Former Child Star and 4-Time Emmy Winner Passes Away at 54 – He Will Be Missed

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Kevin Bleyer, who was a famed writer for Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show” and ABC’s “Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher, has passed away at 54 following a tragic car accident. Beyond his television writing career, Bleyer also served as a speechwriter for former U.S. President Barack Obama and began his career as a child actor, famously playing the grandson in “Twice in a Lifetime.”

According to Deadline, Bleyer passed away on October 25 after being involved in a car accident on a rural road in Millrift, PA, which is also where he owned a country home. Following his death, Bleyer’s wife, Nella Vera, released a statement.

“Kevin spent his life finding the perfect words to make people laugh, think, and see the world a little differently,” she began. “I was lucky enough to know the humor, curiosity, mischief, and tenderness behind those words—and to be loved by a man who made my own world more joyful, more adventurous, and infinitely more beautiful.”

Kevin Bleyer Leaves Behind an Unforgettable Legacy

Bleyer was born in Bethesda, Maryland, before moving to Seattle and later becoming a child actor. Notably, he appeared in a famous Aim toothpaste commercial during this time. He was also cast in the 1985 Oscar-nominated film “Twice in a Lifetime” alongside Gene Hackman and Amy Madigan.

Regarding his TV writing career, he began in the late 1990s, writing episodes for ABC’s “Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher.” Notably, he also served as a producer on that show, working on 30 episodes before it was canceled in 2002.

Two years later, Bleyer pivoted to late-night, writing for “Dennis Miller,” which aired on CNBC from 2004 until 2005. His work was featured on 66 episodes of the short-lived series.

Regarding his big break, he began writing on “The Daily Show With John Stewart” in 2006, staying with the series until Stewart’s exit six years later. He has credits for over 1,000 episodes of the long-running show.

Some of his other TV credits include NBC News’ “TODAY” and MSNBC’s “Ronan Farrow Daily.” He won five Emmy awards during his career. He also wrote the books “Me the People: One Man’s Selfless Quest to Rewrite the Constitution of the United States of America” and “Earth: The Book,” according to his website.

Regarding his work with Obama, Bleyer contributed to the former president’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner speeches. Additionally, he pinned speeches for NASA astronauts, senators, etc.

Tributes Are Pouring In For His Legacy

Following his death, tributes are pouring in from not only his friends and colleagues, but also those who were aware of his work. One person said, “So sad to learn of the passing of my dear friend Kevin Bleyer.”

“I directed him as Jack in Into the Woods at Stanford. He also originated a role in a musical my wife and I co-wrote, and he sang at our wedding. He went on to become a 4-time Emmy winner,” they continued.

Someone else said, “Kevin was a lovely and funny friend during my New York years two decades ago: this is desperately sad news. An untimely and tragic loss.”

Another writer, Krister Johnson, wrote on X, “Kevin was the head writer for my first TV writing gig 20+ years ago. He was brilliant and supportive, and we stayed close over the years. He was a remarkable person, thinker, and creator. This is a loss for the world.”

Lastly, another social media user stated, “This is truly heartbreaking. Kevin was such a kind, funny, and thoughtful person and writer. I feel incredibly lucky to have gotten to be in a room with him on Sleepy Hollow. R.I.P.”