Eric Gilliland will be remembered for the laughter he brought to television screens and the warmth he gave to those who knew him off-screen.
Gilliland, best known as a producer and writer of the 1990s sitcom “Roseanne,” died of colon cancer on Sunday, his sister Lisa confirmed to Variety. He was 62 years old.
Numerous stars have since paid tribute to Gilliland, including Michael Fishman, who played DJ Connor in “Roseanne.”
“Heaven has gained another great author. They always take the best,” Fishburn wrote on Instagram on Monday alongside a photo of Gilliland. “I know you’re laughing out loud. Eric Gilliland is unforgettable, with his endless dry wit and an encyclopedia of knowledge.”
USA TODAY has reached out to a representative for Gilliland for comment.
Gilliland joined the fifth season of “Roseanne” in 1992 as a co-producer, starring comedian Roseanne Barr alongside John Goodman and Laurie Metcalf. He stayed until the eighth season and eventually became an executive producer.
In addition to “Roseanne,” Gilliland worked on other successful television series such as “That ’70s Show,” “Doogie Howser, M.D.,” “My Boys” and the “Roseanne” spinoff “The Conners.”
James Darren has died: The star of “Gidget” and “TJ Hooker” was 88
Ryan Reynolds calls Eric Gilliland’s death a “tragedy”
In a lengthy Instagram post on Tuesday, Ryan Reynolds recalled his 27-year friendship with Gilliland, whom he first met at a meeting on the Fox studio lot in Los Angeles.
“He was the first big meeting I had early in my career,” Reynolds wrote, adding that he was “nervous as hell to meet him.” “Eric was not what I imagined a really successful comedy writer would be like. 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 circle of incredibly talented writers and artists. He was my university. He helped me grow and find my voice. And he did all this while finding himself. Eric never stopped being Eric.”
Aside from Gilliland’s comedic talent, Reynolds also praised him for his character.
“He was kind. And gentle. And damn funny,” Reynolds wrote. “And incapable of carrying on a conversation that was cruel or put anyone down. It’s a tragedy that he’s gone, and a tragedy that more people won’t have the chance to know him.”
John Aprea died: The actor from “The Godfather – Part II” and “Full House” 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 handled his … so well,” Bucatinsky wrote. “BRILLIANT. SWEET. KIND. FUNNY. Generous. His legacy is the outpouring of love he inspired from so many friends. … We will miss you. Rest in peace.”
Actress Martha Plimpton, who worked with Gilliland on the podcast series “The Cinnamon Bear: A Holiday Adventure,” shared a series of throwback photos in tribute on Instagram.
“I can’t find the old pictures right now. I don’t really know 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.”
