Fred Willard died this weekend. Obviously best known for non-Transformers acting, but his Animated Swindle was terrific. Fred Willard, 'Best in Show' and 'A Mighty Wind' Actor, Dead at 86
Oh my god. He’s one of my favorite actors that rarely gets top billing for anything. That’s so sad....
Wait a minute. Fred Willard did the voice of Animated Swindle?! I’m not over exaggerating when I say I feel like I’ve been missing out on something for the past 12 years. RIP Fred Willard. He was such an awesome actor, and much like Betty White, he really knew how to play an idiot.
Fred Willard. What a dude. Like, I was young when Animated came out - 6 in 2007 - but if there’s two things I definitely remember about the show, it’s the “Human Error” arc and Swindle. Fred had the perfect voice for that character, and he always brought a certain vibrant flavor to any role he played. Damn. 2020. Can I go to bed and wake up in 2021?
He was such a great comedic talent. He really owned the “goof” archetype. His casting as Swindle was real inspired.
His Swindle did the degenerate business man with class....and I loved every moment of it. He was a caniving but fantastic villain who didn't need the rest of the Combatacons to merge into Bruticus. He had charm, he had a sense of evil in the most wonderful way. Willard did it so perfectly with his voice and his tone. If Animated ever came back..there will be no one to replicate that sleezy but sophisticated tone he brought.
I'm not sure what I know Fred Willard from beyond Swindle (besides of course for his numerous bit appearences in....everything, haha) but Animated is a crucial part of my childhood and his Swindle is still how I see the character today. A sad loss for TF fans and the world alike.
Aw man. He will be truly missed in my household for sure. He was Amy's (Robert's second wife) father in Everybody loves Raymond and he had a line that was used a few times in an episode so it stuck-- he was a high school principal and when he would catch the kids smoking; he would ask them, "Why don't you JUST drink poison?" What a great delivery and actor. I hope his family finds peace in this hurtful time.
