Actor, writer, showrunner and veteran stand-up comedian David A. Arnold died Wednesday at 54.
“It is with great sadness that we confirm the untimely passing of our husband, father, brother and friend, David A. Arnold,” the comic’s family wrote in a statement to the Times. “David passed away peacefully today in his home and doctors have ruled the cause of death due to natural causes. Please keep our family in prayer and respect our privacy at this time as we are all shocked and devastated by this loss.”
The statement did not give a cause of death.
Arnold recently released his second Netflix comedy special “It Ain’t For the Weak,” produced by Kevin Hart’s production company Hartbeat. The July special was filmed at The Hanna Theater in Arnold’s hometown, Cleveland, Ohio. Arnold was a huge presence in the L.A. comedy scene, from his time as a host on Chocolate Sundaes to his appearances on Comedy Central and BET.
Arnold’s animated style of comedy often focused on his family — his wife Julie L. Harkness and his two daughters, Anna-Grace and Ashlyn. His hilarious spin on fatherhood was a hit at the Laugh Factory, the Improv and the Comedy Store.
His comic genius wasn’t limited to the stage. Arnold was the creator and showrunner for the hit Nickelodeon buddy comedy series “That Girl Lay Lay,” starring teen hip-hop artist Alaya “That Girl Lay Lay” High and Gabrielle Nevaeh Green. He was also an executive producer of the series alongside Will Packer (“Beast,” Girls Trip”). The show debuted in 2021 before streaming on Netflix where it became one of the top ten most-watched shows on the platform. The second season premiered in July.
Arnold has written and produced several TV shows from Fuller House on Netflix to Bigger on BET+. The comedian of 20 years is one of the few black showrunners in Hollywood.
Many comics mourned as news of Arnold’s death spread through social media.
“Our closely knit comedy community mourns the loss of one of the greatest to ever do it,” his best friend and fellow comedian Chris Spencer said. “He was admired by his peers, respected by other veterans, and revered by the burgeoning comedians that he mentored. He will be deeply missed, especially by his comedy fraternity.”
“I just found out about @DavidAArnold passing. I’m standing 25 feet away from where I last shared a laugh with him,” comedian Eric Schwatz tweeted. This is not fair. He was one of the best comedians today and an even better human. I’m crushed and now I have to go on stage and try to be funny. Love you, David.
“He was one of the first people to do my podcast and he always really inspired me,” comedian Bill Dawes said. “We talked about how everything he manifested during the podcast came to light this year…I truly admired him and ironically would always rib him about how hot and fit he looked now that he was famous. I just feel bad for his family, his wife and kids. What a great guy.”