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Hollywood Remembers ‘Arrested Development’ Star Jessica Walter as a “Comedic Genius”

Henry Winkler, Edgar Wright, Paul Feig and David Cross were among those who shared tributes to the veteran actress.

In the wake of Emmy-winning actress Jessica Walter’s death, Hollywood stars took to social media to share memories of the Arrested Development and Archer star.

Walter died on Wednesday at her home in New York, her daughter Brooke Bowman, a Fox executive, confirmed.

Walter’s career spanned film and television, including numerous shows such as Retired at 35, Gravity, 90210 and One Life to Live. She was nominated for Golden Globes in 1967 and 1972 for her performances in John Frankenheimer’s Formula One racing drama Grand Prix and Clint Eastwood’s Play Misty for Me, respectively.

Walter’s performance in Arrested Development garnered her an Emmy nomination in 2005 and remains one of her most adored roles.

“Jessica Walter’s spectacular turn as the devilish Lucille Bluth is one of the great comedic performances of television history, and we loved working with her as much as audiences loved her on Arrested Development,” said a spokesperson from 20th Television. “Our hearts go out to her family and friends, particularly her daughter, and our former colleague, Brooke. We know that heaven just got a whole lot funnier with Jessica now in residence.”

Arrested Development star Tony Hale called Walter “a force” on Twitter, noting that her “talent and timing were unmatched.” Will Arnett called her a “deeply talented person,” adding that he was “instantly blown away” when he first met her on a pilot in 1996.

Jason Bateman called Walter “one of a kind,” and wrote on Twitter that he will remember his time with her, “watching her bring Lucille Bluth to life.”

“It was an honor to watch her comedy explode from the very first row,” wrote Henry Winkler on social media.

David Cross also took to Twitter to share his reaction to Walter’s death. “I just heard the shitty news about Jessica Walter an absolutely brilliant actress and amazing talent,” he wrote. “I consider myself privileged and very lucky to have been able to work with her. Lucille Bluth is one of TV’s greatest characters.”

Arrested Development producer John Levenstein wrote on Twitter, “Jessica Walter never missed. If she didn’t get a laugh there was a problem with the script.”

Archer creator Adam Reed wrote in a statement to THR, “The Archer family is heartbroken to lose Jessica Walter, our beloved colleague and friend.  Jessica was a consummate professional, an actor’s actor, and the exact opposite of Malory Archer – warm, caring, and kind, with an absolutely cracking sense of humor – and it was both a privilege and a true honor to work with her over these many years. She will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.”

“We are utterly heartbroken to learn of the passing of Jessica Walter,” said an FX spokesperson. “She was a comedic genius and a brilliant actor who personified wit, grace and elegance. Jessica’s “Malory Archer” served as the bedrock character for the series and we were always honored to have her as a member of our FX family. Words cannot describe the monumental loss we and the Archer producers and cast feel. We extend our love, appreciation and condolences to Jessica’s family.”

“This is so incredibly sad,” wrote Paul Feig on Twitter. “I loved Jessica so much. She was so funny and marched to the tune of her own drummer. A true original whom I had the honor of working with several times. So much love to you, Jessica. Rest In Peace.”

Shawn of the Dead director Edgar Wright shared on Twitter, “I loved Jessica Walter. For me, knowing her mostly from dramatic work in films like ‘Play Misty For Me’ just made the comic genius of her turn in ‘Arrested Development’ even more delightful. You can watch her reactions [sic] shots on a loop. Lucille Bluth Forever.”

Read these reactions and more, below.

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