 2008
117,211
14,250
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Low Earth Orbit
One of the funniest things I've ever seen was when Disney cut him loose in the wardobe/costume room and filmed it.
 

damngrumpy

Executive Branch Member
Mar 16, 2005
9,949
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kelowna bc
Winters and Shelly Berman were my favourites. Winters was crazy around a camera
and his appearance in Mad Mad World one of my favourite movies was nothing short
of fantastic. May he RIP and forever live in film and the screen.