Comedian Jonathan Winters Dead at 87

Legendary comedian Jonathan Winters passed away at his home in Montecito, CA last night due to natural causes. He was 87 years old.

Winters began his comedic career in the 1950s on various radio programs across the country.  His big break came when he was presented a gig on the CBS Sunday morning television show Omnibus. His popularity would skyrocket throughout the 1970s and 1980s thanks to his various roles on television shows such as Hot Dog, The Dean Martin Show, and Mork & Mindy. He would end up appearing in nearly 50 television shows and movies throughout his career.

Comedians Robin Williams and Jim Carrey credit Winters as one of their biggest influences. Williams worked with Winters in the 1980s on the television show Mork & Mindy.

Out of all the roles Winters played during his career, he will always be best remembered for playing Maude Frickert, a lovable old lady with a quick mind of her own.

Mr. Winters is survived by his two children and five grandchildren.  His wife Eileen passed away in 2009.