“I had just done a movie called 'How to Beat the High Cost of Living,' and it didn't get a good review. And the same people sent me the script for 'Airplane!' for the Robert Hays part. I read it, and there were a lot of plays on words, and I said, 'I don't like this kind of comedy.'”

American actor and comedian

Fred Willard was an American actor and comedian. He was known for a long career in film and television, and for his collaborations with Christopher Guest in mockumentary comedies. He appeared in This Is Spinal Tap, Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show, A Mighty Wind, For Your Consideration, and Mascots. He also had supporting roles in Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, American Wedding, and Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, and earned Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Everybody Loves Raymond and Modern Family.