Taylor Negron (1957 – 2015)
Taylor Negron, whose stand up comedy was admired and praised by other comedians as well as audiences and who appeared as a character actor in over 130 movies and TV shows, has died at age 57. His roles in Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Better Off Dead, Easy Money, The Aristocrats, BioDome and more were unforgettable even decades later.
According to People.com, his cousin, Chuck Negron announced the news in a video saying, “His mother, his brother Alex, and my brother Rene, and his wife Julie were all there with him. May he rest in peace.” Negron had been suffering from a long bout with cancer.
He started out his career as an intern for comedy legend Lucille Ball when he was 19. In an interview, Taylor said, “I learned from Lucy that you never get what you really want and you have to be flexible”. He also studied under veteran acting coach Lee Strasberg.
Taylor Negron’s film career included memorable roles in movies like The Last Boy Scout, Stuart Little, Easy Money, Angels in the Outfield and Better Off Dead. One of Negron’s fans favorite memories was his cameo as Pizza Guy in “Fast Times at Ridgemont High”. He also had multiple television appearances on shows like Friends, Seinfeld, ER and Curb Your Enthusiasm.
In 2008 he received critical acclaim for his show The Unbearable Lightness of Being Taylor Negron – A Fusion of Story and Song directed by opera director David Schweitzer.
Taylor’s cousin Chuck Negron makes the sad announcement.
The tributes to Taylor Negron came pouring in from the comedy community.
So sad to hear of the loss of @Taylor_Negron. Brilliantly funny comedian
actor and wonderful painter. #RestInPeace— Billy Crystal (@BillyCrystal) January 11, 2015
Taylor Negron was a very smart, funny caring individual with a unique comedic voice. #RESPECT
— Ben Stiller (@RedHourBen) January 11, 2015
Comedian Taylor Negron passed away. As a wannabe comedian I watched him in the film Punchline over & over. He was weird before it was cool.
— W. Kamau Bell (@wkamaubell) January 11, 2015
Goodbye Taylor, I'll miss you and I'll never forget you. You made time to listen and laugh and there was so much joy.#TaylorNegron
— Kevin Meaney (@kevinmeaney) January 11, 2015
https://twitter.com/kumailn/status/554203830527606786
I had a conversation with Taylor Negron one night at an SNL after party. He was so kind and funny and I think about it all the time. RIP
— John Mulaney (@mulaney) January 11, 2015
Hung out with Taylor Negron at the old Luna Park in the 90s. As fascinating in person as he was funny onstage. #RIPTaylorNegron
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) January 11, 2015
O @Taylor_Negron countless nights of laughing, bombing, crushing it, doing standup together. Best post show recaps ever! RIP
— Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) January 11, 2015
Farewell, brilliant @Taylor_Negron. One of the most beautiful human beings I have ever known. My heart aches.
— Paul Provenza (@PaulProvenza) January 11, 2015
#speechless RT @PaulProvenza: Farewell, brilliant @Taylor_Negron. One of the most beautiful human beings I have ever known. My heart aches.
— Arsenio Hall (@ArsenioHall) January 11, 2015
Thank you Taylor Negron. pic.twitter.com/sqlHIGEiyv
— John Fugelsang (@JohnFugelsang) January 11, 2015
RIP Taylor. pic.twitter.com/xSslYGZ5ND
— The Comedy Store (@TheComedyStore) January 11, 2015
Taylor Negron passed today. I won't say "was" because I am not qualified to say where he is at this moment, so… http://t.co/IWSvj9rJw4
— Rick Overton (@rickoverton) January 11, 2015
https://twitter.com/Fred_Stoller/status/554110042744438784
Taylor Negron was the most charming interesting guy in the world and truly funny. I really loved that guy.
— Kurt Metzger (@kurtmetzger) January 11, 2015
RIP Taylor Negron!! He played Mr Ballard on my show, he was a spectacular talent but a better human being, I'll miss u man! #TeamDl
— DL Hughley (@RealDLHughley) January 11, 2015
Rest peacefully Taylor Negron.
