Jonathan Winters, Legendary Improv Comic and Smurfs Voice Actor, Dead at 87

Funnyman appeared on Mork & Mindy, did voices for The Smurfs cartoons and film

The world just got a little less funny.

Jonathan Winters, known for fast-thinking improvisations that influenced Robin Williams among others, died last night at his home in Montecito, Calif. He was 87.

The quick-witted comedian, who would become known to later generations for his role as Williams' baby son on Mork & Mindy and as the voice of Papa Smurf in 2011's The Smurfs, was a favorite on TV talk shows of the 1960s, especially for his ability to improvise when handed a random prop as well as do interviews in a host of goofy characters, such as sassy old lady Maude Frickert.

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Despite having a unique talent that was hard to pin down, Winters would go on to do films and lead several of his own comedy series, including The Wacky World of Jonathan Winters and The Jonathan Winters Show. As well, the multi-talented entertainer recorded comedy albums, wrote books and appeared in many commercials throughout his career.

"Jonathan Winters was wildly funny," tweeted Steve Carell.

As well as his comedy work, Winters was a powerful dramatic actor, appearing in films like The Loved One and performing serious roles on The Twilight Zone and other series.

Winters' wife of 60 years, Eileen, died in 2009, and he is survived by his son, daughter and five grandchildren.