Iconic comedian Louie Anderson has died after a battle with blood cancer. While it’s unclear when he was diagnosed, Anderson battled the disease for years. The “Coming to America” star was recently treated for Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma at a Las Vegas hospital. Anderson became known as one of America’s most beloved comics throughout this career spanning decades. The three-time Emmy winner was named one of the 100 greatest stand-up comedians of all time by Comedy Central.

Louis “Louie” Perry Anderson was born on March 24, 1953, in St. Paul, Minnesota, one of eleven children. Before his career in stand-up comedy, Anderson was a counselor for troubled children. In 1981, he won the first place trophy at the Midwest Comedy Competition. The host, legendary comedian Henry Youngman, was so impressed by Anderson that he hired him as a writer. Soon, Anderson was basking in his spotlight on comedy stages nationwide.

In 1984, Johnny Carson invited Anderson to make his national television debut on “The Tonight Show,” and his career took off from there. He would also appear on other late-night shows with Jay Leno, David Letterman, and “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.” Showtime and HBO specials further cemented him as one of Hollywood’s top comedians. Hosting “Family Feud” in 1999 would catapult Anderson into the acting realm.

After his debut, Anderson became a household name, acting in tons of television shows and movies, guest-starring in multiple TV series, including “Grace Under Fire,” Touched by an Angel,” and “Chicago Hope.” He appeared in films like “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” “Coming to America” and its sequel “Coming 2 America,” opposite Eddie Murphy.

More recently, Anderson appeared on “Young Sheldon,” had a recurring role in the dark comedy “Search Party,” and had joined the cast of the hit BET series “Twenties.” Critics took notice when in 2016, producers cast Anderson to co-star along with Zach Galifianakis and Martha Kelly in the hit FX comedy series “Baskets.” Anderson played the role of Christine, the matriarch of the Baskets clan, and based the character on his mother and his five sisters, who he said were a significant presence in his life.

Louie also made a name for himself by touring and doing his comedy specials and sitcoms. He would turn the ups and downs of his childhood into laughter. In 2021, Anderson made headlines when he shared his weight loss journey, losing 30 pounds during the pandemic, which he credited to intermittent fasting. He continued to tour before he was hospitalized.

Outside of comedy and acting, Anderson was also a best-selling author. His books included “Dear Dad — Letters From An Adult Child,” “Good-bye Jumbo…Hello Cruel World,” and “The F Word, How To Survive Your Family.” His most recent book, “Hey Mom,” was published in 2018 and discussed lessons he learned from his mother combined with some comedy. He’s survived by his two sisters, Lisa and Shanna Anderson. Fans will remember Louie Anderson for his iconic acting roles and his humor. Although his childhood wasn’t the best, he used his pain and turned it into laughter that the world could enjoy.