Comedian David A. Arnold, who created the Nickelodeon show “That Girl Lay Lay,” has died at age 54.
According to the Los Angeles Times and Variety, Arnold’s family revealed the news in a statement late Wednesday.
“David passed away peacefully today in his home, and doctors have ruled the cause of death due to natural causes,” read the statement obtained by the news outlets. “Please keep our family in prayer and respect our privacy at this time as we are all shocked and devastated by this loss.”
Arnold, who not only created “That Girl Lay Lay” but served as the series’ executive producer and showrunner, also was known for his Netflix comedy specials, the outlets reported. His latest, titled “It Ain’t for the Weak,” premiered earlier this summer. Additionally, he had writing credits on the Netflix series “Fuller House” and BET+’s “Bigger,” the reports said.
Arnold is survived by wife Julie Harkness and two daughters, according to the news outlets.
Friends, colleagues and fans took to social media to pay tribute to Arnold. Here’s what they were saying:
Devastated to hear of the passing of David A. Arnold. He was a beloved member of our Fuller House writing team, one of the funniest comedians I’ve ever seen & an all-around wonderful man. David was finally experiencing the fruits of decades of work. May his memory be a blessing. pic.twitter.com/VThLwjxrkS
— Bryan Behar (@bryanbehar) September 8, 2022
My brother is gone... thank you for the laughs, the encouragement and the inspiration.. my love and prayers to his lovely wife Julie and his beautiful daughters... we are all heartbroken 💔 https://t.co/njZ3jNAXm8
— Loni Love (@LoniLove) September 8, 2022
This is the heart of @DavidAArnold. This is the heart of #Cleveland. #RIPDavidAArnold 💔🕊 https://t.co/51hVbYceEj
— yvette nicole brown (@YNB) September 8, 2022
David Arnold was going to be the 1st comic in the Laugh Lounge on #SherriShowTV next week! To say @SherriEShepherd & I are devastated by his passing is an understatement!
— Jawn Murray (@JawnMurray) September 8, 2022
Prayers up for his family, friends & the entire comedy community! 🙏🏽 #DavidArnold https://t.co/DoQK2zhwjT
The Lady and The Voice is truly saddened to hear that Comedian David A. Arnold has passed away 😢
— Armand (@armandthevoice) September 8, 2022
RIP 🙏 pic.twitter.com/g4UbQ1P8VT
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