Matt Villines, our fearless leader. Gracious, humble, exceptionally talented. I’ll miss you always.
A photo posted by Christopher Voss (@christophervoss) on
It’s a sad day for Saturday Night Live.
The sketch comedy show has lost director Matt Villines to cancer at the age of 39, PEOPLE reports.
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Villines and his directing partner Oz Rodriguez, best known as the duo Matt & Oz, were responsible for the show’s hilarious pre-taped sketches like “The Jay Z Story,” “Sad Mouse” and “Monster Pals.”
Before starting on the show in 2012, he attended film school in Los Angeles before creating hit videos for Will Ferrell’s popular channel, Funny or Die.
The director was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in 2014, which began in his kidney.
Villines’ friend and director Mike O’Brien posted an Instagram shot on Sunday, confirming the sad news.
A photo posted by Mike O’Brien (@mikeobrien12345) on
“On our left there is my good friend Matt Villines (of ‘directed by Matt & Oz’) lining up a shot for the SNL short, Monster Pals. I’m extremely sad to say he passed away last night,” he wrote.
“He was one of my favorite people. He taught me a ton about filmmaking and even more about being kind even when you’re stressed or frustrated or sick. I’m going to post a handful of photos of him this week and I hope those of you who knew him will do the same,” he continued.
Other friends and colleagues have spoken out about his death, as well, posting tributes and kind words.
140 characters isn’t enough, so I’m leaving this here @mattandoz pic.twitter.com/lQIC7mxjhC
— Bryan Tucker (@BTuckertime) July 11, 2016
Was lucky enough to get to work with Matt Villines at SNL and I am going to miss him deeply. Wonderful guy.
— Bobby Moynihan (@bibbymoynihan) July 11, 2016
I love you @mattandoz https://t.co/X8wm7xnMd5
— Aidy Bryant (@aidybryant) July 11, 2016
Matt Villines was a WONDERFUL man. Im so lucky I got to work with him. He was funny, kind and incredibly talented. https://t.co/PX3uhyZpTf
— Chris Kelly (@imchriskelly) July 11, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with Villines’ friends and family during this difficult time.
This story first appeared at Womanista.
