The world of comedy got a little sadder today when friends and family found out that young comedian and writer Kevin Barnett has died, according to a statement from Twentieth Century Fox Television and Fox Entertainment.
Barnett, at only 32, co-created the TV comedy series "Rel" on Fox -- with fellow comedians Lil Rel Howery and Josh Rabinowitz -- which premiered a few months ago and stars Howery.
Fox Entertainment released a statement: "Our hearts are broken, as are those of everyone at 'Rel,' at the news of Kevin Barnett's passing. He was an incredibly funny, wildly talented man who had so much more to do and so many more stories to tell. We send our thoughts and prayers to his friends and family during this difficult time."
United Talent Agency also confirmed Barnett's death in a tweet. "We are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend and client Kevin Barnett. He was an incredible talent and awonderful person. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. We will miss him," the tweet says.
Lil' Rel took to social media to express how he felt about his friend:
"This is my favorite pic of me and @fatboybarnett but in all honesty, this dude was brilliant and was a very hard worker... I’m thankful for him and Josh always putting in the extra hours to make sure every script was on point... Kevin was somebody I would always give sh*t to because it was fun and funny plus he had the same crazy sense of humor... Over the years we would have some hysterical dope convos and exchange crazy stories... I can’t stop crying on this plane it’s really starting to hit me that he is actually gone... At 32 he accomplished so much in this business and was respected by many... Rest In Peace, my brother and my friend... Thank you for the last 6 years of helping make my dreams come true, man... #FOTP4Life"
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Parts of the press referred to Barnett as “one of the fastest rising comics in NYC.” While tackling the stand-up scene and writing for shows, his credits include MTV2’s “Guy Code,” “Adam Devine’s House Party” on Comedy Central, “Funny as Hell” on HBO as well as being the co-host of the podcast, “The Roundtable of Gentlemen" just to name a few.
According to hisFacebook page, Barnett said his hometown was Miami and that he had been living in Brooklyn. Barnett was a graduate of Dreyfood School of the Arts in West Palm Beach and of Florida State University, where he was part of the class of 2009.
In a 2014 interview with Comedy Hype, Barnett said he first began in comedy while at school in Tallahassee. Barnett described FSU has been supportive of comedy and allowing students to open for more famous comedians who had been booked in to perform. During the same interview, Barnett said he attended high school with fellow comedian Eric Andre.
Rest In Peace, Kevin. You are missed.
