Talented screenwriter and comedian David A. Arnold passed away on Wednesday. His family confirmed the news to the Los Angeles Times.
Arnold, 54, reportedly died from natural causes.
“It is with great sadness that we confirm the untimely passing of our husband, father, brother and friend, David A. Arnold. 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 Cleveland native was known for writing for popular television shows like Real Husbands of Hollywood, Partners, House of Payne and Zoe Ever After. Outside of being a screenwriter, Arnold also was a veteran comedian, appearing on Def Comedy Jam, Shaq’s All-Star Comedy Tour and The Ruckus.
Fans and celebrities took to social media to share their condolences.
MSNBC’s Tiffany Cross expressed that she had just interviewed Arnold “four days” prior to his death.
Devastated by the passing of David Arnold ?? His full interview that he did a mere 4 days before his passing is posted on my IG. Thinking of his beautiful family today. ?? https://t.co/VSnKtc765l
— @tiffanydcross (@TiffanyDCross) September 8, 2022
Actor and producer Andra Fuller wrote, “I can’t believe David Arnold passed away! Man, life is so precious. U better enjoy every single minute of it! Dave was the host of Chocolate Sundays @ The Laugh Factory when I first moved to LA. He was one of the most underrated comedians in the game & wrote for a lot of TV shows.”
I can’t believe David Arnold passed away! Man life is so precious, u better enjoy every single minute of it! Dave was the host of Chocolate Sundays @ The Laugh Factory when I first moved to LA. He was one of the most underrated comedians in the game & wrote for a lot of TV shows pic.twitter.com/r1ORg8jC7f
— ANDRA FULLER (@mrdrefuller) September 8, 2022
This one hits different! So very very sad! RIP #DavidArnold
— DL Hughley (@RealDLHughley) September 8, 2022
Holly Robinson Peete revealed that Arnold got her through the pandemic.
“David, you were a light, and you will continue to be. During 2020 your hilarious content got me through some tough days. Sending all my love, healing energy & sympathies to your beautiful family. Thank you so much for everything you gave us. Rest In Love, David Arnold…”
David???? you were a light and you will continue to be. During 2020 your hilarious content got me through some tough days. Sending all my love, healing energy & sympathies to your beautiful family.
Thank you so much for everything you gave us. Rest In Love, David Arnold… ??? pic.twitter.com/VxWKYjE7yb— Holly Robinson Peete ??
(@hollyrpeete) September 8, 2022
“RIP David Arnold. Incredibly talented comedian, writer and just an overall great dude I had the honor of working within the writer’s room on Legends of Chamberlain Heights,” someone wrote.
RIP David Arnold. Incredibly talented comedian, writer and just an overall great dude I had the honor of working with in the writer’s room on Legends of Chamberlain Heights ? pic.twitter.com/tfi76eQf3M
— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) September 8, 2022
The executive producer of Sherri Shepherd’s new talk show, Jawn Murray, announced that Arnold was going to be the first guest on the new daytime series.
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!
Prayers up for his family, friends & the entire comedy community! ?? #DavidArnold https://t.co/DoQK2zhwjT
— Jawn Murray (@JawnMurray) September 8, 2022
On July 29, Arnold announced the “Pace Ya Self” 15-city comedy tour on Instagram.
“NEW TOUR. NEW CITIES. NEW JOKES! Davidaarnold.com for tickets! • #comedian #davidaarnold #netflixisajoke #netflix ##newtourcomimg #itaintfortheweak?? #standupcomedy #funny #gaadam #outnumbered #paceyoself”
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Arnold is survived by his wife and former dancer Julie Harkness Arnold and his daughter. His unexpected death followed the one-yard anniversary of Julie’s father’s passing. Jerry Harkness was the first Black sports commentator in Indiana, and he played for the Indiana Pacers.
“Miss you, Love You. Today Marks One year.@anna_grace_arnold @ashlyn_arnold01”
Her husband, lovingly, responded on the post, “I Miss dad. Love u, honey. I got you.”
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