Waymond Lee.Photo:Jody Cortes/Getty
Jody Cortes/Getty
Waymond Lee has died at the age of 72.
The actor died on Wednesday, Dec. 18 after being diagnosed with ALS earlier this month, according toTMZ, which was the first to report his death. Per the outlet, Lee’s sister, Norine, and wife, Diane, revealed he was symptomatic before he learned of his ALS after initially being diagnosed with degenerative brain disease in October.
Lee’s sister Norine confirmed his death to PEOPLE, noting that the star’s lung muscles became weak and he had insufficient oxygen. She also shared a statement on the matter, which began, “All his life, Waymond never knew he would become an actor but took early retirement from office work to do something ‘fun’ for a change. He was satisfied enough just being [a] movie extra, but playing a regular role in Comedy Central’sWorkaholicswas beyond his wildest dreams.”
Lee’s formerWorkaholicscostars flooded social media with sweet tributes following the news, includingAdam DeVine, who confirmed the actor’s death in a heartwarmingInstagram poston Dec. 22.
“Rest in peace Waymond Lee. I am gutted. He was such a kind man,” DeVine, 41, wrote. “My deepest condolences go out to his wife Diane and the rest of his family. He was always down to do whatever insane thing we wrote for him onWorkaholics. He was always game. A true professional. Even though I haven’t seen him since the workaholics days this is hitting me like a brick to the face. When I think of our show I think of Waymond. The older I get the more I realize what a special time that was.”
“You will be missed Way Way!” he concluded.
Blake Andersonalsowrote a lengthy noteto the late actor, who appeared in over 40 episodes of the Comedy Central sitcom as Waymond during its seven-season run from 2011 to 2017.
“This KING! Waymond Lee. Rest in peace my friend,” Anderson’s caption read, alongside a solo shot of Lee and another of them hugging. “I just don’t even know where to begin. The best explanation that comes to mind is in the Marvel multiverse movies when they explain the idea of ‘anchor beings’ Waymond was theWorkaholicsanchor being. TheWorkaholicsuniverse just simply doesn’t exist without him. He was there from even before the beginning. He was always blown away and so appreciative of all the loveWorkaholicsfans showed him ❤️”
He continued: “I’m very grateful I randomly ran into him on set in 2022 and gave him a big old hug. Such a peaceful and warm guy. He really made my heart smile. Waymond was a great dude. All my love goes out to his family and friends❤️ 🌹.”
Anders Holmalsoshared a photoof Lee and fellowWorkaholicscastmate Jesse “Jet Set” Hudson — who died in December 2012 — lying on the set floor.
On Dec. 23, fellow series alum Erik Griffinposted a montage of imagesof him and Lee with the simple caption: “R.I.P. Way Way, he was silent on screen, but he said so much!”
In the background played Green Day’s “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life).”
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In addition to his beloved role as Waymond (also known as “Old Way Way”) onWorkaholics,Lee had made appearances, inEverything Everywhere All at Once,Iron Man 2,Bullet Train,VeepandThe Cleaning Lady,among other projects.
source: people.com
