Minnesota Comedian, Actor Louie Anderson Dies At 68

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) - Louie Anderson, an actor and comedian born in St. Paul, has died at the age of 68.

He was being treated for cancer in a Las Vegas hospital after he was diagnosed with a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

His four-decade career included headlines on stage, in film and on television. The St. Paul native attended Johnson High School, and his love for his home state was evident, as his comedy reflected on his life experiences in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

"I think his true love was Minnesota," said Matt Terry from the Wounded Warrior Project, who met Anderson several years back and quickly became friends.

Terry said Anderson never met a stranger.

"He would do anything people would ask of him and that's what Louie was known for, for having that kindness and a heart," Terry said.

Anderson missed few opportunities to perform in front of a hometown crowd. A pioneer of the Twin Cities stand up scene, he loved helping Minnesota comedians and actors with their craft.

He won an Emmy in 2016 for his portrayal of Christine in "Baskets," a role inspired by his mother. The honor set him up for more opportunities to spread laughter across the globe.

Anderson was also a big supporter of the Wounded Warrior Project, as his father served in WWII. From his cartoon series "Life with Louie" to his gut-busting scenes in the movie "Coming To America," Louie Anderson's career was only overshadowed by how he helped others.