A week after the stunning death of Harry Anderson, we can now say with certainty why the actor passed away.
As previously reported, the beloved Night Court star and talented musician passed away at his home in North Carolina last Monday morning.
The sad news was confirmed by Anderson’s son, with authorities at the time saying no foul play was suspected.
Now, however, TMZ has obtained the star’s official death certificate, which confirms the following:
Anderson died of a stroke he seems to have suffered the night before his body was found; might have been triggered by the flu and a specific type of heart disease, this document states.
To be specific, TMZ reports that Anderson’s primary cause of death was a “cardioembolic cerebrovascular accident.”
This is a stroke that is almost always caused by the heart pumping unwanted materials into the brain’s circulation
Anderson was sadly dead when paramedics arrived at his home early last week in response to his wife’s 911 call.
She told the operator on this call that her husband’s body was cold and that he was unresponsive to CPR.
She also mentioned that Anderson had suffered a series of strokes earlier this year, something we were unaware of when we first alerted readers to his passing.
Anderson was a three-time Emmy nominee for his role on Night Court, on which he portrayed Judge Harry Stone.
The sitcom aired on NBC from 1984 to 1992 and was an early anchor of the network’s Must See TV Thursday night lineup.
The actor also memorably showed off his magic skills on Cheers as the recurring conman Harry “The Hat” Gittes, too.
After Night Court wrapped up, Anderson nabbed the lead role in Dave’s World, a CBS sitcom based on the work of columnist Dave Barry.
It ran for four seasons.
Anderson also made eight appearances on Saturday Night Live and on 30 Rock’s Night Court reunion episode in 2008.
His last role as an actor was in 2014’s A Matter of Faith.
Anderson is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Morgan, and their two kids.
Shortly after his death, co-stars and other entertainers jumped on social media to express their condolences.
“I interviewed Harry Anderson when I was 15 years old and he was so kind, and frank and hilarious. The interview is in my book Sick In The Head. He was a one of a kind talent who made millions so happy,” director Judd Apatow wrote, for example, adding:
“The last time Harry Anderson played Comedy Magic Club, I opened for him. I was asked because I was a big fan. It was a dream come true. I was just there last night and talked about how wonderful his magic was.
If you’re not familiar, google him. He was just wonderful. RIP.”
Here’s a look at what others had to say:
