This past week, the world lost two legendary stars: “Bat Out of Hell” singer Meat Loaf and Life with Louie comedian Louie Anderson. Meat Loaf died at the age of seventy-four on January 20th, 2022 while Anderson died at sixty-eight on January 21st. Meat Loaf (birth name Marvin Lee Aday) won several awards for his ground-breaking albums and made appearances in many movies, such as Fight Club and Rocky Horror Picture Show. His most popular album was his Bat Out of Hell trilogy, known for its mix of operatic rock style. The first album of the trilogy spent nine years on the music charts and is namely one of the best selling albums in history with over 43 million copies sold. Louie Anderson won multiple Emmys for shows Baskets and Life with Louie. He was in Eddie Murphy’s movie Coming to America and hosted Family Feud from 1999-2002. He starred in many situational comedies before losing his battle with cancer.

Family and fans are devastated by the loss of the two stars. Meat Loaf died surrounded by his family, who later issued a statement on Facebook confirming his death. “Our hearts are broken to announce that the incomparable Meat Loaf passed away tonight with his wife Deborah by his side. Daughters Pearl and Amanda and close friends have been with him throughout the last 24 hours,” the statement said. Artists who admired and worked with the singer have also since posted their condolences, singer Cher stating on Twitter, “Am Very Sorry For His Family, Friends,& Fans. Am I imagining It, or Are Amazing Ppl In The Arts Dying every other Day!?”

Anderson died in a hospital in Las Vegas, surrounded by his sisters and close friends. Comedian and actor Pauly Shore posted shortly before Louie’s death, “Attention comedians and @TheComedyStore alumni’s, I say this with a heavy heart just left the hospital in Las Vegas where Louie Anderson his sisters and close friend were kind enough to let me say my goodbyes he’s still with us but keep him in your prayers.” A child of 11, Anderson stated years prior to his death that his mother was a great influence in his life. She inspired his latest book “Hey Mom…” which was released in 2018.

Condolences are continuously being shared online. While the two stars may be gone, their memory will not be forgotten.