The Tragic Death Of Marc Wilmore

Comedy writer and producer Marc Wilmore died at the age of 57 on Jan. 30, 2021, due to complications from COVID-19, as reported by Deadline. Wilmore, who was the younger brother of comedian Larry Wilmore, was associated with several iconic television shows during his career.

His first listed IMDb credit was as a writer on the Harry and the Hendersons TV series, but his big break came working on the legendary sketch show In Living Color. As reported by Deadline, Marc performed various impressions on the show, and was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for his writing.

Afterwards, Marc worked on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno for several years and then contributed to the animated show The PJs, which was created by his brother and Eddie Murphy. Marc later won an Emmy Award for his work on The Simpsons, which he wrote on for over a decade.

On Jan. 30, 2021, Larry posted a heartfelt tweet about his brother's passing. "My sweet sweet brother, Marc Edward Wilmore, passed away last night while battling COVID and other conditions that have had him in pain for many years. My brother was the kindest, gentlest, funniest, lion of an angel I've ever known. I love you little brother," he wrote.

Larry Wilmore's tweet about Marc Wilmore's death prompted a deluge of responses not only from fans, but from several of Marc's friends and co-workers. In Living Color standout and Hollywood veteran David Alan Grier replied to the tweet by reminiscing about his time working alongside Marc. "My heart goes out [to] you Larry. I remember fondly sitting your offices back in ILC pitching ideas back and forth. Mark was the funniest, sweetest guy ever!" Grier wrote. Larry's replies were filled with touching sentiments from Twitter users who also lost loved ones to COVID-19.

Marc worked on Netflix's F Is for Family as a writer from 2017 until 2020, and Henry Gammill was a writer on the show as well. Gammill tweeted out kind words about his friend writing: "Marc was my favorite – I hung onto his every word. He was empathetic beyond measure, not to mention the funniest one in the room every damn time." 

The Simpsons writer and producer Michael Price had a similarly touching tweet. "Another giant talent taken too soon. I had the privilege to work alongside Marc Wilmore on 3 shows ... he was THE funniest person in every room. And a wonderful man. He is irreplaceable. Rest In Peace, my friend," Price wrote.