“He was my university”: Ryan Reynolds’ Gut-wrenching Tribute on ‘Roseanne’ Producer and Writer Eric Raymond Gilliland’s Death Will Leave Your Hearts in Pieces
- Eric Gilliland passed away on September 1 due to cancer complications.
- Ryan Reynolds honored him as a mentor and friend, calling him his 'university.'
- Gilliland’s career spanned notable TV shows and memorable social gatherings.
In the world of TV writing, where quips and scripts are often penned with precision, Eric Raymond Gilliland stood out like a glittering beacon. Sadly, this beacon has dimmed. On September 1, Gilliland, known for his pivotal role in shaping beloved TV shows, passed away at 62 due to complications from cancer.
His death is a significant loss to the entertainment industry, but it’s his personal touch and the profound impact he had on those around him that has left many in mourning. Gilliland wasn’t just any TV writer—he was a friend, mentor, and an unmatched source of inspiration for countless people. His death has prompted a flood of heartfelt tributes, none more poignant than those from his long-time friend Ryan Reynolds.
Reynolds, who met Gilliland when he was just starting out, called their bond a perfect example of true friendship, storytelling, and life itself. His tribute paints Gilliland not just as a talented writer but as a kind-hearted soul who had a unique way of turning every interaction into a memorable experience.
Ryan Reynolds’ Tribute Honors Eric Gilliland’s Legacy
Ryan Reynolds took to Instagram to express his sorrow and thankfulness for Eric Gilliland’s passing. He described the TV writer as his ‘university,’ a mentor who taught him far more than just how to write comedy. The Deadpool star began:
He was kind. And gentle. And funny as hell. And incapable of holding a conversation that was cruel or tore someone down. It’s a tragedy he’s gone and a tragedy more people won’t have the chance to know him.
The 47-year-old continued:
He was my university. He helped me grow and find my voice. And he did all of it while finding himself. Eric never stopped becoming Eric.
Reynolds fondly remembered their first encounter at Gilliland’s swanky bungalow on the Fox lot. Despite feeling less than stellar, the Canadian actor was instantly charmed by Gilliland’s down-to-earth vibe. Gilliland wasn’t the intimidating industry giant Reynolds had expected; instead, he was friendly and down-to-earth, making the young actor feel at ease.
The pair’s friendship spanned 27 years, filled with adventures and invaluable life lessons. Gilliland, with his deep love for classic comedy and an extraordinary knack for making friends, introduced Reynolds to a world of vaudeville and iconic comedians.
The Hollywood star described their travels together and Gilliland’s passion for the simple pleasures of life, like Swedish Glug parties and an unshakeable love for soup. Through these experiences, Gilliland not only guided Reynolds in his career but also helped him discover his true self.
Eric Gilliland’s Legacy will be Remembered for Years
Eric Gilliland’s career was a tapestry of humor and insight, woven through his work on various hit TV shows. He made a name for himself as a writer and producer on Roseanne, where he helped create some of the show’s most unforgettable scenes. During his time on Roseanne, Gilliland earned a nomination for a Writers Guild of America Award for the 1992 episode titled The Dark Ages.
His contributions didn’t stop there. Gilliland wore many hats in TV: he produced and wrote episodes for shows like Welcome to New York, That ’70s Show, Downwardly Mobile, My Boys, and Mr. Sunshine, a short-lived sitcom with Matthew Perry from FRIENDS. He also created That’s Life, a sitcom about a working-class family from Queens, but it was canceled just a month after it started in 1998.
Gilliland’s writing credits span a variety of shows, including Women in Prison, Nurses, Live-In, Living Dolls, Married People, and Doogie Howser, M.D. In 2019, he even earned a Daytime Emmy nomination for his work on Netflix’s The Who Was? Show, a historical sketch comedy series.
He was known for his vibrant social life, hosting gatherings that became the stuff of legend. His fondness for old things and his unique, lovable traits made him a favorite among his friends. Even though the producer faced health challenges, his strong spirit and his warm, creative legacy will keep inspiring all who knew him.
