Comedian Kevin Barnett - pictured with actor Jon Hamm - has died at the age of 32. Photo / Instagram
Comedian Kevin Barnett - pictured with actor Jon Hamm - has died at the age of 32. Photo / Instagram
Comedian Kevin Barnett has died suddenly at the age of 32 while on holiday in Mexico.
No cause of death has yet been released. Just two days ago, Barnett posted a photo from his trip, captioned: "In mexico. Bought myself a sweater … Swag heavy. Mixtape comin."
The New York-based up-and-coming comedian had recently executive produced and co-created Fox TV series Rel alongside Lil Rel Howery and Josh Rabinowitz.
Prior to that, he'd served as a writer on movies including The Do-Over and Hall Pass, along with hit TV series Broad City.
Barnett also co-hosted the podcast Round Table of Gentlemen for Last Podcast Network, who confirmed the sad news via Twitter.
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’ll see them again. We love you KB.
Comedy Central also tweeted about his passing, describing him as an "incredible comedian".
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
Saturday Night Live star Pete Davidson wrote a statement about Barnett, which was then posted to his friend Marcus Russell Price's Instagram Story.
"The world lost a great one today. One of our comedy family members Kevin Barnett has tragically passed. I love Kevin. I've known him for nearly 10 years and he's always been the sweetest and funniest," Davidson's note said. "Always had a smile on his face. Was one of the few that treated me like a comic even when I was just 16 years old. He always made me feel part of the group."
He concluded, "Thank you Kevin for being in my life and blessing us with your talents and positive energy. This one really f**ked me up. You will be missed."
Other former TV colleagues and friends took to Twitter to express their grief, including Chelsea Peretti, who stars in Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
What an awful day. Kevin Barnett was one of the best: sweet, kind, and endlessly funny. It's incomprehensible that he's gone, but he'll be missed by so many. pic.twitter.com/PMnkgmAoRr
R.I.P. Kevin Barnett, a great and hilarious dude, gone far too soon. I don’t have anything grand to say except he was terrific and will be badly missed.
