The comedy world was shocked on Tuesday when it learned comedian and writer Kevin Barnett had died at age 32.
Barnett was beloved in the comedy world and the loss hit across the Los Angeles comedy scene and well beyond. He co-created the new Fox comedy Rel along with Lil Rel Howery and Josh Rabinowitz and, as Deadline reports, Barnett had a well-established career as a comedy writer and actor.
Barnett previously was a series regular on MTV2’s Guy Code, a writer for Comedy Central’s Broad City, Fox’s Unhitched, The Eric Andre Show Show (Adult Swim) and the animated Lucas Bros Moving Co. (Fox). He also co-wrote the 2011 feature Hall Pass and made appearances on Adam Devine’s House Party as well as in Funny As Hell (HBO) and Top Five (written and directed by Chris Rock).
Barnett was also the co-host of the popular podcast Roundtable of Gentleman and a frequent guest on Last Podcast on the Left whose host, Ben Kissel, posted this note on Twitter earlier this afternoon.
Dear Last Podcast family,
It’s with a heavy heart we inform you of the passing of Kevin Barnett. The joy he brought to our lives is the greatest gift we have ever received. Remind your friends you love them because you never know when you’re see them again. We love you KB.— Ben Kissel (@BenKissel) January 22, 2019
News of Barnett’s sudden death sent shockwaves through the comedy scene. Comedy Central’s official Twitter account posted an in memoriam to Barnett on Tuesday shortly after news broke.
Kevin Barnett was an incredible comedian and writer, contributing to Broad City, the stand-up community and beyond. He’ll be greatly missed. pic.twitter.com/4uyoMNkGk0
— comedycentral (@ComedyCentral) January 22, 2019
Other comedians added their condolences as well.
RIP Kevin Barnett pic.twitter.com/EnEULz6dB9
— Sam Morril (@sammorril) January 22, 2019
https://twitter.com/HenryLovesYou/status/1087798005753769984
.@Fatboybarnett truly one of the best people I will ever know. Heartbroken. https://t.co/0H3naY3sCm
— Sean O’Connor (@seanoconnz) January 22, 2019
Two days ago I was at a bar talking with a friend about how bright a future @Fatboybarnett had. A tragedy. pic.twitter.com/4Ch6nxYmhT
— Max Silvestri (@maxsilvestri) January 22, 2019
RIH To my man @Fatboybarnett pic.twitter.com/iCmQBAZxbQ
— Clark Larew Jones (@clarklarewjones) January 22, 2019
I texted Kevin a few years ago out of the blue “wanna go to Hawaii” and he’s the only person I’ve ever known who would just respond “let’s do it.” This photo was the next day.
He was the nicest/funniest/meanest/best friend a person could ever hope to have. I love @Fatboybarnett pic.twitter.com/0M0OPoJXHX
— Brooks Wheelan (@brookswheelan) January 22, 2019
At @mways holiday party a few years ago, this picture always made me laugh, I can’t believe @Fatboybarnett is gone please let this be a cruel joke. pic.twitter.com/yK8gxleEDA
— Jeremy Wein (@thismyshow) January 22, 2019
https://twitter.com/Callietrees/status/1087805425351835649
Kevin Barnett was the greatest, most positive fucking dude, and this is absolutely tragic.
— Adam Newman (@Adam_Newman) January 22, 2019
Thanks for being so friendly off-stage. You were a great example of how to work hard and maintain a chill attitude. ❤️ Love and peace to your family. pic.twitter.com/iFEN733fiz
— Abbi Crutchfield (@curlycomedy) January 22, 2019
It’s unclear how Barnett died at this time. His last post on social media was from Mexico on Sunday.
