Frederick Charles Willard (born September 18, 1939) was an American actor, comedian, and writer.

He is best known for his roles in the Rob Reiner mockumentary film This Is Spinal Tap; the Christopher Guest mockumentary films Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show, A Mighty Wind, For Your Consideration, Mascots and the Anchorman films.

He is an alumnus of The Second City. He was nominated for the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk Show Host for his role as host of What's Hot, What's Not. He also received three Emmy nominations for his recurring role on the TV series Everybody Loves Raymond. In 2010, he was nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his appearances on Modern Family.

Early life

Willard was born and raised in Shaker Heights, Ohio. His father, also named Fred Willard, worked at the financial department of a bank. His father died when he was 12 years old. He graduated from the Kentucky Military Institute in 1951. He was stationed in Germany while serving in the United States Army.

Personal life

Willard married Mary Lovell in 1968. She died on July 13, 2018. They have a daughter: Hope (b. 1969) and a grandson Freddie (b. 1997).

On July 18, 2012, Willard was arrested on suspicion of engaging in a misdemeanor lewd act in an adult theater on Santa Monica Boulevard and was brought to the Los Angeles Police Department's Hollywood Station. However, there was no proof of any misconduct and no charges were filed. Despite this, PBS fired Willard from Market Warriors immediately following his arrest, and Mark L. Walberg replaced him on the show. In an appearance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon shortly thereafter, Willard stated that the incident was "very painful" and "very embarrassing," but that he "did nothing wrong." Willard was subsequently required to take a sex education diversion program.