My girlfriend in the 80’s and my friend forever, Janners. God, were you talented. Too soon and too sad. #JanHooks pic.twitter.com/l2wGR9HJ0x
— Kevin Nealon (@kevin_nealon) October 10, 2014
A comedy legend remembered. Saturday Night Live alum Jan Hooks passed away on Thursday, Oct. 9, sparking an outpouring of remembrances and grief from her costars, fans, and friends alike.
The comedienne died at the age of 57 in New York after reportedly battling a serious but unnamed illness. During her celebrated television career, Hooks appeared on SNL for eight years, starred in the popular CBS sitcom Designing Women, and went on to book a recurring voice role in The Simpsons and a part as Jenna Maroney's mother in 30 Rock, among other gigs.
One of the stars closest to the late performer, SNL alum Kevin Nealon, dated Hooks in the 1980s and stayed close with her in the years since. He expressed his sadness over his former flame's passing on Twitter on Thursday.
Nealon, 60, shared a sweet vintage photo of himself with Hooks, and captioned the shot, "My girlfriend in the '80s and my friend forever, Janners. God, were you talented. Too soon and too sad. #JanHooks."
Hooks, who earned an Emmy nomination in the 1990s for her guest role on 3rd Rock from the Sun, was honored for her spirit and talents alike. Below, other remembrances from stars.
Katie Couric: "So sorry to hear about Jan Hooks. I loved her on SNL."
Seth MacFarlane: "Jan Hooks still stands out as one of the funniest cast members in SNL history. Very sorry to read about her passing."
Jackée Harry: "My condolences to the family & friends of #SNL alum, #JanHooks. I had the pleasure of working w/ her on #DesigningWomen. A true gem. RIP."
Tony Hale: "So so gifted. RIP Jan Hooks."
Kristen Johnston: "I can't believe it. Jan Hooks appeared in many 3rd Rock eps. We all truly loved her. I can't believe she's gone, another comedic genius."
John Hodgman: "Oh, Jan Hooks. I love you."
Amy Schumer: "Jan Hooks made me laugh so hard so many times. Very sad."
Ike Barinholtz: "Very sad to hear about Jan Hooks. She was a great cast member of that 80's SNL and I always had a big crush on her."
Billy Eichner: "Such sad news about the BRILLIANT Jan Hooks. Worshipped her on SNL. RIP."
Colin Hanks: "Jan Hooks always made me laugh. always."
Cheyenne Jackson: "RIP JanHooks. Worked briefly with her on 30Rock and she was a twistedly brilliant comedic presence. #Adobe"
Paul Feig: "Incredibly sad about Jan Hooks. She was truly one of my favorite SNL cast members. So funny. A sad day for comedy. #RIPJanHooks."
Joshua Malina: "Shocked and saddened to read that Jan Hooks passed away. R.I.P. to a very funny woman."
