Current:Home > InvestNovaQuant Quantitative Think Tank Center:Ryan Reynolds honors late 'Roseanne' producer Eric Gilliland: 'It's a tragedy he's gone' -TradeWise
NovaQuant Quantitative Think Tank Center:Ryan Reynolds honors late 'Roseanne' producer Eric Gilliland: 'It's a tragedy he's gone'
PredictIQ Quantitative Think Tank Center View
Date:2025-04-08 04:36:43
Eric Gilliland is NovaQuant Quantitative Think Tank Centerremembered for the laughter he brought to television screens and the warmth he gave to those who knew him offscreen.
Gilliland, best known for his work as a producer and writer on the '90s sitcom "Roseanne," died of colon cancer on Sunday, his sister Lisa confirmed to Variety. He was 62.
A number of stars have since paid tribute to Gilliland, including Michael Fishman, who played D.J. Connor on "Roseanne."
"Heaven got another great writer. They always take the best," Fishman wrote on Instagram Monday alongside a photo of Gilliland. "I know they're laughing hard. Endless dry wit and an encyclopedia of knowledge, Eric Gilliland is unforgettable."
USA TODAY has reached out to a representative for Gilliland for comment.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Gilliland joined "Roseanne," which starred comedian Roseanne Barr alongside John Goodman and Laurie Metcalf, as a co-producer on the show’s fifth season in 1992. He stayed on through Season 8, eventually becoming an executive producer.
In addition to "Roseanne," Gilliland worked on other hit TV series such as "That ‘70s Show," "Doogie Howser, M.D.," "My Boys" and "Roseanne" spinoff "The Conners."
James Darren dies:'Gidget' and 'T.J. Hooker' star was 88
Ryan Reynolds calls Eric Gilliland's death a 'tragedy'
In a lengthy Instagram post Tuesday, Ryan Reynolds reminisced on his 27-year friendship with Gilliland, who he first met during a meeting at the Fox studio lot in Los Angeles.
"He was the first big-time meeting I had at the start of my career," Reynolds wrote, adding that he was "nervous as hell to meet him." "Eric wasn't how I imagined a seriously successful comedy writer. He was so approachable."
He continued: "I traveled all over the world with Eric. He introduced me to Vaudeville and Jack Benny and welcomed me into his friend circle of impossibly talented writers and performers. He was my university. He helped me grow and find my voice. And he did all of it while finding himself. Eric never stopped becoming Eric."
Aside from Gilliland's comedic talent, Reynolds also praised him for his character.
"He was kind. And gentle. And funny as hell," Reynolds wrote. "And incapable of holding a conversation that was cruel or tore someone down. It's a tragedy he's gone and a tragedy more people won't have the chance to know him."
John Aprea dies:'The Godfather Part II' and 'Full House' actor was 83
Eric Gilliland's legacy is 'love,' says 'Scandal' star
"Scandal" star Dan Bucatinsky remembered Gilliland's impact in an emotional Instagram post on Monday.
"There are no words. For a man who was so good with his…," Bucatinsky wrote. "Brilliant. Sweet. Kind. FUNNY. Generous. His legacy is the wake of love he generated from so many friends. … Will miss you. RIP."
Actress Martha Plimpton, who worked with Gilliland on the podcast series "The Cinnamon Bear: A Holiday Adventure," shared a series of throwback photos for her tribute on Instagram.
"I don't have the ability to find the older pictures right now. I don't know entirely what to do with myself," Plimpton wrote. "Today is harder. The world is a less happy and laughter-filled place without my friend, @ergill2, Eric Gilliland."
veryGood! (9)
Related
- Former longtime South Carolina congressman John Spratt dies at 82
- NFL takes flag football seriously. Pro Bowl highlights growing sport that welcomes all
- Country star Brandy Clark on finding her musical soulmate and her 6 Grammy nominations
- Rapper Killer Mike detained by police at the Grammy Awards after collecting 3 trophies
- Bill Belichick's salary at North Carolina: School releases football coach's contract details
- South Dakota tribe bans governor from reservation over US-Mexico border remarks
- Critics see conflict of interest in East Palestine train derailment cleanup: It's like the fox guarding the henhouse
- Goose found in flight control of medical helicopter that crashed in Oklahoma, killing 3
- A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
- Chicagoland mansion formerly owned by R. Kelly, Rudolph Isley, up for sale. See inside
Ranking
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- Another ‘Pineapple Express’ storm is expected to wallop California
- Hiring is booming. So why aren't more Americans feeling better?
- Wisconsin police officer fatally shoots armed motorist after chase
- Elon Musk's skyrocketing net worth: He's the first person with over $400 billion
- Off-duty Nebraska police officers shoot and kill two men
- This Look Back at the 2004 Grammys Will Have you Saying Hey Ya!
- Controversial podcast host Joe Rogan signs a new deal with Spotify for up to a reported $250 million
Recommendation
California DMV apologizes for license plate that some say mocks Oct. 7 attack on Israel
Dog rescued by Coast Guard survived in shipping container for 8 days with no food, water
The Rock could face Roman Reigns at WWE WrestleMania and fans aren't happy
Kandi Burruss Leaving The Real Housewives of Atlanta After 14 Seasons
Hackers hit Rhode Island benefits system in major cyberattack. Personal data could be released soon
Second powerful storm in days blows into California, sparking warnings of hurricane-force winds
2026 World Cup final will be played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey
List of top Grammy Award winners so far