PBS fires Fred Willard after arrest

July 20, 2012 by Kelly Anderson

Actor Fred Willard, the original narrator of PBS’ new Antiques Roadshow spin-off Market Warriors, has been dropped from the show after being arrested in Hollywood for alleged lewd conduct.

Jeanne Hopkins, a spokeswoman for WGBH, confirmed the firing to The New York Times yesterday, saying, “Given the unfortunate news reported today, effective immediately, Fred Willard no longer will be involved with the Market Warriors series.”

On July 16, PBS premiered the first episode of the Antiques Roadshow spin-off, produced by WGBH.

Mark Walberg, the host of Antiques Roadshow, will re-voice the episodes that Willard had already taped.

Willard is a veteran actor and comedian who has appeared in such comedies as Anchorman, Best in Show and A Mighty Wind. He was arrested on Wednesday evening (July 18) at a Hollywood adult theater on suspicion of committing a lewd act in public.

In a statement to the Los Angeles Times, Willard’s lawyer, Paul Takakjian, said, “We will be working vigourously to clear his name in this matter.”

Tags: Antiques Roadshow, Fred Willard, Market Warriors, PBS, WGBH