Kevin Meaney has died. According to information released by WCPO Cincinnati , the comedian remembered for his role as Buck Russell in the short-lived TV sitcom Uncle Buck and his famous catchphrase “ That’s not right! ” is dead at age 60. At the time of this report, Meaney’s cause of death remains unknown.
When the news of his death surfaced yesterday, condolences began to roll in quickly. Many of his fellow comedians took a few minutes to convey what Kevin Meaney meant to them and just how genuine and funny he really was.
The following video, a blast from the past, showcases Meaney’s comedic talents as he entertains Johnny Carson and the Tonight Show audience in 1989. As you can see, he makes very good use of his iconic catchphrase, along with a couple of others you may recognize.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUEAfeaHIBA
On his official Twitter account, Kevin Meaney billed himself as “stand-up comedian, actor, writer, seller of songs, father, son and the Holy Ghost.” In one final tweet, posted two days before Meaney’s death , he had a bit of advice for Hillary Clinton.
Some last minute advice for Hillary: Light your hair on fire! Be crazy and tell him “he’s fired” Hit him in the face with a pie! #debate
— Kevin Meaney (@kevinmeaney) October 19, 2016
According to a post on his Facebook page, the comedian was scheduled to perform tonight at B. Pinelli’s in East Providence. And, as they say in the entertainment industry, “the show must go on.”
Instead of a performance by the legendary Kevin Meaney , the show will pay tribute to him instead. Both Al Park and Kevin’s longtime friend, Joe Yannetty, will be among the featured guests. Club management hopes that those who already purchased tickets will still consider attending the performance. However, refunds will be issued, if preferred. One thing is certain, you can count on it being a heartwarming event.
According to Miami Herald report, Meaney was married for 10 years and has one daughter. That didn’t stop the comedian from coming out as gay many years ago. Kevin had this to say about telling his now ex-wife about it, indicating that it wasn’t as hard as he thought it would be.
“I just walked in and said, ‘Honey, I’m homo!’ I think it was definitely tough on her… but I always did the cleaning, the cooking, the decorating. I wore aprons!”
He went on to say that being honest about his sexuality actually helped his standup career, because, when you’re a comedian honesty is important.
Meaney credited his experience on Broadway in helping him come out of the proverbial closet. He put it this way.
“Being on Broadway is like going to gay school. It gave me the courage to come out and be who I am. It’s a relief.”
Kevin Meaney’s official website indicates that besides being a successful comedian for more than 30 years, he was also a writer and a producer. He wrote and produced a one-man play entitled Wedding Vows in Vegas . During the show’s initial run in Boston, fellow comedian Steve Martin said it was the “most innovative, heart-rendering and funny” performance he’d seen in a long time.
Kevin Meaney, stand-up comedian and actor, dead at 60 https://t.co/2LiiiflHnK
— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) October 22, 2016
Kevin Meaney also produced his own holiday show, the Kevin Meaney Christmas Show . It featured his irresistible humor, people-on-the-street interviews, and comedy guests. If you watch the video, he can even be seen singing a holiday song or two.
Were you a fan of the hilarious Kevin Meaney? If so, what’s your favorite performance? Maybe you saw his original performance on the Tonight Show or saw him on Broadway in Hairspray . Feel free to leave your own personal Kevin Meaney tribute below.
[Featured Image by Evan Agostini/Getty Images]