Comedian Jonathan Winters Dies at Age 87

Comedian Jonathan Winters has died at age 87 at his home in Montecito, California from natural causes.

Jonathan Winters was considered a master of improvisational comedy who inspired other comedians such as Robin Williams and Jim Carrey. His humor was mainly based on reality, with characters such as the dirty-old-lady Maude Frickert based on people Winters knew growing up in Ohio.

The Jonathan Winters Show, which was televised in the 1950s, pioneered the then-new videotape technology which showed two characters on screen together.

In 1981, Winters was introduced to millions of new fans when he starred with Robin Williams in ABC’s “Mork and Mindy,” where he played the son of Williams’ character.

In later years, Winters contributed to numerous cartoons and animated films, such as “The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle” movie in 2000.

Winters is survived by two children, Lucinda and Jay Winters.