David Lloyd Bites the Dust

David Lloyd, patron saint of hysterical funerals, has died of prostate cancer at the age of 75. Lloyd brought the funny to such classic sitcoms as The Bob Hewhart Show, Taxi, Cheers and Frasier, but is best known for his Emmy-winning script “Chuckles Bites the Dust,” for The Mary Tyler Moore Show. After beloved kiddie host Chuckles the Clown, dressed as Peter Peanut, is shelled to death by a rogue parade elephant, Mary can’t help breaking out laughing at Chuckles’ funeral. When the priest reminds her Chuckles wanted people to laugh, she can’t stop crying. Earlier this year, the episode was rated the the third-best episode of any show in television history by TV Guide. He also wrote the last episode of the series, also high on the “best of” lists.